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 9: Thursday 29 March 2012

The number of entries for this months photo competition may have been slightly down on last month but the quality was top notch! The winning entry for the Mirror and Reflection theme went to Bev Pittman for this spectacular image taken at Elery Creek in the Northern Territory. Bev has won a hedge trimmer courtesy of our sponsors, Merriwa Tyre & Service Centre. The next theme will be “Year of the Farmer” sponsored by Merriwa Show Society, and the prize is pretty great, not only will the winning entry receive a gate/ride pass pack but will also be used on the cover of the show schedule this year!

MERRIWA RINGER Thursday 29 March Page 1 Position Vacant

GARDENER/GENERAL MAINTAINANCE PERSON Merriwa Pre School

A Position has become available for a Gardener/General maintenance person. Tasks may include mowing, pruning, weeding and regular maintenance of the building and outside area. An awareness or knowledge of OH&S would be an advantage. A Working with Children check will apply to the successful applicant. This position is for 6 hours per fortnight.

For further information please contact Kim on 6548 2259

Please forward your resume including details of two referees to: PO BOX 96 Merriwa NSW 2329 or [email protected] Applications close 12 April

MERRIWA RINGER Thursday 29 March 2012 Page 2 MERRIWA CENTRAL SCHOOL

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT

I was pleased to see a large number of parents ANZAC Centenary Tour attend the parent teacher interviews this week. Fundraising for our ANZAC Centenary Tour in They provided a great opportunity for parents to 2015 has had a much needed boost with a meet with teachers and discuss any concerns donation from IGA Merriwa. Thanks to IGA’s they might have. Community Chest our local store has donated $1228.66 to the school which we have targeted P&C Committee the ANZAC Tour. The student tour in 2015 is a An extraordinary meeting was held last week to once in a lifetime opportunity for a Merriwa fill the vacant P&C office bearer positions. I am student and we thank IGA for their generous pleased to announce all positions have now donation. been filled on the executive. The P&C executive are as follows, Elaine Russell President, Jenny Arriving at school Johnson Vice President, Cassie Constable Vice Over the past several weeks some students President, Lois Harrison Secretary, Kylie Austin have been arriving at school as early as 8am. Treasurer, and Maria Cameron Canteen Parents are reminded that supervision in the Treasurer. I look forward to working with our playground does not commence until 8.30am. new executive and committee members and The last thing we want is a child unsupervised thank them for taking on the roles to support or injured as a result of arriving at school too our students. early. Parents are responsible for the supervision of their children until this time. The next general P&C meeting will be held next Wednesday 4 April 7pm at the RSL Club. Darren Noonan Principal

Important Dates

MARCH

Thursday 29 - Hunter Secondary Sevens Tournament - Vaccinations

Friday 30 - Year 12 Exams begin - K-6 Assembly – 2.10pm

APRIL

Monday 2 - Year 12 Exams continue - Zone Cross Country - Primary

Wednesday 4 - K-6 Easter Concert - 2pm - P & C Meeting 7pm

Thursday 5 - Primary Rewards Day

MERRIWA RINGER Thursday 29 March Page 3 MERRIWA CENTRAL SCHOOL PRIMARY NEWS HEALTHY HAROLD CROSS COUNTRY

Merriwa Central School had the privilege of a Under very warm conditions, we held our cross visit by the Life Education van this week which country carnival on Wednesday 21 March. is a wonderful resource, partially sponsored by Despite the warm conditions, the competitors Mt Arthur Coal. all ran very well displaying great house spirit. Our thanks go to the many parents who helped out, either on checkpoints, handing out iced treats as competitors completed their race or cheering on the students as they were running.

The carnival was tightly contested with only 22 points separating the winning house (Wentworth) from the house which finished in 4th position.

1st: Wentworth on 154 2nd Lawson on 140 3rd Blaxland with 135 4th Oxley with 132 points.

Congratulations to the following students who were placed in the first 3 places for their age group:

5 Years Girls - 1st Savannah Marshall, 2nd Elisha Drury, 3rd Oceana Rawlings Boys - 1st Riley Melmeth, 2nd Duncan Harrison

6 Years Girls - 1st Brooklyn Blackadder, 2nd Josie Porter, 3rd Kaitlyn Smith. Boys - 1st Jack Goodear, 2nd Jyeson Pike, 3rd Jye Byfield

Each class got to go inside the van with Sarah 7 Years and Healthy Harold (the giraffe) where they Girls - 1st Samantha Bristow, 2nd Nikita learn about the benefits of good health. The Constable, 3rd Monique Louis-McCabe students learnt about good diets and how to Boys - 1st Thomas Bates, 2nd Thomas Amidy, make great choices about the foods they should 3rd Jye Towell eat. The primary classes learnt how the effects of smoking can cause bad health and long term The following students have qualified to side effects, and how they can say NO to peers compete at the Zone Cross Country Carnival at if pressured to try. They also learnt about the Muswellbrook on Monday 2 April. Good luck to harms of taking other people’s medicines . these competitors.

The children look forward to their annual visit 8/9 Years Age Group with Harold. Girls - 1st Tamara Sormaz, 2nd Joanna

Hamson, 3rd Tanja Sormaz Barbra Eipper

MERRIWA RINGER Thursday 29 March 2012 Page 4 MERRIWA CENTRAL SCHOOL

MERRIWA P&C UNIFORM SHOP

Uniform shop is located at the Primary campus Boys - 1st Logan Pike, 2nd Kyle Edens-Rosa, and is open Monday and Fridays from 8.30am - 3rd Jayden Shadlow-Walls 9.30am and between 2.30pm - 3.30pm. You

can also arrange to purchase uniforms at 10 Years Age Group alternate times by phoning numbers below. Girls - 1st Elly Blackadder, 2nd Libbie Towell, Clothing pool available with good quality items 3rd Ruby Wong

Boys - 1st Ben Nebauer, 2nd Jackson Keane, For any other information or to arrange a time 3rd John Hamson to purchase uniforms, please phone: Kathy

Russell on 0478193203 or Cassy Constable on 11 Years Age Group 0428288750 Girls - 1st Helena Renshaw, 2nd Abby Dewson, Cassy Constable on behalf of 3rd Sarah-Jayne Whitby The Uniform Committee Boys - 1st Lachlan Walker, 2nd Joseph Whaley, 3rd Blake Tritton. SECONDARY NEWS

12 Years Age Group EXCURSION TO THE ART GALLERY OF NEW Girls - 1st Elaina Sormaz, 2nd Shai Blackadder, SOUTH WALES 3rd Sharri Speed Boys - 1st Ben Keane, 2nd Jack McAlister, 3rd Dylan Cox

Ruth Hoye

STUDENTS OF THE WEEK

Last Friday 23 March, students from Years 9,10,11 and 12 Visual Art and Photography classes travelled to Sydney to view two major exhibitions at the Art Gallery of New South Wales. The first was the Art Express which showcases Year 12 Major Works from the 2011 HSC. These artworks were an inspiration to the Senior students, demonstrating the best of the best from NSW. The second exhibition was the Picasso collection from the Musee National Pi- casso in Paris, which is the largest collection of Picasso works to have ever toured Australia. The exhibition featured works from throughout Our wonderful students of the week are Sarah- his long career, including paintings, sculptures Jayne Whitby, Dylan Daniel, Tamika Drury and and lithographs. The students, and myself, were Izabella Neale. They’ve been awarded books very lucky to have the opportunity to see these kindly donated by the P&C in acknowledgement artworks and an excellent day was had by all. of their hard work in literacy. Enjoy your books. A big thankyou to Jeff from Cowans for driving Peta Higgins us and putting up with our terrible singing on the way home. Miss Hopkins MERRIWA RINGER Thursday 29 March Page 5 MERRIWA CENTRAL SCHOOL

OUR KITCHEN RULES

You could have been forgiven for thinking you A canteen lunch for the hungry hoards from were on the set of a reality TV kitchen show the playground - a Mexicana extravaganza last week at MCS as students clad in the featuring burritos, tacos, beef and chicken recognizable black and white uniform of skewers, cajun chicken. commercial kitchens scurried around with A Rotary dinner meeting bundles of supplies and a sense of purpose in Breakfast for parents and staff plus some their stride. lucky student winners from the previous nights Trivia competition. Pancakes and eggs benedict were just 2 of the food choices.

The students from both schools prepared and served all the food. Skills they needed to do this included basic food So what was the occasion? A combined Merriwa preparation, Central School/ Rutherford Technology High storage skills School Inter Regional Catering Event. Hosted in and our brand new Trade Training Centre kitchen, management of the envy of all cooks, the students had to cater sections. It was for 3 huge events over 2 days: STUDENT OF THE WEEK

Name: Corey Nairne

Year Group: 7

Favourite Subject: Food Tech

Favourite pastime: Shooting

Dream Career: Builder

Best school experience: Swimming Carnival

Best personal achievement: Primary School

Advice on how to get along: Be friendly to everybody

MERRIWA RINGER Thursday 29 March 2012 Page 6 MERRIWA CENTRAL SCHOOL

a huge responsibility for the students and event. It was a huge undertaking and he was expectations were high. extremely proud of his students and their efforts.

Zac McLenan one the the MCS participants said “It was a great experience making, serving and selling Mexicana food in the canteen. It was MCS students who participated were Reece great to meet new hospo kids from other Hancock, Brady Hilton, Brodi Hollier, Angela places. It was a lot of hard work.” When asked Burge, Sophie Ashman, Hannah Kruecken, Zac what was the worst job, he immediately replied Rawlings, Marissa Watson. We are very proud “cleaning up after everything!” of all of them.

Well done Chef and crew. Mr Aaron Creamer, chef and MCS Hospitality Robyn Dorney teacher was the instigator and organiser of the ROAR Athlete Profile

Name: Brodie Grady Year Group: 7 Favourite Subject: Sport and Wood Favourite sport: Footy Favourite team: Wests Tigers Favourite player: Benji Marshall Best personal sporting achievement: Being in ROAR Who inspires you: My Dad and Mr Johnston Advice to young players: Try hard and don’t give up Why is ROAR valuable?: It teaches you to show respect on the field and in class Captains Comments: Brodie puts in 100% in every training session, even if he is struggling. He is a real team player who never quits.

MERRIWA RINGER Thursday 29 March Page 7 MERRIWA CENTRAL SCHOOL

CAREER NEWS

Year 12 News General Career news ACTT Actors College Free Workshop and The Australian Institute of Personal Trainers. Course Information: Sessions 14 April from AIPT specialises in the delivery of high quality 10:30am - 12:30pm Main Pitt St Campus. fitness education. Its unique industry focused Information http://www.actt.edu.au/course/ courses combine comprehensive theory with dropact hands on practical experience, delivered by qualified fitness professionals who coach each UTS Engineering & IT Dates 2012 IT individual student. By sharing a passion and Undergraduate and Scholarships Evening will enthusiasm for health and fitness it be held 13 June at 6.00pm, and Engineering understands that a career in fitness is more Undergraduate Courses Information Evening than a flexible, exciting and rewarding career will be held 20 June 6.00pm with the option, it allows you to make a positive Engineering Scholarships Information Evening - difference in your life and the lives of others. It 27 June 6.00pm. Discovery Days - Thursday, is 100% committed to your fitness career with: 19 July 2012 & Friday, 30 November. • Flexible Study Options - Study theory and Information can be sourced from visiting gain practical experience at your own pace via http://datasearch2.uts.edu.au/feit/news- tailored online learning resources and flexible events/index.cfm http://feit.uts.edu.au/ course delivery programs. • More Locations Across Australia – We have Australian Defence Force (ADF) Gap Year the over 70 Campuses nationwide, more than Program You'll have a unique opportunity to any other fitness education provider. get trained, acquire transferable skills and gain University Open Days independence, all while earning more than Avondale College Open day. Wednesday 6 $50,000 per year. Only the Army and Navy  available in 2013. Applications open 2 April and June. close 16 April. A gap year information session  Australian Institute of Music. Open Day: 18 will be held Level 4, 9 George Street, August 10am-3pm, 1-51 Foveaux St, Surry Parramatta, Tuesday 27 March 6.30pm – Hills. http://www.aim.edu.au/news-and- 8.30pm. Register with Jordan King on events/events/open-day-2012.asp [email protected] To apply for a gap year or  International College of Management, for more information visit Sydney Open Day 19 August, 10.00am- www.defencejobs.gov.au/gapyear 2.00pm. www.icms.edu.au  UTS Open Day Saturday 25 August 2012 Westmead Hospital Social Work Careers Day 9am - 4pm City campus This will be held on Monday 7 May or Tuesday  UTS Kuring-gai Open Day Saturday 1 15 May for Year 11 & 12 students. For more September 2012 12pm - 4pm Kuring-gai information contact Kay DeRidder campus, Lindfield [email protected]  ANU Canberra Open Day. 25 August 2012  ADFA Open Day. 25 August 2012 Year 11 & 12  Canberra University Open Day. 25 August BAYERboost Environmental Scholarship Scheme 2012 The environmental scholarship scheme aimed  Canberra Institute of Technology Open Day. at giving senior secondary school and 25 August 2012 undergraduate tertiary students experience in  Notre Dame University 25 August 9am - 4pm environmental research or restoration during Broadway campus their summer break. Applications due by September 30 Contact: If you have any career questions please [email protected] for information. contact me at Merriwa Central School. Jane Hegarty - Careers Advisor MERRIWA RINGER Thursday 29 March 2012 Page 8 MERRIWA CENTRAL SCHOOL

YEAR 7 & 10 GEOGRAPHY EXCURSION DEPUTY PRINCIPAL’S REPORT

On Tuesday 20 March students in years 10 and Next Monday evening we will be hosting a 7 travelled to the Hunter Wetlands centre with Study Skills session for parents and students Mr Horner and Mrs Hegarty. The day was from years 10,11 and 12. The session will be organised so that students could complete their held in the Secondary Library and will begin at required fieldwork for this subject and have 6pm. We look forward to seeing you there. access to a number of instruments that geographers use world wide use to collect ROAR REPORT results about water quality. Harmony Day Last Wednesday ROAR hosted a Traditional Indigenous Games day for our primary students. Students from Kindergarten right through to Year 6 participated in a range of activities led by the ROAR boys. We ended our session with a BBQ and poppas. Everyone had a great time and I would like to congratulate the ROAR boys on their maturity For many Year 7 it was their first time to visiting and leadership the Wetlands Centre and they spent time with on the day. the Education officer Peter who demonstrated how to use equipment and then they completed ARL Development Session a range of tests.

Year 10 were there to collect data to use in their Research Action Plans that are due in Term 2. They had to complete water tests at three different sites and will use these results to compare them with historical averages to see if water quality is improving or declining. They also had to look at some of the management issues faced by the Wetlands centre such as encroaching development, storm water runoff, Last Friday Kacey Drummond and Chris invasive weeds and pests. These have resulted Brennan visited our school to work with primary in a number of management decisions that in students from K-6 to develop their rugby league term have impacts of the wetland area. skills. ROAR students Isaac Austin, Jay-me Taylor, Josh Constable and Liam Cronin were Carolyn our education guide was informative asked to assist with the skills session and were and had a wealth of knowledge about the excellent ambassadors. It is great to see our Wetland centre that she shared with students. relationship with the ARL and CRL continue to grow and our ROAR students gain additional Jane Hegarty & Sam Horner opportunities to demonstrate their leadership capabilities. Adam Johnston Deputy Principal MERRIWA RINGER Thursday 29 March Page 9 CASSILIS PUBLIC SCHOOL

Kia-Ora Music Camp Last week I went to a music camp where I met Thomas sees the best many friends and danced many dances. These in all children at our included spanish flamingo and hip hop. Spanish school and through his dancing was really hard because you had to do respectful manner, he a lot of tapping and a lot of moves and hip hop is helping to make our was very interesting and exciting. In the choir school a safe and we performed three songs: Don’t stop caring place to be. believing, Farming Man and the Stockriders Congratulations, song. The year six girls were in the highest Thomas. You really room in the building at Scone High School and deserve this award that’s where I got dressed and had make-up and should be very done for the performance on Friday night. proud of yourself! Everyone brought their own make-up. You could choose from several eye shadows. The Harmony Day Multicultural Lunch performance was really enjoyable but we had Menus have been finalised and children are to rush around between the items. It was great eagerly awaiting their chance to cook on to have Tegan, Jack, Aunt, Uncle, Mrs Leman Tuesday and Wednesday to prepare for the and Chloe come to watch. Next year I would Harmony Day Lunch. Students will buddy up to like to go back to the camp. Written by produce signs indicating what their food is and Tarnisha Winsor, Year 6 what culture it originates from. Families are encouraged to come along and test some of the Student of the Week- Thomas Nash food but please bring your own dish to share. Thomas has earned the award for this week Hope to see you there. Both classrooms will be because he has shown, many times, that he is participating in various Harmony Day activities dedicated to achieving his learning goals. He on Wednesday that celebrate the cohesive and commits himself to each lesson and enjoys inclusive nature of Australians. being a learner at Cassilis. Thomas is a talented sports player and excels at rugby and running. Healthy Harold Outside of school, he is learning to lead steers. Cassilis is excitedly awaiting the return of Harold

MERRIWA RINGER Thursday 29 March 2012 Page 10 CASSILIS PUBLIC SCHOOL

and his van. All students will get to see him and cattle and polishing the leather head stalls. We listen to his important messages this Friday. blew them with a blower to get their hair standing up to make them look bigger. On Easter Hat Parade, Easter Raffle and Scripture Saturday, we got there and unloaded them and Service - The Easter Scripture Service will begin took them down for a spot wash. We took the at 10am at St. Joseph’s church. Students will cattle to their stalls, tied them up and feed return to school for recess and then the parade them some hay. We went to look for a power will commence at 11:30. The Easter Hunt will point to plug the blower into. In the follow the parade at 12:15. All family members competition, Matt came first, Taine came are encouraged to join us for the morning. I second and I came third. In the parading have had numerous students telling me about competition, you had to walk around and the their hat plans and am very excited...I shall judge was judging how you led your animal. In have to begin my own hat this weekend! Hats this event, I can’t remember what we came. It need to be brought into school on Wednesday was fun because we got to lead the cattle 4, the day before the parade please. If you Written by Thomas Nash need any additional Easter craft items, let us know. We spot washed them and put straw under their feet so they didn’t get sore. In the Cross-Country competitions I came second and in the Good luck to our runners: Taine, Summer and champions I led Matt’s heifer and went well. I Thomas who will be competing at the zone had a good time would like to do more leading carnival at Muswellbrook next Monday. Mrs in September at the Merriwa Show. Written by Leman will be supporting the small schools Taine Nash during the day. Thank you, Mrs Leman.

Have a great week! Steer Leading with Thomas and Taine at

Dunedoo Show Katie Bell Mum and dad dropped us off on Friday at Matt Principal and Shelley‘s house and we started washing the

MERRIWA RINGER Thursday 29 March Page 11 ST JOSEPH’S PRIMARY SCHOOL

Over the past months you have been advised children and even some mums helping out with of the new partnership beginning between art in the classrooms, not to mention our the Federal Government and St Joseph’s wonderful mums, dads and grandparents who Merriwa which aims at working together to help out in the canteen. Not only do our offer our students increased opportunities to students benefit from the assistance you give improve their educational outcomes. The but your own children love to have you at the Federal Government, the Catholic Schools school also. Research shows that children Office and St Josephs are all contributing to whose parents have a close and supportive the project in various ways. A full copy of this relationship with the school tend to experience project plan will be available on our website more success at school. The opposite is also very soon. Some changes that will be noticed true, children who live in a home where the immediately will be:- school and education is not valued, tend not to The employment of a highly accomplished see the value in trying to succeed at school and teacher as Teacher Educator to mentor therefore put little effort into their learning. Its class teachers in best practice pedagogy in not too late, if you would like to volunteer as a literacy. Mrs Virginia Milliken will be joining classroom helper please send a note in to your our staff every second Monday and she will child’s teacher or to Mrs Ninness, our Learning be spending time in the classrooms with the Support Teacher. teachers. Each Monday afternoon Mrs Milliken will be providing professional development to the teachers at our regular staff meeting. The employment of Miss Buckley for an extra day a week on the 3/4 class. This will enable me to be released from class duties on Friday so that I can work on the NP project and mentor teachers in skills to enhance student readiness for and engagement in learning. This change will be effective from Week 1,Term 2. We are very excited about the NP project and look forward to sharing some great results with you.

Thank you to the classroom helpers who Kinders hard at work. volunteer to help with reading as well as other classroom activities. It was a wonderful week last week seeing mums and dads sitting on verandahs with children reading, some parishioners in classrooms working with

MERRIWA RINGER Thursday 29 March 2012 Page 12 ST JOSEPH’S PRIMARY SCHOOL

On Friday the students performed for the their lessons conducted senior citizens at the RSL Club. The students by the “Activated thoroughly enjoyed this experience and we Group”. There will be a thank the Merriwa Senior Citizens Pensioners make up lesson next Association for inviting us once again to be a Wednesday for the one part of their day. It is a great opportunity for missed earlier in the the children to think about the needs of others term. I hope you enjoy and to give generously of their time and the photos of some of talents. our students

demonstrating their new KIA-ORA music camp was held last week and skills what a wonderful experience that was. Nine of our children travelled daily to Scone to Ball handling skills experience the wonders of Music, dance and were sharpened choir with children from all over our region. when the The concert on Friday evening was amazing. instructors in the The children had learned in three days hip-hop Rugby League dance, flamenco dance and musical theatre coaching clinic put and participated in the choir as well as concert the children to the band and stage band for those that play test last Friday. musical instruments. This for many children is an experience of a lifetime. So many students Information who have participated in previous camps have technology skills gone on to study and/or found careers in are being music. We look forward to next year’s Kia-Ora developed in camp and remember your child does not have Stage 3 as the to play an instrument to be involved. The children design, film and edit a persuasive text. dance and choir workshops are wonderful The students are learning about the way learning experiences too. Thank you to Miss aspects of film can be used to persuade the Buckley who helped with supervision at the audience to adopt a given point of view. They camp and to Mr Lannen who helped with have found that it is not only the words used supervision of students during the Friday night that help the audience form an opinion, but also concert. Thanks to Mr Morris, Mr Lannen and the colour, camera angle, costumes, sound, Miss Buckley for joining Mrs Peebles, Mrs timing and much more. The students are also Ninness and me at the concert. The children learning how to use flip cameras to record and certainly appreciate your interest in their how to edit film to produce a polished copy. activities. Stay tuned for more on this coming soon.

Gymnastics is in full swing (pun intended!). The Helen Whale children are learning many very useful skills in

MERRIWA RINGER Thursday 29 March Page 13 MERRIWA PRE-SCHOOL

Free Screening from a Podiatrist With a Long Donations Required History of Dealing with Childhood Problems - Preschool and MAC are seeking volunteers for Once again this year, Merriwa Pre-school will their upcoming Auction Afternoon planned for host a visit by Adam Glascock from Newcastle Friday 11 May 2012. Family and Sports Podiatry. Adam will conduct a free screener, which will detect the need for As a fun and interesting way to fundraise for further investigation of the hips, knees, feet the services we are asking for community and ankles. Is your child a chronic “w” sitter? members to volunteer their time or a service to Perhaps the rotation of their hips, knees and auction off on the afternoon. Those who are ankles should be assessed. Just as we have interested in donating can let us know what our children’s eyes, ears, teeth and other they would be willing to do but some examples health checked, here is your opportunity to do could be mowing a lawn, a basket of ironing or the same for their feet. We do spend a a handyman who could spare 2 hours to do lifetime on them! Date : Friday 4 May what ever jobs at the home of the successful beginning at 9am. bidder.

Please ring the Pre-school (preferably on a Come on board and help us fundraise for these Wednesday or Thursday, or after 3pm.) to two essential services in Merriwa. book a time. Parents must be in attendance with their child. Child may be of any age. The Please contact Kellie on 0417483149, Jill at child does not need to attend Pre-school in Preschool 65482083 or Jill at MAC 65482082 to order to take advantage of this screener. If express your interest. you have any concerns or questions, here is a great opportunity. Don't miss out! Kellie Walker

Jill Martyn

MERRIWA RINGER Thursday 29 March 2012 Page 14 MERRIWA ACTIVITY CENTRE After School and Vacation Care Catering for 5 – 12 year olds

Firstly we would like to welcome our new We have had a bit of interest recently in doing committee for 2012. It was a great turn out homework. Last week Ty, Emily and Giaan on Thursday night and all positions were filled. reached their required quota to choose from the We at MAC wish you well for the year. special box. It’s a great incentive to do a bit of homework each day and we try to keep the On Friday 11 May the committee is holding special box filled with some nice little prizes. an auction in the pre-school grounds. For auction will be framed paintings done by the pre-school children, and also for auction will be the services of friends and family of our pre school/MAC children or community members, eg you may like to offer to clean a house or windows, do a basket of ironing, or in the case of my husband Bruce a days carpentry. It sounds like a lot of fun, please contact MAC or preschool if you have a service to offer.

Here we have Kyle and Matthew working in the kitchen. They are making watermelon and grape skewers for afternoon tea. The skewers looked almost too good to eat, but eaten they The children have been enjoying the craft of were, and very much enjoyed each afternoon basket weaving over the last couple of weeks. last week. Afternoon tea roster is teaching the They are making something for a special day children quite a bit about hygiene, the children that is coming up soon, can’t say too much actually look forward to wearing the rubber about that. Izabella and Lachlan really took to gloves the weaving., and have actually completed their job already. Their baskets look fantastic.

Activity Centre 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

MERRIWA RINGER Thursday 29 March Page 15 ANGLICAN NEWS

Thought for the Week: 2weeks till Easter…. Nuts. After the first mouthful of wine a story is read. Meanwhile, the children are asking the Legend of the Dogwood. father different questions. The matzah At the time of the crucifixion, the (unleavened bread) is uncovered. An dogwood had reached the size explanation is given of the Matzah, Bitter herbs, of the mighty oak tree. So Bowls of Honey and then another drink of wine strong and firm was the wood is had. We then have the Blessing of the that it was chosen as the timber Matzah, which is then eaten with honey, the for Jesus' cross. To be used for Blessing of the Bitter herbs and they are eaten such a cruel purpose greatly with the nuts (Haroset). The festival meal of distressed the dogwood. While nailed upon it, roast lamb, eggs and vegetables is served, with Jesus sensed this, and in his compassion said. prayers from Mother & Father (,The egg "Because of your pity for my suffering, never represents the loving kindness of God). The again shall the dogwood tree grow large grace is said and the final cup is poured. At the enough to be used for a cross. Henceforth, it Conclusion of the Seder, it is said…”Ended is shall be slender, bent, and twisted, and its the Passover Seder. According to the custom, blossoms shall be in the form of a cross–two statute and law. As we were worthy to long and two short petals. "In the center of the celebrate it this year, so may we perform it in outer edge of each petal will be the print of future years. O Pure One in Heaven above, nails. In the center of the flower, stained with restore Israel with your love. Come and enjoy blood, will be a crown of thorns so that all who this meal with us at the parish Hall. see it will Remember." Calendar of Events. An insight to the Seder meal as we prepare for  31 Men’s Breakfast Parish hall 7.30am Passion Sunday & Holy Week. - I have enjoyed  1 April : Passion Sunday this simple meal, with so much meaning since  5 April : Maundy Thursday. Washing of the late 70’s beginning at All Saints Singleton, the Feet Service 6pm and Seder Meal . and then I introduced it to the folk in the  6 April :Good Friday 9am Eucharist Holy mallee in Vic. Although we were a small group Trinity Merriwa. of 12 or so the Seder meal was so enjoyed we  11am St. Columba’s Cassillis. did it for the next couple of years while I was  7 April : 8pm vigil/Service of New Fire there. The nice thing is that they have Holy trinity. continued the experience. Now for those who  8 April : 8am Eucharist –St Columba’s have never experienced the Seder meal this is Cassillis. Easter day how it goes …We choose a Mother, Father and Children plus a narrator. The meal starts with  10am Eucharist Holy Trinity Mother saying. Tonight we celebrate the Passover. Church Services.  Hospital: 11am Extended Eucharist. Then a Psalm is read, The Candles are lit and  Friday: 10am Eucharist and Discussion Plates of special Seder food are put on the and sharing. table. There is wine, Bitter herbs, Honey and Rosalie Drew

MERRIWA RINGER Thursday 29 March 2012 Page 16 VETERINARY NEWS WITH ANTHEA MERRIWA HARDWARE

With Winter coming on you should plan ahead Well here we are, back again for a bit more of and make sure your older animals have more the same rot. regular health check ups to help with colder conditions which can make changes in older First of all, I would like to thank everyone for animals more noticeable eg: arthritis. Signs that their support for our daughter Jade in her may be evident may be reluctance to walk or fantastic achievement in winning the State title exercise, shaking and very quiet demeanor. at World Skills. Carlita and I are both very There are some very good treatments available proud and find it very warming to see so much for this painful illness. Weight management in support from the community. That's enough of older animals is extremely important. The this, I'm starting to get a bit teary. heavier they are the more weight & pressure is placed on the joints. Regular short check ups Back to normal gibbering..... Did you realise and weigh in’s can help monitor your pets that you could win a Wotif travel voucher weight. We are happy to give dietary advice. valued at $500.00 simply by purchasing some We also can order special low calorie foods. Finish paint from Merriwa Hardware and filling out an entry form. Competition starts 15 March A lot of interesting cases again last week, but 2012 and ends 16 March 2012. the case of the week involved a very close

“client” who did not get up to the stables in You could also win a family holiday to the Gold time and found that the good pony had rolled & Coast by purchasing 4 litres of Wattyl Interior somehow the surcingles on the rug had become Design from Merriwa Hardware. Prize includes caught around the hind leg. The pony was return economy airfares, 2 nights apparently quite sore & sorry for itself. Moral of accommodation, VIP tickets and meet the the story – ensure you check your rugs morning Looney Toons cast! There are also Looney Toon & night so that this does not happen to you, DVD's to be won. Promotion starts 1/3/2012 don’t miss that most important competition you and ends 30/4/2012. Check them out instore have been working hard towards. for more details. The winner of our kids & pets school holiday competition was won by Samantha Bristow, Our latest Dogalogue is out this week. Year 1 of Merriwa Central School. Big Hopefully you will all find one in the Hunter congratulations to all the children that entered Valley News. Yes, you to could Paint Like a into our competition. A little something coming Proper Pro with our "Wall To Wall Paint your way shortly. Solutions" dogalogue. It's filled with painting tips and ideas for inside and outside the home. Don’t forget the first person to bring in, fax or So check it out. There's paints, fillers, tools, email the correct answer for the Crazy Cat prep products and heaps more. Crossword also too wins a little surprise. We would like to thank our account customers Due to NSW Racing commitments Anthea will who have adjusted to our new trading terms of be away from the surgery on Monday 9 April 21 days, preceding our old terms of 14 days. 2012. Due to it being Easter Monday the However, I would like to take this opportunity surgery will be closed. to remind account customers that terms are 21

Clients take the time to bring their loving pets days and that after this time, accounts will be into Anthea for her to fix up & get back on track suspended, so please don't be offended if you so if medication is prescribed to your mate, are unable to charge items to your account. please ensure you follow through until the Believe me., this makes me as uncomfortable course is completed. Otherwise you will be back as it does you. sooner rather than later. Are you a cash customer? Do you have your 9/9 - So that means not only are we keeping loyalty card yet? If not come in and ask about the perfect record but the school holidays are it. really close! Out of time yet again. That's all for now. Anthea, Julie & Megan Ray McConnell Anthea Wright Veterinary Clinic MERRIWA RINGER Thursday 29 March Page 17 RELEASE OF LHPA REVIEW REPORT

The Livestock Health and Pest Authorities Mr Donges said the LHPAs are pleased their (LHPAs) welcome the release of the Terry important role in NSW’s biosecurity system is Ryan report on the ‘Review of the LHPAs’ by recognised and that they are seen as a key the Minister for Primary Industries, Katrina player in future biosecurity structures. Hodgkinson MP, for public comment. “Furthermore, Mr Ryan acknowledges the The 79 page report comprises 13 important role that the proposed LHPA model recommendations and a three staged will play in contributing to the NSW approach to delivering the recommendations Government’s NSW 2021 plan, through to ensure continuity of functions currently maintaining preparedness to deal with delivered by the LHPAs. biosecurity threats.”

Ian Donges, LHPAs State Management Council The report is available for public comment for a Chairman, says the LHPAs are committed to period of two months. Feedback on the report working with the Minister and the NSW should be provided to the interagency Government to deliver the new LHPA model Government committee who will be and regional framework. coordinating responses. More details are available on the NSW DPI website, “Mr Ryan has recommended that the authority www.dpi.nsw.gov.au. Boards and State bodies be dissolved and replaced by a State advisory committee and a “We encourage ratepayers and other interested new regional advisory and delivery people to provide their feedback on the report framework, to ensure that accountability to to ensure their views are represented,” said Mr ratepayers is maintained in the proposed Donges. model. He further recommended the Minister appoint an independent Board of Management “During the public consultation period it’s to report to the Minister,” Mr Donges said. business as usual for the LHPAs – for our 350

“It’s clear from Mr Ryan’s report that the staff in more than 60 offices the focus remains functions currently undertaken by the LHPAs on working with NSW landholders to safeguard for the benefit of ratepayers and NSW agriculture.” taxpayers will continue to operate and be funded by those ratepayers. LHPAs’ core areas of responsibility are livestock health and pest biosecurity operations, stock ID “As an example, LHPAs have recently been systems, Travelling Stock Reserves assisting NSW rural communities and primary management and frontline assistance during producers affected by flooding, together with rural emergencies. More information on the the NSW Department of Primary Industries LHPAs can be found at our website and SES. Authorities have responded to over www.lhpa.org.au and our submission to the 1,200 calls for assistance, moved 24,000 head review. of sheep and cattle out of flood waters to higher ground and dropped 23 tonnes of Kylie Neville fodder to stranded animals.” 6391 3720

MERRIWA RINGER Thursday 29 March 2012 Page 18 MERRIWA NEWSAGENCY

Your Local Newspower store and Office Smart Logies Greatest Moments - The Logies have agent. been going for longer than I have been alive, and it is interesting to see all of the outfits, Easter is fast approaching and it is time to winners, speeches, great moments, scandals, start getting organised! the international stars, the performances, the

Colouring Competition - The entries for the hosts and did I mention the outfits?

Easter Colouring Competition were collected Girlfriend Freebie - The latest Girlfriend from the schools today and are waiting to be magazine, featuring Jennifer Lawrence from judged. If you were unable to hand your The Hunger Games, comes with a free Living entry in at school for some reason, you can Doll Scarf. still hand it in at the Newsagency as long as it is before close on Sunday. Local Young Talent - Transmoto Dirt Bike Magazine has a great article on a local junior Easter Activity Book - The kids will love this talent. It is always good to see kids who work activity book as it is full of fun and easy crafty hard at something they love get rewarded for stuff especially for Easter. There is an Easter their efforts. To find out who it is, come and Bunny Mask, Easter Garland, Decorative grab a copy. Windmill, Easter Basket, Bookmarks, Badges, an Easter Card and a Spring Garden Mural. One by one they will pay for the past... - No cutting is required as all of the pages are Camilla Lackberg’s latest offering The Drowning press-out and the colours are vivid. follows Christian Thydell, a successful debut novelist, who starts receiving anonymous My Kitchen Rules Cookbook 2 - The threats, has a mysterious past and a closest successful cooking show is drawing to a close, friend gone missing. Erica Falck, a crime writer, and we avidly await the winning pair. It has has discovered Christian’s talent and starts been a series full of inventive and inspiring investigating his past. Erica’s husband, cooking (perfectly timed so that our own Detective Patrik Hedstrom, has his worst dinner appears mundane in comparison!) and suspicions confirmed as the head games turn the wait is finally over! We can now cook into disturbing reality. How do you get to the these fabulous dishes at home. Just in time truth when everyone is hiding something? What for Easter, this cookbook features all of the secret are people willing to die in order to best recipes from the series so that we can protect? This novel is “expert at mixing scenes stun and amaze our family and friends who of domestic cosiness with blood-curdling taste our meals over this holiday. horror” and is a great read as the holidays

AWW - The latest issue of Australian approach, the days grow shorter and the nights Women’s Weekly has just arrived and is so get colder! new I don’t even know what is in it as I write Phone Cards; all cards are now available this article, but I can almost guarantee that including Telstra, Optus & Vodaphone there will be some great ideas for all things Easter. Surely there will be a section Cash or Eftpos only dedicated to that Easter delight: chocolate! Neville & Leanne Hook

DISCLAIMER

Views expressed by contributors are not necessarily endorsed by the Publisher, Merriwa Central School. No responsibility is accepted by the Publisher or its Committee for the accuracy of information contained in articles. The advertising of and use of product names does not constitute recommendations or endorsement by the Publisher or its Committee. Advertisers indemnify the Publisher and its Committee against all liability claims or proceedings whatsoever arising from the publication.

MERRIWA RINGER Thursday 29 March Page 19 THE OPENING OF THE MERRIWA ROTARY SKATE PARK COMPLEX

Last Sunday was a great day with close to 150 manufacturers and to Neil Crook and Steve people attending the official opening of our park Birkin who traveled from Sydney to Merriwa infrastructure : Low Ropes Challenge Course, to assist in the assembly of all the equipment. two shelters and three outdoor gym pieces - Ab Hip Swinger, Leg Press/Chin-ups, and a Rowing The day had lots of fun for the youth of machine. Merriwa with a jumping castle having a never ending line-up, best decorated bike/scooter, egg & spoon scooter race, Orbit Challenge Relay and a demonstration of the outdoor gym pieces.

The Egg & Spoon scooter race was won by Kyle Eden-Rosa in the under 9’s and Jay-me Taylor in the over 9’s. The Orbit Ropes Relay Course was won by Kyle, Dylan and Ty in the under 9’s and over 9’s the Batman Team of Jay-me, Matt, Taylor and Sean. Our Best dressed Bike/Scooter competition was judged by two senior constables from our police force and was won by Christian Beveridge under 9’s Many of our major sponsors were represented and Ruby Wong in the over 9’s. on the day. Our major sponsors were Doyles Creek Mining, Upper Hunter Shire Council Rotary District 9670 Governor Janette Jackson and Moolarben Coal. Thanks also to did the official cutting of the ribbon to unveil community sponsors for their generous support our signage now erected within the complex. - Michael Nutt Contracting, Williams Concreting, Craig MacPherson Haulage, Welderup Pty Ltd, Our youth and the Rotary Club still have more Merriwa Cross Country Ford and Merriwa infrastructure planned such as a junior Bushmen's Campdraft & Rodeo Ass. Our playground, seven more outdoor gym pieces, a thanks also to Forpark Australia, equipment sunshade cover to the playground equipment and with the help of our local council a half bowl skate design, not too far into the future.

The Merriwa Rotary Club and the Merriwa 'Youth-in-Action' Group wish to thank the community of Merriwa for their continued support of the Complex with fundraising and working bees in the past eighteen months being well represented by community volunteers.

Thank you Merriwa, thank you sponsors and a big thank you to Matthew Orton and his group from the Merriwa ‘Youth-in-Action’ Group. We’ll keep supporting you until your half-bowl is finished.

John & Elaine Sparrow Merriwa Rotary Project Coordinators

MERRIWA RINGER Thursday 29 March 2012 Page 20 Entries Close 12 Noon on

Monday 23 April This month the theme is:

The winning photo this month will be used on the front cover of the Merriwa Show Schedule and will also receive a gate pass/ride ticket pack donated by the Merriwa Springtime Show Association.

The competition is open to amateur photographers of all ages. The winning photo will be published in the Ringer on 26 April 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.

MERRIWA RINGER Thursday 29 March Page 21 MERRIWA ROTARY CLUB

Merriwa Rotary extends their thanks to the Adults $25:00 per head, Family $60:00. Monies Merriwa High School staff and students who raised on the night will go towards the junior provided Rotary members and guests with a playground equipment adjacent to the skate delicious meal last Tuesday evening. Members park. were impressed with the new hospitality class room and the professional way in which the A hand shake students catered for the evening. of welcome – Dermot Rotary Australia Shannon and New greets Merriwa Zealand Student Rotary Club Exchange new member Programme is a Jack McIntyre great way for with his our young partner students to Monique. broaden their perspectives on life in other Rotary’s Bowel Scan programme will once again communities. be running throughout the month of May 2012. We wish Jay-me As with previous years Rotarians will be selling Taylor and Isaac Austin all the best as they the kits at the front of the Chemist during that prepare for their departure at the end of this month. month. If you would like to find out more about Rotary, Settlement Hall – Rotary function: Mark your our regular dinner meetings are at the Sports diaries…or put it on your calendars … Saturday Club Tuesday nights 7pm for 7.30pm dinner. 14 April. Rotary invite one and all to a German Membership is open to both men and women. night at Settlement Hall for a spit roast meal, 300 club and more! Time: 6:30 start, Cost: Michael Wheatley

MERRIWA RINGER Thursday 29 March 2012 Page 22 MORE THAN JUST A POST OFFICE!

High Definintion TV with DVD We have TV’s, monitors, Set-Top boxes,  Telstra pre-paid micro SIM’s for Apple iPhone portable DVD players in two sizes and now we and iPad. $30 including $30 worth of credit. have in stock a great value HD TV with a DVD  Sandisk micro memory card reader for player for only $179. This one is ideal for small $16.95. Easily transfers your phone memory rooms and caravans. The Vivo LCD HD card to computer. widescreen TV has 18.5 inch (47 cm) screen  Transcend USB card reader with photo and built-in DVD player, card reader and two recover software. Reads all camera and USB connections. This means it can act as a phone memory cards, and USB sticks for PVR (personal video recorder) by recording or transferring to computer. $19.95. pausing programmes via a USB memory stick.  Beyond, bluetooth wireless headset. Discrete HDMI connection to other sources gives the and good quality for $29.95. best HD picture and sound. In other words all  Logitech C120 webcam for Skype and other the latest features for just $179. If you just video calls. $29.95. want the TV alone we have the 15.4 inch  Norton 360 for full computer protection and version for only $99.95. tune-up, $129.95. Wireless Keyboard and Mouse Update your PC or augment your Laptop with Acer Laptop with Free Printer the Logitech keyboard and mouse combo. No The Acer Aspire AS5750 15.6 inch notebook is need for messy wires and the keyboard battery great buying at $459 (after manufacturers cash lasts for 24 months. Reliable and built to last for back) but throw-in a bonus Canon MG2160 $39.95 multifunction printer (worth $59) and you better be quick before they change their mind! Tech in Town Yes, both for $459. Laptop has Intel Core i3, We stock many miscellaneous computer and 4GB RAM, 640GB HDD. tech. items most of which are not available anywhere else in town. Remember these when Laptop Case Bargain you need replacements or something to get you Treat your laptop to some smart looking going. No need to drive for an hour. protection. The case will house up to 15 inch in  Logitech Harmony 300 universal remote a well padded and tough bag with extra control. Replaces 4 other remotes for easy TV compartments. No need to pay $50 or more - control. Includes Austar control and easily only $24.99. programmed. $39.95.  Linksys modem router. Acts as a Modem and Cisco Linksys Wireless Modem router to connect up to five sources by Get one of these if your computer Modem fails wireless or wire. Simply set-up you own or if you want to upgrade to a wireless network wireless network at home or business for only for home or business. Easy to install with the $79.95. Cisso set-up wizard. You can connect to this  Beyond multi charger and case. Car charger device with a wire as usual or wirelessly to a for most modern mobiles, $27. number of laptops and printers. Secure  Beyond car charger for single models, $9.95. connection guaranteed. Sleek case and  Mobile broadband antenna. Clips onto laptop reputable manufacturer makes the price of to give increased coverage to your 3G mobile $79.95 a bargain. device. $36  HDMI cable for the best HD picture when Open from 8am – 5pm weekdays and 9am – 11am most Saturdays. connecting peripherals to a TV. $19.95.

 USB cable to connect your printer, hub, Postmasters thought for the week: external drive etc, to computer. $9.95. There are as many men who like to talk as  CD and DVD blank discs for copying. Only there are women who don’t. Melism $9.95 for a pack of 25. Or CD-RW re- writeable for $9.95 for five. We even have Mel & Kerry Anne with Colleen & Kylie the old Diskettes for $6.95 for 10.

MERRIWA RINGER Thursday 29 March Page 23 WOOLBROOK RURAL INDUSTRIES

HMAS Hobart had been designed and built in You could expect that under such conditions so- the 1930s long before inventions like radar and called “cabin fever”, including quarrels, might asdic were invented. Many pre-war Admirals have erupted after a few months but this was were unconvinced that one day aircraft, not the case. In fact nobody ever complained including those from aircraft carriers, could be about the conditions even, for instance, when crucial to naval battles, and certainly did not at sea in the tropics in relatively calm seas, and envisage that the days of close engagements with scuttles (port holes) open to get some between battleships were almost gone. These fresh air, a “greeny” or two (or several in quick Admirals theorised that it would be easy to succession) would come in unexpectedly and shoot down attacking torpedo and bomber leave the mess deck awash in inches of water aircraft, though when real life warfare finally which had to be cleaned up. I can only recall arrived this was found to be more difficult than two violent incidents, in both of which I was, expected. In 1942 the Pacific War also revealed unfortunately, involved. Almost as soon as I another problem: Western pilots, when their joined the ship an AB of some year’s standing aircraft were disabled, would bail out using took a dislike to me for reasons unknown and parachutes, but their Japanese equivalents gave me a hard time. As a raw recruit I stood often preferred, if possible, to fly their crippled this initially, but eventually I had no choice but plane, complete with bomb or torpedo and fuel, to bail up, there was a verbal confrontation, he into the nearest enemy ship. Further, as the king hit me and it was on. I soon realised he Americans were sinking the last remnants of was a skilful boxer, that he was concentrating their navy, the Japanese turned to ever more on my face and hitting me almost at will, that frequent use of dedicated suicide kamikazes. he was thoroughly enjoying it and unlikely to Therefore Oerlikons, which did not fire stop while I was still standing, and that I was explosive shells, were mostly replaced and getting a bloody good hiding. Pacific warships bristled with much greater numbers of more effective antiaircraft weapons However, I also was aware that we were not in including multiple Bofors (like the single gun at a spacious boxing ring but a very confined mess the War Memorial Park) and multiple Pom deck, and that I need not observe, within Poms. These fired explosive shells which were reason, Queensberry Rules, these being very more likely to render an aircraft totally much to his advantage. I therefore resorted to incapable of flight. a manoeuvre which I had used at school, though never before under such extreme Therefore the Hobart carried a wartime crew circumstances, and rushed him, receiving a few much greater than originally contemplated, and in the face as I did so, and, crouching, wrapped our living conditions were primitive and very my arms around his hips. I was stronger in crowded, with no ventilation, air conditioning or those days than I am now, and I flung him heating whether in the tropics or the northern violently upwards as high as I could, his head winter where it gets very cold (I have seen probably striking the deck head (ceiling), then, snow falling on Tokyo Bay). Very few slept in with all the force I could muster, I drove him traditional hammocks, there was not sufficient down again into the steel deck. His legs buckled room, so most of us put our hammock mattress under the combination of his own weight, my each night wherever possible and slept on top downward thrust, and also, I suppose, surprise, of lockers, on mess deck tables, on the deck, and as he crumpled I took two steps forward, or, in my case, on a camp stretcher which I had my legs either side of him, shoved him hard, found in the hold. On top of this we were and he fell over backwards flat on his back. His mostly fed rather unappetising food, bully beef, head hit the steel deck with a satisfying thud, dehydrated cabbage and potato, tinned fruit, and I finished up sitting astride his chest with condensed milk, lime juice and similar, except my knees either side of him, and my left hand when a welcome consignment of fresh on his neck pushing his head down hard so he vegetables and frozen meat arrived on a supply was unable to do me much harm. I have never ship. been a violent person, but on this occasion he

MERRIWA RINGER Thursday 29 March 2012 Page 24 WOOLBROOK RURAL INDUSTRIES MERRIWA NURSERY AND had hurt me so severely that I had completely IRRIGATION lost my cool, and I hit him three times as hard Depot Road, Merriwa as I could on his face with my clenched right AUSTRAL WIRE PRODUCTS fist, and would have continued except that the We are distributors for Austral Wire Products. They onlookers, thinking things were getting a bit out have a large modern factory in Sydney where they of hand, dragged me off him. When I visited manufacture: the bathroom, washed away the blood and  Fencing wire. examined myself in a mirror I found I had a  Barbed wire. face like minced meat, two black eyes, a broken  Wire netting. nose, and, at least on appearances, had  Hinge joint and ring lock. suffered a severe tactical defeat. However, it turned out that I had also had a strategic  Available in standard AND HEAVILY GALVANISED. victory because from then on he left me alone, and thenceforward we treated each other with  They also import black and hot dipped galvanised steel posts. dislike, but also respect. We happily accept large or small orders. If you are thinking fencing please call us because the Max Wurcker quality and price are both right.

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

Shop 1/17 Bridge Street www.jtsrealty.com.au Muswellbrook NSW 2333 jtsrealty@rslcom.net.au Ph: 6541 5331 Fax: 6541 0330 36 Prices Lane Merriwa - $495,000 Situated on 6 acres and only a 2 minute drive to the main street this acreage is ideally positioned. The home is only 6 years old and has 4 large bedrooms the main with a walk in robe, reverse cycle air conditioner, and access to the main bathroom. 2 other bedrooms also have built in robes. The kitchen is timber and in near new condition and features a dishwasher, large pantry, and an attached living area with reverse cycle air conditioning. The lounge is large as is the open plan dining room. The laundry also has a second bathroom. Outside are front and back verandah’s. Water is supplied via tanks and town water. At the rear of the house is a double garage with an attached carport. There is also a 5 bay shed with an attached 8m awning. The property is fully fenced in ringlock fencing and is ideal for a horse or the kids riding a bike. An added bonus is the block can be sub - divided.

74 Mackenzie Street Merriwa - $208,000 This classic weatherboard home is located in easy walking distance to the shops and schools. The home is in excellent condition inside and out. There are three bedrooms, two with the original daddo rails as a beautiful feature. The eat in kitchen is huge and has a combustion stove to cook the Sunday roast as well as a modern electric stove. There is plenty of cupboard space and a r/c air conditioner to keep you cool in the summer. The 2nd living areas are both a good size and one has a open fireplace. Outside the yard has been beautifully landscaped to compliment the home. There is a new concrete driveway and carport. Currently tenanted at $220 per week. If you love the look and feel of these old homes you can't go past this one.

MERRIWA RINGER Thursday 29 March Page 25 ANNUAL CWA STREET STALL HAPPY 21ST

The annual CWA Street Stall will be held on Thursday April 5. Here is your chance to stock up for Easter!

Delicious Home-Made Cakes, Preserves and Home Grown Vegetables. If you would like to contribute any saleable item they would be very much appreciated

There will be a Great Raffle, tickets $1, and a 100 Club with $2 tickets.

Robyn McAlister Happy 21st Birthday to Keirra Hourn. Secretary Love and best wishes from all the family

ST DAVID’S UNITING CHURCH Suzie Kirk EASTER SERVICE TIMES HAVE'A'CHAT On Good Friday, 6 April, there will be a 10am service and on Easter Day, 8 April, the service Merriwa cancer support group Haveachat get will be at 10am together the third Thursday night of the month at 6.30pm, at the Merriwa RSL Club Ron Campbell for private and confidential support and information in all cancer related areas. Next BREKKY WITH THE BIRDS one will be 19 April.

On Thursday 19 April at The Washpools One to think about. We live in the melanoma Campground in Towarri National Park the capital of the world. You know what to do. Hunter Region National Parks will present an introductory bird watching tour or Towarri Ray McConnell National Park with an experienced Discovery Ranger. SRC TRIVIA NIGHT

The tour begins at 10am, and is an easy grade. Team Bronco would like to thank the SRC for a The cost is $15 per person and includes the tour wonderful trivia night they held on the 19 and a light breakfast/brunch. March. We had a wonderful evening and will definately come along next time. Bookings and pre-payment is essential for all tours as numbers are limited. Book online at We would also like to congratulate Mr Creamer www.wildwildworld.com.au or contact or and the hospitality students for the wonderful Regional Office on (02) 4984 8200. breakfast we received for our prize.

Jo Thompson Kate Blackadder

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.

MERRIWA RINGER Thursday 29 March 2012 Page 26 DONATIONS REQUIRED THE AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT MOBILE OFFICE Preschool and MAC are seeking volunteers for their upcoming Auction Afternoon planned for The Australian Government recognises that Friday 11 May 2012. As a fun and interesting people in rural communities deserve the best way to fundraise for the services we are asking possible access to government payments and for community members to volunteer their time services. We understand that if you live in a or a service to auction off on the afternoon. rural area you may be affected by remoteness Those who are interested in donating can let us and isolation and may need to travel greater know what they would be willing to do but distances to access vital services. some examples could be mowing a lawn, a basket of ironing or a handyman who could To help support you and the needs of rural spare 2 hours to do what ever jobs at the home communities, the Australian Government has of the successful bidder. Come on board and two Mobile Offices that travel extensively help us fundraise for these two essential throughout rural Australia. services in Merriwa. Please contact Kellie on 0417483149, Jill at Preschool 65482083 or Jill On board the Mobile Offices are at MAC 65482082 to express your interest. representatives from each of the Portfolio of Human Services agencies, including Centrelink, Leanne Hunt Medicare Australia and Australian Hearing. The Mobile Offices provide a broad range of HOSTEL MARKET DAY WINNERS government payments and services, making it

Treasure Chest Prize of $500 was won by easier for you to conduct your business with Rodney Amidy. The 100 Club results were: 1st us. Mrs Norma Redman $50.00, 2nd Mr Ross Bishop $30.00 and 3rd Mr James Bettington The Mobile Office will be visiting Merriwa on $20.00. The teddy bear was won by Nicki Friday 27 April - more details next week. Anshaw, Crochet Rug won by Peter Davidson and Plants by Margo Dorney Donna Reilly

Phoebe Richard

MERRIWA RINGER Thursday 29 March Page 27 MERRIWA PLAYGROUP MERRIWA’S ANZAC DAY COMMEMORATIONS 2012 Merriwa Playgroup will be resuming in Term 2. Date: 24 April 2012 All citizens are being asked to help share on this Time: 9.30am to 11.30am solemn occasion to help preserve the Spirit of Where: St Joseph’s Primary School the ANZAC and to remember the great sacrifice We would like to welcome any new mums on that so many made, in order that we may live in 24 April to come along and meet up for a chat peace. and a change of scenery while the kids have a play. Of anyone wishes to participate in the laying of the wreath or seeks any further information Playgroup is held every Tuesday & is a great please contact the RSL Sub-Branch Secretary, opportunity to meet other mums, to share ideas Mary O’Neill, on 6548 2383. & experiences but most importantly to have a laugh. There are plenty of great toys for the Program for Dawn Service kids to play with & craft activities to do as well 5.40am - Assemble at the Cenotaph as the opportunity to play on the equipment 6.30am - End of Dawn Service outside & in the sandpit. 7.00am - Breakfast at Merriwa RSL

All you need to bring is some morning tea for Program for Main Service yourself & your child & a sunhat. If you would 10.15am - All citizens/groups wishing to partici- like more information please do not hesitate to pate in the march are to assemble call Kylie Telfer on 658 2707 or Sharee Witney outside the RSL Club 6548 2554. 10.30am - March commences 10.40am - General Assembly at the Cenotaph Kylie Telfer 10.45am - Service commences 12 noon - Sausage Sizzle for the young people ST DAVID’S UNITING CHURCH PIE DRIVE taking part in the ceremony REMINDER 1pm Commemoration Luncheon for all citizens

wishing to attend (Tickets available Pie drive orders have closed. Delivery day is for the RSL Club) Monday 2 April. We plan on orders being ready for collection from 10.30am to 3.30pm on the They gave their lives delivery day from St David’s Uniting Church or For that public gift they received a praise the corner of Vennacher and MacKenzie Streets. Which never ages and a tomb most glorious If anyone is unable to collect during this time Not so much the tomb please call me on 6548 5131 before delivery day In which they lie, or on 0428 485 131 on delivery day to make But in which their fame survives alternate arrangements. If anyone missed To be remembered forever when ordering or has under ordered, come along on Occasion comes for word or deed Monday 2 April and I’m sure we will be able to help you, as we order extras. Mary O’Neill

Barbara Campbell ABC RADIO

MOVIE On Fridays Patrick and Michael Gilbey will be doing a “What’s Going on in Merriwa” section on Come along and seethe lovely film, “The King & the ABC Upper Hunter Radio Station . If anyone I”. Starring Deborah Kerr and Yul Brynner on has any news that is appropriate for the radio, Tuesday 10 April in the Squatter’s Room of the feel free to email it to [email protected]. Merriwa RSL Club from 10.30am Mary O’Neill Michael Gilbey

MERRIWA RINGER Thursday 29 March 2012 Page 28 MERRIWA RINGER Thursday 29 March Page 29 MERRIWA RINGER Thursday 29 March 2012 Page 30 ROTARY AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND STUDENT EXCHANGE 2013 PROGRAM

The Rotary Australia & New Zealand Student New Zealand. Local Students are matched with Exchange program is currently looking for a New Zealand student and the New Zealand expressions of interest from students who will student will attend school in Australia during be in Year 9 or 10 in 2013. Term 2, 2013. Both students then return to New Zealand and attend school there for Term This program offers Students a unique 3, 2013. opportunity to experience the culture and lifestyle in New Zealand, for one school term. The students’ family hosts the NZ student and Your school will also gain the experience of includes them in their normal family life. This is having a New Zealand student attend for one an exciting way to experience another culture school term. In 2012 the Australian students with the support of Rotary. More information will be in New Zealand during Term 3 and the and expression of interest forms can be found New Zealand students will be in Australia for at www.ranzse.org Term 2 Expressions of Interest Close 30 June 2012. This program is designed for 14-16 year old students (In Year 9 or 10 in 2013) to Alison Tiananga experience a true ‘exchange’ with a family in Chairperson: District 9670– Australia & New Zealand Exchange

You are invited to a: Managing Scanned Ewes Workshop

Dalkieth Complex “Dalkieth” April 11 9.00am to Cassilis NSW 2012 12.30pm

Presented by Chris Shands NSW DPI Glen Innes. This is a hands-on workshop for sheep producers who pregnancy scan their ewes or who plan to scan. You will take away the practical skills needed to ensure optimum lamb survival by better management of scanned ewes in your flock.

This workshop will assist you with: Scanning and ewe management recommendations Managing single and twin bearing ewes Management targets Maternal behaviour Target condition scores during pregnancy

Morning tea and light lunch will be provided Please bring a chair, hat and sunscreen

To reserve a place in the Managing Scanned Ewes Workshop please RSVP to Coolah Vet Clinic 63771258 by Tuesday 10 April 2012.

For more information on the day please contact: Chris Shands Ph. 02 67301900 Mob: 0411139702

MERRIWA RINGER Thursday 29 March Page 31 HELLO FRIENDS OF IGA

Its Easter specials time, there are plenty of  Steggles 2kg Chicken Drum Sticks, $3.99 ‘Eggcellent’ specials to be enjoyed. ea.  Don Traditional Triple Smoked Leg Ham, Over Easter IGA will be open, but different $12.99 per kg. hours, so the following days and times are the Trading hours over Easter; Holy Thursday 9:00  KR Castlemaine Cabanossi Sticks, $8.99 am to 7:00 pm, Good Friday closed, Holy per kg. Saturday 9:00 to 3:00, Easter Sunday closed,  Ingham Chicken Loaf or Roll, $8.99 per Easter Monday 9:00 am to 2:00 pm and back to kg. normal on Tuesday.  IGA Pre-Packed Washed Potatoes 2kg, $2.49 per bag. Remember the Big Brand Savings competition  New Season Shepherd Avocados, $1.69 from a couple of weeks ago? We were fortunate ea. enough to have several instant winners. If we  IGA Pre Packed Carrots 1.25kg, $0.99 per called having 1 in 15 daily winners from across bag. Australia in our store lucky, what do we call a 1 New Season Royal Gala Apples, $2.28 per in 5 winner? A huge congratulations goes to our  very fortunate customer Cassandra McLaren kg. who was a winner of the major draw, she was 1 of 5 lucky Australians to win the major prize of Its time for another market day, or as is this a $10,000. month ‘Market Weekend.’ Starting Friday 30 March and running to Sunday 1 April. There are Its time for the weekly specials, first in the definitely bargains to be had with savings of up Liquor, Have you seen the Giant 4.5 litre bottle to 65%. of Jonnie Walker Red Label at the check out? Well its part of a competition in store, simply  12 packs of Party size Mars and Snickers purchase $40 or more in liquor products- Bars, $1.99 ea. excluding beer- and ask for an entry form to fill  Papa Giuseppi’s Pizza, $3.79 ea. in and put in the box, it could be yours! These  Uncle Toby’s® VitaBrits 750g packs, $1.99 are the specials to be enjoyed: ea.  VB Stubbies, Tooheys New and Tooheys  Tooheys Extra Dry 24 packs, 2 for $72. Extra Dry 24 packs, $37.99 ea.  Legs of Lamb, $7.99 kg.  Coopers Original Pale Ale, Victoria Pale  KR Castlemaine Ham Off Bone, $9.99 per Lager and Pure Blonde Premium 24 packs, kg. $39.99 ea.  Pre-Packed Valencia Oranges 3kg bags,  2 for $60 Multi Buy, Bundaberg and Jim $1.99 ea. Bean 10 packs.  Baker’s Oven Hot Cross Buns with or  2 for $64 Multi Buy on selected Spirits see without Fruit, $2.99 per pack of 6. in store for selected varieties.  Wondersoft Toilet Paper 12 pack, $2.99  3 for $20 Multi Buy on selected Wines see ea. in store for selected varieties.  Alberto Balsam® Shampoo and  2 for $20 Multi Buy on selected Wines see Conditioner, $0.99 per bottle. in store for selected varieties.  Duo Ultra Concentrate washing powder  Selected wines for a low price of $12.99. 1kg, $2.49 each. The weekly specials catalogue is out in the store and runs until Sunday 1 April. Some products Easter orders for BBQ Chickens and Fresh Deli are marked down with up to 50% off. and Produce can now be placed through the  Beef Rump Steak, $12.99 per kg. friendly staff at the Deli, if these orders can be place as soon as possible, it would be very  Beef Bolar Blade Roast, $7.99 per kg. helpful. So come on down and check out the  Lamb Racks or Cutlets, $19.99 per kg. range, and enjoy our ‘Eggcellent Specials’.  BBQ Sausages, $4.99 per kg. Bulk That’s how the Locals like it! purchases only with a minimum weight of Daniel Hogan 1.8 kg. MERRIWA RINGER Thursday 29 March 2012 Page 32 MERRIWA RINGER Thursday 29 March Page 33 SANDY HOLLOW CHARITY HORSE RIDE MERRIWA BRANCH CWA

The Sandy Hollow Charity Horse ride will once Our next meeting will be on Monday April 2 at again be supporting the Westpac Rescue our rooms in Bettington Street. We will be Helicopter Service. The rider will be held at discussing our upcoming street stall on Ellamarra, 2km West of Sandy Hollow on the Thursday 5 April in front of the IGA. This will Golden Highway. give community members and visitors driving through town to stock up on some of the The days schedule is as follows: CWA’s famous cooking for the Easter break.  6am: Breakfast Last week at the Group Handicraft and Cookery  7am: Ride Muster Day our branch had great success with a small  3pm: Bar Facilities open number of entries:3rd place getter: Keely Ryan  4pm: Auction for Rock Cakes. 2nd places Kay Burgess for  Scenic Country Ride (Long Course 36km, Assorted Plain Biscuits, Jean Price for Amy Short Course 26km) Johnson Cake, Carol Bowman for Gluten Free  Rules are as follows: - No stallions, Lemon Teacake and Susie Fitzpatrick for Under 18's must wear helmets. Chocolate Honey Sponge Roll.  Morning Tea, Lunch & Dinner Available. There were 4 winners on the day whose work There will be entertainment until late. will go on to be judged at state: Kay Burgess There will also be rides for the Kids for her Butterscotch Cake and Jean Price for  Cost: Camping: $10 per truck/float to be her Boiled Fruit Pudding in the cookery whilst paid on registration, Ride: $20 per rider Narelle Davis won her section with a crochet or $50 per family (includes morning shawl and Sandra Stewart with creative knitting tea). and crochet. This was a great success for such a small branch. Kay and Jean will have to cook Horse Ride contacts: Mark Judge 02 6547 again for state conference whereas Narelle and 6118 or Colette Crothers O'Neill 0409 318 201 Sandra are relieved that completed handicraft or [email protected] does not have to be fresh like cooking.

Michelle Vickery Important Dates: Meeting Tuesday 2 April 10am, Street Stall Thursday 5 April. Sandra Stewart - Publicity Officer

MERRIWA RINGER Thursday 29 March 2012 Page 34 Hunter Volunteer Centre Regional Volunteer Awards 2012

Nominations are being accepted in the following six categories: SEAFOOD FOR EASTER 2012 Volunteer of the Year—Individual “OUTSIDE THE ROYAL HOTEL” VENNACHER STREET Volunteer Organisation of the Year TUESDAY AFTERNOON, 3 APRIL, Corporate/Partner of the Year 2.30PM TILL 5.30PM Chris Crane Young Volunteer of the Year PH: 0413 724 232 EFTPOS FACILITIES AVAILABLE HVC Senior Volunteer of the Year KENT & FAMILY WISH YOU ALL A HAPPY EASTER Volunteer Team of the Year

Volunteers—Every One Counts HOUSE FOR RENT Date: Wednesday 16 May 2012 4 bedroom house For Sale Time: 11am $320 per week Venue: Maitland Park Bowling and Sporting Available now ‘Weed Eater’ Complex (The Park), Maitland Park, Maitland Rental references Ride on mower Tickets: $15 p/p HVC member organisations, required $25 p/p non-member organisations. Contact GM Llewelyn Runs well Tickets, nomination forms and criteria and Co to obtain a $600 ono tenancy application available via our websitewww.hvc.org.au Phone: 6548 2008 Ph: 6548 2694

POSITION VACANT TYRE

FITTER Busy local Family Business, requires tyre fitter to start ASAP. Experience not necessary. Some mechanical knowledge would be an advantage. Successful applicant would receive training in the repair of small engines.

Written application with resume to: Merriwa Tyre & Service Centre 141 Bettington St Merriwa NSW 232 BRINDLEY PARK LUCERNE

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

Merriwa 0488 000 177

MERRIWA RINGER Thursday 29 March Page 35 TAKING THE PRESSURE OUT OF EYE DISEASE

There seems to be an increasing trend amongst yourself. And the risk of developing glaucoma businessmen to be dressed more casually. Suits increases as you get older. You are also at and ties haven’t disappeared altogether, but the greater risk of getting glaucoma if you have open-necked shirt, with or without a jacket, is diabetes or high blood pressure, if you are certainly more common. This new dress code short-sighted or if you get migraine headaches. may have an unexpected health benefit. In the early stages of glaucoma, most people experience no symptoms, even when losing Results of a study, reported some years ago in their sight. Nevertheless, there are sometimes the British Journal of Ophthalmology, suggested warning signs. Some people may notice a need that men who tie their neckties too tightly might to change their glasses more often, perhaps increase their risk of the sight-destroying find it hard to see in dark rooms, lose wide disease glaucoma. Scientists found that a really vision, or have blurred sight. tight tie could increase pressure in the eye – one of the risk factors for the disease (albeit a The only way to prevent complete loss of vision very minor risk factor). is early detection and treatment. If you’re over 40, you need to see you ophthalmologist or Whether or not you wear a tie, if your sight is optometrist (no need to wear a necktie!!) every hazy or blurred and your eyes often difficult to two years; more often if you also have other focus, then you should definitely focus your risk factors. attention on the messages to come from the recent World Glaucoma Day – a global event There are several ways to check if you have organised to raise awareness of what is known glaucoma. Your eye specialist or optometrist as the “silent blinding disease”. can measure the pressure of the fluid in your eye; the nerves and blood vessels in your eye Glaucoma is the name given to a group of eye can be checked for damage; and your fields of diseases where the optic nerve at the back of vision can be tested for blind spots or sight the eye is damaged. The damage is caused loss. when pressure in the eyeball rises due to a build up of fluid. This fluid build-up takes place As well, it’s been estimated that more than because either too much fluid is formed or the 10% of visual loss from glaucoma is because canals in the eye, which normally drain the fluid the prescribed eye drops are not used properly. away, don’t work properly. Whether this is due to occasional forgetfulness or a deliberate or accidental failure to follow the More than 300,000 Australians are affected by doctor’s directions, the unfortunate result is the glaucoma. However, as generally there is no same. So, check with your pharmacist that pain, and loss of sight is gradual, many people you’re using you eye drops to the best – perhaps as many as 50% – are completely advantage. unaware they have a problem. Up-to-date advice about glaucoma is available Unfortunately, glaucoma can’t be cured. Once by way of the new Vision Impairment fact card, there is damage to the nerve cells in the eye, available at Merriwa Pharmacy. repair is not possible. However, the serious consequences of glaucoma can be prevented if The Pharmacy will be undergoing some the condition is discovered soon enough; and renovations on the weekend of 31 March. early treatment, usually with eye drops to Whilst the Pharmacy will be opening our normal stabilise the pressure in the eye, can help avoid hours some sections of the shop may be roped further loss of sight. off during this time. Please ask for assistance where required. If someone in your family has glaucoma, you are almost three times more likely to have it Robert Smith Merriwa Pharmacy

MERRIWA RINGER Thursday 29 March 2012 Page 36 LAST WEEK OF NURSERY SALE

We would like to thank our customers for pot holes on roadways and throughout the their support of our closing down sale. We nursery and some surfaces are slippery. Also have had a very busy week! The sale there are usually only three or four of us continues up to and including Sunday 1 April. serving and it is hard to assist customers over nearly 3 acres, so we hope you understand our We still have plenty of great looking plants – selling arrangements. lots of natives, including Eucalypts, Grevilleas, Callistemons, Correas and more. We have at least half a dozen of every plant we Also plenty of exotic plants and succulents – grow on display with plenty of backup stock. plants suitable for hedging, planting in pots, Nursery trolleys are available for loading your filling in a spot in the garden or planting as a car and the parking area is close to the plant specimen. We only grow plants suitable for display. We have experienced staff on hand to our climate so you can be sure they will stand answer any questions you may have. up to our tough local conditions. We are offering plants at wholesale prices and As we are a wholesale nursery and not for every 5 plants you purchase, you receive generally set up for retail selling we are two free plants of your choice from a ‘specials restricting access to a small section of the trailer’. nursery. We have done this for O H & S reasons. Your safety is important to us and Jenny, Rob, Shirley and Lesley the recent weather has caused washing and

For Sale Office: 6548 2008 Greg Llewelyn: 0417 227 204 Megan Constable: 0428 482 663 3 Cullingral St Merriwa 3 Elizabeth St Merriwa

3 bedroom home located close to main Ideal Investment Property street and schools, large lounge room, Low Maintenance kitchen with attached dining area, 3 bedrooms, main with built inn’s, sunroom, bathroom with shower and bath, bathroom with shower and bath, lounge laundry, back covered veranda, lock up car room with r/c/a/c, Kitchen with parking, garden shed, fully fenced back dishwasher, laundry with storage space yard Currently rented for $220 per week

Price: $195,000 Price: $210,000

MERRIWA RINGER Thursday 29 March Page 37 HUNTER MUTUAL

A better way to manage your travel plans with As the card is a multi-currency card it is set up the new Multi-currency cash passport. so that you can fully utilize your entire balance to fund a transaction. This means that where Multi-currency Cash Passport enables you do not have the funds in the currency of cardholders to load both foreign currencies and the transaction, either because it is not one of Australian Dollars onto one card and can be the available currencies on the card, or reloaded as many times as needed during the because you do not have a sufficient balance in life of the card, whether the card holder is the relevant currency, the card will use your travelling to one destination or a number of available currency balance in the default order different destinations, the multi-currency Cash of priority. Passport is the better way to carry travel money. Foreign Cash, Drafts, Telegraphic Transfers and

The multi cash passport is a new prepaid Travellers Cheques - Most destinations Mastercard that can be purchased over the available through Travellex, if ordered before counter at Hunter Mutual, available for both midday here the next day members and non-members and is activated within 2 hours of purchase. This new card Travel Insurance allows you to load it with multiple global Whether you are travelling with family or currencies. Your Cash passport can then be friends or heading out on a self adventure, used to withdraw local currency from ATM’s Allianz offers a comprehensive range of cover worldwide displaying the Mastercard Acceptance options to suit your needs. So, wherever you Mark, of which there are over 1.9 million roam the world or throughout Australia you can worldwide. To check their locations you can relax and enjoy your trip. visit the ATM locator found on www.cashpassport.com/multi. Or use your card Cover for listed pre-existing medical conditions at point of sale, where ever the Mastercard at no extra cost Acceptance Mark is displayed, accepted at over 29 million Mastercard retailers globally, or on 24/7 emergency assistance line. There are no fees when using the card to So, if you are thinking of doing any travelling pay for goods or services, though some why not talk to us about your needs, call us on merchants may charge a surcharge. 6548 2651 or come in and talk to your local community credit union.

Don’t forget about your chance to win $50, open a Christmas Club Account from now until the end of April and you could win $50 towards your Christmas

Fiona, Kylie and Trudie At Hunter Mutual - Merriwa

MERRIWA RINGER Thursday 29 March 2012 Page 38 MERRIWA FESTIVAL OF THE FLEECES – JUST SOME SHORT AND SWEET INFO BITS ON WHAT IS TO COME!

When: June Long Weekend spirit, big time on this special day, the one that Friday Night - 8 June “Sale of the Century” at Merriwa is known for! Let’s dress for the the Merriwa RSL Club, sponsored by Merriwa occasion to add to the happy friendly Tyre & Service Centre –prizes and money can atmosphere, whether you are participating in be won! A guaranteed great family night out! the parade or not! But remember our known (no ordinary game show night, to be sure!) colour is red! More details soon to be released! Shop Owners: Let’s show off our merchandise Saturday – 9 June, all day events held between to suit the day and create more sales for our Bettington street and the Show Ground from selves. Other towns do it well, we can do it 9am until closing Fireworks at 6.15pm – better! Also, don’t forget to get your includes: rides, shearing – modern day and sponsorship in, fast, this will mean that the blade, petting zoo by ROAR, food galore, festival committee can progress with the working dogs with Zac Ede, lolly scramble for organisation and make Merriwa come to life. the kids and so much more! Merriwa Festival of the The Theme for the parade and window dressing Fleeces Committee Member is “Year of the Farmer”… Let’s get into the Sue Whitlock

Everyone is welcome to come along to watch the MTFA Grand Final on the 30 March 2012 Juniors start at 5.45pm Ladies at 6.15pm Men at 7pm

The presentation will follow the games with a FREE DISCO at the Merriwa Sports Club. Everyone is welcome whether you played touch or not

MERRIWA RINGER Thursday 29 March Page 39 CASSILIS BOWLING CLUB MERRIWA RSL CLUB

Friday night fun: Twilight Bowls The Members Lucky Badge for $800.00 was not The Green is back! Next and last twilight bowls won on Friday at 8.30pm the number was 414, for the summer – Friday 30 March. Names to this week it jackpots to $850.00. The 7pm draw the club by 6.30pm for 7.00pm start for $220.00 was not won the number was 191, this week it jackpots to $240.00. The 9pm lucky Friday night Snack Bar – The Two Ds ticket draw for $1020.00 was not won the Affordable family meals number was 62809, this week it jackpots to $1040.00. LTPS/11/04452 Friday night raffles - Meat trays, Vege trays, Schooner Draw, Joker Draw, Members Draw. The Sunday Morning Badge Draw for $1900.00 was not won last week the number was 1028, Last weeks draws results this week it jackpots to $1950.00 and will be  Members Draw: $70– Clive Nairne - drawn between 11.30am and 1.30pm and you unclaimed - $75 next week must be present to win the money.  Joker Draw: $1915 – Charlene - LTPS/11/04452 unsuccessful – $1972 next week

Tai Chi - Every Wednesday at 6.30pm Coming Events Low impact exercise. Excellent for relaxation, The Club currently has a XXXX Gold Promotion balance and reducing high blood pressure. Gold running; buy any XXXX Gold product to receive Coin donation. Expressions of interest to Cheryl a scratch and win card. Prizes on offer are XXXX or Cecilia. See you there! Gold Stubby Holders, XXXX Gold Zinc Sticks and XXXX Gold BBQ Tool Set. Coming soon: Saturday the 6 October The Beetles & Classic Friday 13 April Creedence show, more details as it gets closer. Darts competition starts – 7pm start – names to club by 6.45pm Members only promotion - in the bistro this you will have the chance to win a Tefal 5.5lt Slow st Saturday 21 April Cooker 1 Prize or a $50 Caltex fuel card nd Bush dance featuring ‘Home Rule’. $10 voucher 2 prize to be drawn Friday 27 April. admission (proceeds of this and raffles to All you have to do is make a purchase at the Cassilis Public School for excursion). BYO bistro, write your name on your ticket and place supper. Commencing at 8pm it in the entry box. To claim the prize you must be present when drawn. Anzac Day – Wednesday 25 April Anzac Day Ceremony will be held around In the Bistro on pension day we now have a 10.50am as usual followed by nibblies at the choice of a couple of senior’s meals for $7.50, Bowling Club where there will be an unveiling of but you must show your senior’s card to be very special pictures of the Light Horse leaving eligible. Cassilis during WWII. These were donated to the districts by a member of the Busby family. This week’s special Toohey’s New 30pack cans $45.00 WAS $51.50, from 30/3/12 to 5/4/12. Internet - Check out our website at www.cassilisbowlingclub.com.au A reminder that the club will be open from 10.00am - 5.00pm on Good Friday 6 April, the Facebook - The club now has it’s own Facebook Bistro from 11.30am – 2.00pm. Strictly no Page, so please check it out and like us. takeaway alcohol. The Friday Night Raffles that Coming Events will also be advertised on this week will be held on Thursday 5 April page (as soon as there is a confirmed date for them). Matt Morgan Secretary/Manager Hilary Parker MERRIWA RINGER Thursday 29 March 2012 Page 40 MERRIWA SPORTS CLUB

Saturday 24 March Members and Associations - Looking for a  Saturday Members Draw 390 Not Won venue to hold your meetings etc? The Sports Next week $310 Club may be able to assist. Please contact the  Winners Jackpot 4188 Not Won Next Club for further details

week $900 Bingo- Every Thursday Night commences  Free Tickets Max Barwick 7:00pm. Win Sporties Vouchers $5, $20, $50 +  Dinner Noel Barwick Fruit, Veg and meat trays + Super 39 $100 IGA  Bowls Raffle Judd Morgan Gift Voucher Sunday 25 March  Sunday Members draw No 260 Not Won Saturday 28 April Next week $1400 Ash Mountain - Free show  $20 one off prizes No 259 Not Won & No 261 Not Won Saturday 12 May “Dee Blundell” Transport Service is available Friday and Saturday. Don’t take the risk and drive when Saturday 30 June for $3 per person you can be chauffeured “Allan Cashwell” home. To access the transport service you must book through the Sports Club to check The Sporties - Chinese/Australian Restaurant availability of the service. Our new Chef Shan Zhu has a new menu. Shan includes some Thai dishes and authentic

MERRIWA RINGER Thursday 29 March Page 41 Chinese as well as additional Australian Meals. Nearest the Pin P Murray on the 9th and A Open for Lunch Wednesday to Sunday 12noon Carrigan on 13th. to 2:00pm. Dinner Tuesday to Sunday 5:30pm to 9:00pm. Lunch Specials. Closed Mondays. Next Saturday 31 its the Event of the Da7 Reopens 5:00pm Tuesday. For Bookings and starting at 12:30pm. take away ring 6548 3228 Andrew Medway

LADY BOWLERS NEWS MERRIWA RACES - SATURDAY 28 APRIL Our April meeting will be on Monday 16 (one week late due to Easter) The Merriwa Cup Race Day is fast approaching so it is time to pick out the new hat, polish up Coming up the dress shoes and send the suit to the dry  Wednesday 4 April Mixed Mufti and Scone cleaners. Just as important is to start organising your racing party. What a perfect RSL Association Day. opportunity to invite all those friends and  Wednesday 11 Mixed Mufti family stuck in the humdrum and hustle bustle  Monday 16 April Meeting 3:00pm of city life to the more comfortable and accommodating gently sloping spaces of the Come along Wednesday mornings 9:30am to Merriwa countryside. With such a beautiful join our mufti bowls. season why not get a crew together and make a weekend of it. Beat & JR The Five Race meeting is accompanied by a GOLF NEWS licenced bar, home style cooking, a grandstand and shaded tent area and a On Saturday 24 March, Bob & Di Thorley won betting ring complete with live television the Keno Mixed 4BBB with a good score of 44 coverage of all the days’ televised race points. meetings including the Sydney Cup. The day also includes a Culcutta run on the Merriwa The Runners Up were P Murray and Pat Riley on Cup. For those unfamiliar with the Calcutta it 40 points. is basically a Sweep followed by and Auction – plenty of fun to watch or be involved in. The individual stableford event results were:  Winner Di Thorley 34 points Gates Open at 10.30am  Runner Up A Carrigan 33 points For more information or any enquiries please Ball Comp D Taylor 32 points, R Thorley 31 contact David Alker on Ph. 0427 482 095 points David Alker

MERRIWA RINGER Thursday 29 March 2012 Page 42 UPPER HUNTER VETERAN’S GOLF

There were only five Vets at Murrurundi Golf Men Course on Tuesday, 20 March for their Event 1 - NSW VGA Trophy, Stableford , 18 stableford with putting event, due to the Week Holes, Tuesday, 20 March, Over The Field. 1st of Golf running concurrently at Muswellbrook. Tom Champion 42 points, 2nd Albert Smart The Murrurundi fairways and sand greens are a 38 C/B, 3rd Evan Powell 38. credit to the volunteers who always have the Event 2 - 54 holes, Monday, Tuesday & course in tip-top condition for the Vets. Thursday, Over The Field, Aggregate Stableford: 1st Barry Woods 116, 2nd Tom The winner with 37 points was Bob Thorley Champion 108 C/B, 3rd Evan Powell 108. from Merriwa. In the ball comp balls went to Phil Ledgerwood & Rick Cooper on 32 points. Women The putting wine went to Howard Lane with 25 Event 1- UH VGA Tuesday, 20th March, putts. Stableford, across all grades.1st Joan Woods 35 points, 2nd Helen Robinson 34 C/B. Best wishes for your next bout of chemotherapy Event 2 - 54 Holes Aggregate Stableford, Rick. Over the Field, Monday, Tuesday & Thursday:

1st Lynne Gadsby 110, 2nd Caryl Durand Entries close at the end of March for the trip to 102, 3rd Lynette Helmers 101. Crowne Plaza on Thursday, 12 April. Money and Event 3 - 18 Hole Individual Stableford, A names to Max and Col please. Grade, B Grade and C Grade.

We had 118 starters in the Friday 4BBB Graham Turvey event and the winners were:  1st - Gary & Maureen Wackett, Camden Golf Club- 51 Stableford Points  2nd - John & Margaret Teh, Redland Bay Golf MERRIWA SQUASH COMPETITION Club, QLD - 48 Points  3rd - Brian & Beverley Budsworth, Need a sport for the winter that doesn’t involve Charlestown Golf Club - 46 Points going outside in the cold? Merriwa Squash Club has it’s winter competition registering The prize winners in the raffle were: 1st - Tony now. Games are on Tuesday or Wednesday Ward from Hawksnest, a TV, 2nd - Michael Day nights for all grades and levels of from Murrurundi, a spanner set and 3rd - players. Beginners are welcome and free Howie Lane from Murrurundi, a golf distance training and coaching is available. Registration measuring device, which Howie can make good is $35 per player with a $10 discount for new use of seeing he hit his first two shots OOBs at players and family rates too. So if you would like Murrurundi on Tuesday! to learn how to play squash, or just want to keep fit, contact Rob Whaley on 0428 482 482. Results of the Veterans Upper Hunter Group 17 Week of Golf, held at Muswellbrook Golf Club, Nicky Western 19 to 23 March, 2012 were :

MERRIWA RINGER Thursday 29 March Page 43 LADIES GOLF NEWS

There was drizzly rain everywhere except the Merrie nearly went wayward on the sixteenth golf course last Wednesday and 11 girls turned but a fortuitous rebound off a tree and onto the up to enjoy a round in the cool conditions. green to allow her to make par was probably the key to her success as she went on to win De, Didie and Libby set off first with De setting with 29 points just clear of Captain Di on 28 a cracking pace so she could make an points. Mary had a NTP on the 18th but Captain appointment after golf. Sue, Tania, Julia and Di edged closer to the hole to win the ball. De Mary struggled to keep up with the fast playing secured the ball draw. three ahead of them but set their minds to the game and soldiered on. Captain Di whipped her A reminder to all players that the winter group of Deirdre, Gay and Merrie along and the competition is officially underway on 4 April first nine was completed in good time. At the with the first Monthly Medal for the year up for halfway mark Merrie was leading with 15 points grabs. Please note that we are starting at the just ahead of Captain Di on 14. The rest of the same time as last year, 8.30am for a 9.00am girls were only just into double figures on their hit off. scorecards and struggling on both the fairways and greens. See you in the rough!

The mist evaporated a few holes into the Sue Weiss second nine holes and the sun came out to beat down quite ferociously. With match fitness sadly lacking in some of the girls the field spread out and the quality of the golf slipped a little. Everyone was pleased to turn for home after the long drag up the fearful fifteenth and MERRIWA RUGBY LEAGUE apart from a few forays into the rough most girls finished quite strongly on the scorecard. Please note the night at the RSL with a chance to win $1,450 has been cancelled due to lack of ticket sales. Thank you to those people that did show interest in the night.

The season is only weeks away and Merriwa will be hosting Greta Branxton on Saturday 14 April at 3.45pm for their first game of the season.

The boys have been training hard in the off season and put up two good performances in the trials so make sure you come out and support them.

Kayla Mullen

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

MERRIWA RINGER Thursday 29 March 2012 Page 44 MERRIWA PONY CLUB

A pony club meeting was held last Tuesday to Dressage 13-15 1D: 1st Taylor Giggins discuss the mini-camp to be held in the Easter Dressage 15-17 1D: 1st Annabel Rodgers holidays. Information on this will be in the next Dressage 15-17 2C: 1st Lucy Hordern, 2nd ringer. Hayley Richards Dressage Associates 2D: 1st Jessica McLaren, This weekend coming will see the running of 2nd Ashley Hockings, 3rd Sally Waters, 4th Sky Singleton Ribbon Day on 1 April, Cassilis Rochester & 5th Brylie Rowe Presidents Cup on 7 April and State Sporting & Power & Speed Showjumping: Campdraft Zone 4 Trangie on 14-15 April. F Grade: 1st Nicole Martin, 2nd Kyarne

Sampson, 3rd Tadhg Magner, 4th Bella Results for the Combined Training Day held at th th Fernandes & 5 Lauren Redgate Merriwa on Saturday 17 Mach 2012: st nd st E Grade: 1 Georgia Bennetts, 2 Brydie F Grade Combined Training: 1 Nicole Martin, rd th nd rd th Ryan, 3 Rachel Pittman, 4 Clancy Martin & 2 Kyarne Sampson, 3 Tadgh Magner, 4 th th 5 Demi Johnston. Bella Fernandes & 5 Lauren Redgate. st nd st D Grade: 1 Justin McIntosh, 2 Pieta Cassar, E Grade Combined Training: 1 Georgia rd th th nd rd 3 Jack Greacen, 4 Victoria McLaren & 5 Bennetts, 2 Sarah Giggins, 3 Taylor th th Jessica McLaren Giggins, 4 Clancy Martin & 5 Gabriele C Grade: 1st Lucy Hordern, 2nd Zenanee Clout, Johnston. rd th th D Grade Combined Training: 1st Sally Waters, 3 Anastasia Martin, 4 Skye Rochester & 5 nd rd th Ashley Hocking 2 Jessica McLaren, 3 Jack Greacen, 4 th Alexa Davis & 5 Victoria McLaren. We also have some C Grade Combined Training: 1st Lucy Hordern, results from the 2nd Zenanee Clout, 3rd Hayley Richards, 4th Presidents Cup Day: Anastasia Martin & 5th Skye Rochester. Mekayla Towell Dressage Under 9 Prep 1: 1st Kyarne riding Buddy came Sampson, 2nd Emmerson Mitchell, 3rd Tadhg 2nd in E Grade Magner, 4th Lauren Redgate & 5th Makayla Show Jumping, 3rd Towell st in Bonfield Bounce Dressage Under 9 Prep 4: 1 Nicole Martin and 4th in Bending Dressage 9-11 1A: 1st Georgia Bennetts, 2nd rd th Ella Towell had four Gabrielle Johnston, 3 Brydie Ryan, 4 April 4ths in Bending, Stanley Bareback, Bonfield st nd Dressage 9-11 1B: 1 Hannah Riley, 2 Darcy Bounce and Barrel rd Pittman, 3 Clancy Martin Race. st nd Dressage 11-13 1B: 1 Sarah Giggins, 2 Jack Montana Cronin rd th Greacen, 3 Zananee Clout, 4 Keely Ryan & received 2nd in the th 5 Peita Cassar Bending and 4th in st Dressage 11-13 1C: 1 Anastasia Martin the Bareback. Dressage 13-15 1C 1st Rachel Pittman, 2nd Tanya Ninness Victoria McLaren

MERRIWA RINGER Thursday 29 March Page 45 MERRIWA CAMPDRAFT & RODEO MEN’S BOWLS NEWS ASSOCIATION INC.

The Merriwa Bushman’s Campdraft & Rodeo Pennants were played on Saturday 24 March Association has set the date for our annual against Aberdeen Town at Merriwa with Campdraft for Friday Night 22 June, Saturday 23 Merriwa winning 5 - 1. June & Sunday 24 June 2012. On Saturday 31 March Merriwa have a bye in We are looking for a committee or group the Pennants competition and the Singles interested in running the Steak Hut over the Championship start at 12 noon. weekend. Also, we require a hot dinner for Saturday night. This would be along the lines of On Sunday 25 March the Upper Hunter District casseroles, curries etc. The same group may be Pairs were played. The results were as follows: interested in providing both, or two groups  W Styles and D Riley defeated P Fibbons could benefit by providing one each. All profits and J Fibbons are to be retained by the organising committee  G Cribb and L Duggan defeated M so this is a great way to raise some funds. We Mabbett and K Katon have a large amount of people at the  B Cone and G Riley defeated J Waters showground over the weekend. and J Newling  G Graham and P Watson defeated J Our committee would appreciate your help. Parker and P Goodwin Every year we donate our profits to local  J Jenkins and R Carter defeated A Jerrett organisations and worthwhile causes. If your and G Blenham committee is interested please contact me on the details below. In the second round: Shirley Hunt  G Cribb and L Duggan defeated W Styles Ph 65482399 / 0428 485158 and D Riley UPPER HUNTER JUNIOR RUGBY UNION  J Graham and P Watson defeated B Cone and G Riley Registration and Training 6s, 8s, 10s, 12s, 14s  J Jenkins and R Carter had the bye will be held on 29 March & 3 April, 4—5pm at  V Oxford and D Picton defeated D Train Muswellbrook & Scone Rugby Clubs. Under 6 and J Brayshaw years $30 (touch). And Under 8 years and above $50 (tackle). The final will be played at Merriwa on Sunday 1 April at 9.30am Training 5pm until 7pm Friday evenings starting April 20 and alternates between Scone The winners of the 50 Club were: and Muswellbrook. 1st Phil Bush 2nd Max McNaught Contact Michelle Edwards – Registrar on 3rd Pat Quigley [email protected] for further information if required. Eva Towler Michelle Edwards

MERRIWA RINGER Thursday 29 March 2012 Page 46 NAME PHONE NAME PHONE NAME PHONE Andy Carrigan 6548 2646 Merriwa Caravan Park 0418 668 Merriwa Tyre & Service 6548 2078 402 Centre Anthea Wright Veterinary 6548 2452 Merriwa Catholic Parish 6548 2086 Service St Vincent de Paul 6548 3092 Mick Hayes Concrete Pump 0417 006 640 Bates Removals 0411 530 246 Hire Merriwa Central School Boardman Peasley Pty Ltd 6543 3600 Primary office 6548 2101 Panorama Motor Inn 4943 3144 Secondary office 6548 2119 Bricklayer Block layer 6548 2591 Merriwa Central School 6548 2119 Cassilis Bowling Club 6376 1002 P&C Association Pitt Son & Keene Elders 6548 2307 Cassilis Public School 6376 1009 Merriwa Cricket Club 0428 485 110

CJ & JM Vero 6548 2303 Merriwa Darts 0428 899 Rockwell Livestock 6548 5100 Competition 749

CJ Kelly Funerals 02 4309 0334 Merriwa District Health 6548 2653 Non-Emergency Medical Russell’s Earthmoving 6548 2246 Transport Colles Manufactured 4353 3606 Merriwa District 6548 2245 Homes Pty Ltd Progress Association 6548 3060 Scott Witton Building 0427 761 169 Craig McPherson Haulage 6548 2663 Merriwa Engineering 0427 476085 Merriwa Home Hardware 6548 2077 Cross Country Merriwa 6548 2106 St David’s Uniting Church 6548 5131 Merriwa Healthy 6547 6048 Environment Group Curls & Swirls 6548 2499 Merriwa Junior League & 0437 482 St Joseph’s Primary School 6548 2035 Netball 375 Curtis, Irving & Gant 6543 2433 Merriwa Little Athletics 0427 799 22

Stokes Dr Bronwyn 6532 5013 Merriwa Magpies Rugby 0411 800255 Di’s Clothing Patch 6548 3023 After Hours 6532 5000 League Football Club Merriwa Newsagents 6548 2031 Festival of the Fleeces 6521 7046 Merriwa Pharmacy 6548 2213 Tash Holden 6548 5002 Hair Indeed 6548 2666 Communications Merriwa Post Office 6548 2042

Hanckel Hay Sales 6548 5168 Trinity Markets 6548 2323 Merriwa Pre-School & 6548 2083 Kindergarten Association Hunter-Central Rivers 6542 4444 Catchment Management Merriwa Race Club 0427 482 Authority 095 Upper Hunter Shire Council 6521 7000 Hunter Mutual 6548 2651 Merriwa RSL Club 6548 2157 - Merriwa Branch Restaurant 6548 2295 Intergrated Living 1300 778 718 Merriwa Rotary Club 6548 2025 MA Macdonald & Co 6548 2226 Merriwa Springtime 0402 484 Show 018 Welderup 6548 2500 McConnell’s This ‘n’ That 6548 2889 Merriwa Sports Club 6548 2028 Restaurant 6548 3228 Whale, Mark 6548 2389 Merriwa Activity Centre 6548 2082 Merriwa Surgery 6548 2305 Merriwa Tennis Club 6548 2679 Woolbrook Rural 6548 2150 Merriwa Amateur Swim 6548 8510 Merriwa Traders - IGA 6548 2315 Industries Club Merriwa Tourist 6548 3201 Merriwa Anglican Parish 0429 996 796 Welcoming Centre Don’t see your listing here? Then you need to contact The Ringer to organise your MERRIWA RINGERsponsorship Thursday for 29 2012! March Page 47 MARCH $5 social club membership due by 31 March. Must be a financial Thursday 29  Entries open for “Year of the Farmer” Photo Competition member to join the Easter party

on Sunday 8 April Friday 30  Merriwa Touch Football Grand Finals AUSTAR NOW CONNECTED  Merriwa Festival of the Fleeces Street Stall All Football NRL, AFL, & Rugby Union live! As well as Saturday 31 Motorsports and Friday Night  “Rockin’ at the Racecourse” - Coolah Boxing.  “Sideways” - The Royal - Merriwa Thursday  Merriwa Magpies Night - Merriwa RSL $11 chicken schnitzel night, normal menu also available. APRIL Friday 16 Happy hours 5-7pm , Monday 2  St David’s Pie Drive Delivery Day Pick the joker $1200.- not claimed by Brad Wilton, jackpots Thursday 5  Last Merriwa Ringer for Term 1 to $1300.  CWA Street Stall Saturday  Last Day of Term 1 Live band “SIDEWAYS” ,come along for a great night. Friday 6  Public Holiday - Good Friday Publicans punt did no good, on again this week. Punters club Saturday 7  Cassilis Pony Club Presidents Cup Day JR’s collected $212.95 well done JR you get to have another bet Sunday 8  Easter Sunday this Saturday.  Easter Sunday Social Club Party - The Royal Merriwa Happy hour 3 to 4pm,$2.70 middies $3.70 schooners Monday 9  Easter Monday Public Holiday Social Club draw $300 was not won by #6 Josh Amidy on Tuesday 10  “The King & I” Movie at Merriwa RSL Club - 10.30am Wednesday,$350 not won by #41 Sheree Kelly on Saturday, Wednesday 11  Managing Scanned Ewes Workshop - “Dalkeith” Cassilis Jackpots to $400. Wednesday Thursday 12  JD’s Magic Show - Merriwa Library Mexican night assorted dishes plus $5 Coronas, main menu Saturday 14 Upper Hunter Horse Sale - Merriwa Showgrounds also available  Sunday  Rotary “German Night” at Settlement Hall $12.50 roast, baked veg and  Coolah Working Dog Association Dog Trial gravy, normal menu also  Merriwa Rugby League V Greta/Branxton at Merriwa available. Tuesday Sunday 15 $11 rump night, normal menu  Coolah Working Dog Association Dog Trial also available Wednesday 18 Wednesday  Youth Rock Festival begins Between 4.30 and 6.30pm social club draw. $10 pasta night, Thursday 19  Brekky with the Birds Tour of Scone Washpools - 10am lasagne chips & salad, spaghetti bollognaise & garlic bread, chilli Friday 20  Festival of the Fleeces Streey Stall garlic prawn fettucinni, Spiral pasta with creamy garlic Saturday 21  Bush Dance - Cassilis Bowling Club chicken, mushroom & onion,  Westpac Charity Horse Ride - Sandy Hollow main menu also available Dining room open for lunch Monday 23  Student Free Day 7 days a week, with 10  Entries close for “Year of the Farmer” Photo Competition meals for $10 each. Dinner 7 nights with main menu and Tuesday 24  School Resumes for Term 2 daily specials. Bar snacks every day 4.30pm Wednesday 25  ANZAC Day - Public Holiday 9kg gas bottles refilled for only $29.95 bags of ice Thursday 26  Merriwa Ringer Resumes for Term 2 $3.50 Friday 27  Scone Pony Club Presidents Cup Day  Australian Government Mobile Office visiting Merriwa BAR, BISTRO ACCOMMODATION Saturday 28  Merriwa Races PH 6548 2235  “Ash Mountain” - Merriwa Sports Club MERRIWA RINGER Thursday 29 March 2012 Page 48