The heart of the hunter for over 60 years

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1 The only way to find out what s going on! Serving the Hunter for over 20 years with a readership of over 4,000 weekly! Thursday 15th December, 2016 Missed an issue? $30,000 SHOWCASE MEETING Festive-Season son Closure The final edition of Up Country Entertainer for 2016 will be Thursday 15th December. Up Country Entertainer will resume publication in 2017 with the first edition on Thursday 19th January. Merry Christmas to all, and a safe and happy 2017! CHRISTMAS PARTY RACE DAY Friday 16 December TAB races Gates open 11.30am - FREE ENTRY 434 Bunnan Road Scone NSW Tel: events@sconeraceclub.com.au sconeraceclub.com.au Next Race Day Saturday 24 December TAB races Gates open 11.30am FREE ENTRY 434 Bunnan Road Scone NSW Tel: events@sconeraceclub.com.au sconeraceclub.com.au SRC20159 SRC20159 See inside ADDING TO YEARS TV Guide The 44th biennial Muswellbrook Art Prize is on again It is now time to enter the Muswellbrook Art Prize. The winning entry of the Painting Prize has increased to an acquisitive $50,000 award! The winning entries for Works on Paper and Ceramics will win the acquisitive $10,000 award. Keep these dates in your diary: Entries open mid December 2016; Entries close 27 January 2017; Finalists notifi es 10 February 2017 and delivery of Finalists Works is 3 March For further information visit: muswellbrookartscentre.com.au SESSION TIMES: THURSDAY 15 DECEMBER - WEDNESDAY 21 DECEMBER Cinema is open 7 days a week of school and public holidays! Closed Christmas Day Sydney Street Muswellbrook Phone: (02) ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY (M) 134mins Thu 3D & 2D: 12.00am DAILY 3D: 6.30pm DAILY: 9.00am, 11.15am, 1.30pm & 9.10pm NOCTURNAL ANIMALS (MA15+) 117mins Thu, Fri & Wed 9.05am SING (PG) 118mins Sat & Sun 1.40pm TROLLS (G) 92mins Thu, Sat, Mon & Wed 3D: 11.30am Thu, Sat, Mon & Wed 2D: 5.30pm Fri, Sun & Tues 11.30am & 5.30pm Live in Muswellbrook? Don t forget the Courtesy Bus is available to get you to the cinema. Ph: OFFICE CHRISTMAS PARTY (MA15+) 110mins Thu, Fri, Mon, Tue & Wed 1.45pm, 4.15pm & 9.00pm Sat & Sun 4.15pm & 9.00pm FANTASTIC BEASTS & WHERE TO FIND THEM (M) 133mins Sat, Sun, Mon & Tue 9.00am UNDERWORLD: BLOOD WARS (MA15+) 91mins DAILY 3.45pm & 7.20pm COMING SOON Red Dog - True Blue Allied : Assassins Creed Collateral Beauty Monster Trucks XXX - Return Xander Cage : Bastards Fifty Shades Darker Patriots Day The heart of the hunter for over 60 years

2 what s on HUNTER AND HEAVY: Taking the stage at Dashville s Thrashville concert on 21 January will be Hunter-based band, Mischling. Mischling to rock Thrashville One of the Hunter s heaviest bands is set to take the stage at Dashville s newest festival, Thrashville. Mischling merges many different styles, the four-piece s live shows are the stuff of local legends. It s been close to 15 years since they ve played live, with the band only getting back together on December 2. Thrashville will be their next gig on January 21. For a full line-up and details on Dahsville s new, heavier offering log on to dashville.com.au/thrashville. The Entertainer in conjunction with Majestic Cinemas are giving away two double passes each week to two lucky readers. Look for the handwritten word WINNER along with the editor s signature on this page above HVP logo. Present the winning Entertainer edition to the Muswellbrook office of Hunter Valley Printing, 6 Wilkins Street Muswellbrook and collect your passes. (must be claimed within one week of publication date) 2 - Up Country Entertainer - Thursday 15th December,

3 what s on The 44th biennial Muswellbrook Art Prize is on again 2015 Winning entry: Nick Ferguson, Swimming (Bruce Spence) 2013, oil on canvas. 8 Artists Different Strokes Exhibition Muswellbrook Regional Arts Centre will host 8 Artists: Different Strokes between January and March next year. The group of eight artists met while studying Fine Arts at Singleton TAFE and went on to meet on a regular basis at the old kitchen at Singleton s Mercy Convent. The show is representative of each artists interpretation of their surroundings achieved through a wide variety of forms, mediums, techniques and interests - as diverse as the individual artists themselves. Exhibiting from 14 January to 5 March Opening night 6pm Friday, 13 January 2017 with refreshments courtesy of Stone Hill Vineyard, Hunter Belle Cheese and Pukara Estate. Log onto muswellbrookartscentre.com.au for further information. Image: Stacey Cox, Cottonfield 2015, acrylic. School holidays workshop Go Figure Muswellbrook Arts Centre is holding a guided tour of the Face to Figure exhibitions as part of a school holiday activity day. Children aged between five and 14 are invited to come to the gallery for the tour and to try making their own figure, real or imagined, from clay. The workshop will run from 10am to midday on Friday January 20. The event is free, but bookings are essential. For further information and to reserve your place, please contact the Arts Centre or visit the website www. muswellbrookartscentre.com.au Scone Motor Inn Conference Centre Affordable 4 star Accommodation King Suites, Spa Suites and Two-Bedroom Apartments Corporate Rates and FREE Wi-Fi Internet Conference and Meeting Facilities Licenced Bar and meals Monday to Fridays Breakfasts 7 days including Room Service Cnr New England Hwy & Mount St Thursday 15th December, Up Country Entertainer - 3

4 out & about New Year s Eve celebrations rich in ancient history New Year s Eve is a time to eat, drink and be merry with friends and family, but did you know that 31 December was not always the date hailed as New Year s Eve? The earliest recorded celebrations to mark a new year are believed to have taken place in Mesopotamia, around 2000 B.C, with festivities held around the time of the vernal equinox, in mid-march. In early roman times, 1 March was hailed as the day of the New Year, as March was at that time the first of ten months in the calendar year. The first time that the New Year was officially celebrated on 1 January was in Rome, around 153 B.C after the addition of two more months to the calendar. In 46 B.C, Julius Caesar introduced a new solar-based calendar that was vastly more accurate than the old, lunar-based one, and it was then that 1 January became officially declared the first day of the New Year. As it turns out, Julius Caesar did the world a favour, as his Julian Calendar is the one we still use across the world today. In the Middle Ages in Europe, New Year s and New Year s Eve were abolished as the celebrations accompanying them were considered Pagan and unchristian-like. December 25, March 1 and March 25 all stood in lieu at various times throughout medieval Europe, all were already-significant dates on the Christian calendar. It wasn t until 1582 that the Gregorian calendar officially restored 1 January as New Year s Day, which was accepted by most catholic countries immediately, but Protestants continued to use the substitute dates for quite some time. In 1752 Britain finally re-adopted the date, and New Year s Day as we know it today was finally restored among the British Empire the world over. Some countries and cultures still use their own dates to celebrate the New Year - most notably China, who holds New Year s Day on January 31. Welcoming the New Year also created another day for celebration, New Year s Eve. As the day before the New Year, December 31 sees parties and celebrations happening all over the world in anticipation for the New Year. More than just turning the calendar back to the first month, New Year s Day also has deep symbolic meaning, turning over a new page and leaving the troubles of the past year behind. Many celebrations are exceedingly public who hasn t got seeing the Sydney fireworks at midnight to welcome in the New Year on their bucket list? Fireworks, bonfires and other types of fire are symbolic of both the destruction of the evils of the past year, and the rebirth of the coming year anew. It s also a time to make resolutions, or promises to yourself about things you are going to give up or change. This too is an ancient tradition, dating back at least as far as the Babylonians. The early Christians believed that the day of the New Year was a time to reflect upon past mistakes and promise to be a better person. As a symbolic starting afresh, it is little wonder that New Year s involves so many traditions; both literally starting over again with another calendar, but also symbolic links to rebirth, new life, and starting again. When December 31 comes around this year, whether you are attending one of the many local celebrations, travelling farther a field to the cities or staying at home with family and friends, remember to raise your glasses and make a toast to those people throughout history whose own traditions gave birth to what is now undoubtedly the favourite occasion of the year for many people all over the world. Cheers mates, we owe you one this New Year s Eve. CELLAR DOOR Open 7 days 10am - 4pm A taste of the Upper Hunter Valley just 10km west of Jerrys Plains RESTAURANT Breakfast: Saturday & Sunday Lunch: Daily Dinner: Friday & Saturday. Bookings essential Phone info@vinesathollydene.com 4 - Up Country Entertainer - Thursday 15th December,

5 food & wine Whether it s a leisurely brunch, coffee on the run or a relaxed lunch with friends, our Courtyard Cafe will satisfy your every wish and mood. Check the menu on our website ART GALLERY GALLERY SHOP COURTYARD CAFE 66 Mayne Street Murrurundi NSW 2338 Phone: Open Thursday to Sunday 11.00am pm Haydon Hall Paddock to Pantry Royal Hotel - Motel, Scone Singleton Council working with RMS Singleton Council will start working with the State Government to ensure the town bypass design incorporates the needs of the local government area, now the preferred bypass route has been chosen. The Singleton bypass is a State Government project, and will be funded by the State and Federal governments. However, there are implications for Council in terms of the Local Environmental Plan (LEP) and planning strategies. Council will be looking to work with the NSW Government and RMS to ensure the design meets the needs of the community and provides opportunities for local businesses and the economy. Anyone with questions about the project is urged to contact RMS on Hunter Belle Cheese To Singleton To Merriwa Two Rivers Vineyard The Denman Hollydene Estate Wines Look us up! A true country experience Muswellbrook Denman Sandy Hollow Muswellbrook Visitor Information Centre 126 Bridge Street (library), Muswellbrook Ph: Denman Visitor Information Centre 7 Ogilvie Street, Denman Ph: Thursday 15th December, Up Country Entertainer - 5

6 leisure & lifestyle Still plenty of time to donate to the Singleton Mayoral Christmas Tree Appeal GOLDEN GUITAR HOPEFUL: Travis Collins from Cessnock has six nominations under his belt for the 2017 Toyota Golden Guitar Awards. Hotting up for Tamworth The Tamworth Country Music Festival is just around the corner, with more than 2800 events locked in across the ten-day event. Country music artists from across Australia and abroad are gearing up for another great year, with Golden Guitar Awards finalists announced recently. Sara Storer is a hot favourite, picking up no less than five nominations. Cessnock s Travis Collins is also one to watch with six nominations to his name this year, including CMC clip of the year. You can find out all you need to know about this year s festival including event and accommodation information online at The festival runs from January IMAGE: Mayoral Christmas Tree. Image is courtesy of Singleton Council. Singleton residents are being encouraged to dig deep this Christmas and donate a gift to the Singleton Mayoral Christmas Tree Appeal to help everyone in the community to celebrate Christmas. Unwrapped gifts, toys and non-perishable foods can be placed under the Christmas tree at Council s Customer Service Centre, Singleton Library and the Singleton Visitor Information and Enterprise Centre until Friday 16 December. For further information on the Mayoral Christmas Tree Appeal contact Singleton Council on Snake safety for summer Upper Hunter residents have been warned to watch out for snakes this summer, with a higher than usual number of reported sightings this season. As the bush dries out snakes are likely to move into backyards in search of food. It s not just humans who need to watch out for the poisonous reptiles, our pets are also at risk. Smaller, terrier-type dogs are more likely to attack snakes. Symptoms of a bite in your pet can range from sudden collapse right through to being a bit stiff and sore for a couple of days, depending on how much venom gets injected. If you think your pet has been bitten by a snake, contact your vet immediately. Driving the Hunter! Saunders Honda Ph: Saunders Mazda Ph: MD MVRL Up Country Entertainer - Thursday 15th December,

7 leisure & lifestyle Isis Motel is the best value place to stay in Scone and offers ideal accommodation for travellers, families and workers. The Isis Motel is conveniently located on the New England Highway at the southern entrance to Scone. Come and stay for a night or stay for a week! Phone: Fax: isismotel@yahoo.com.au MUSWELLBROOK CINEMA MOVIE REVIEW PIONEER GRADUATES: Pictured from left to right are Eliza Reardon, Katherine Spencer, Dee Wardle (Hunter TAFE Early Childhood Teacher) and Kelly Friend. Image is courtesy of Hunter TAFE. Pioneer Graduates of TAFE Four years after the launch of TAFE NSW Higher Education s degree program in Early Childhood, the first cohort of students are preparing to graduate. Eliza Reardon, Katherine Spencer and Kelly Friend are part of the first cohort who have completed the four-year Bachelor of Early Childhood Education and Care (Birth-5), offered through TAFE NSW Glendale Campus, and will attend the state graduation ceremony in Sydney in March next year. The TAFE NSW Higher Education Bachelor of Early Childhood Education and Care (Birth - 5) is a four-year professional degree that prepares graduates for teaching in early childhood services. This course is for people who want to work as early childhood teachers in a variety of contexts including long day care, pre-school, integrated child and family services and early intervention services. To learn more go to tafensw.edu.au Bringing more than 25 years of experience of high-quality work in both digital and offset printing 90 kelly street scone wilkins street muswellbrook ROGUE ONE: A Star Wars Story Rated (M) 134 mins Jyn Erso, a Rebellion soldier and criminal, is about to experience her biggest challenge yet when Mon Mothma sets her out on a mission to steal the plans for the Death Star. With help from the Rebels, a master swordsman, and non-allied forces, Jyn will be in for something bigger than she thinks. For screening times check MacCallum Inglis the Upper Hunters Leading Stock & Station Agency providing you with a wealth of local experience combined with the strength of Australia s foremost Bloodstock Auctioneers William Inglis. Specialising in the following areas: 198 Kelly Street Scone Tel Fax Thursday 15th December, Up Country Entertainer - 7

8 entertainment scene 2017 It ll be bigger than ever at The DAG 20th - 29th January The DAG Showcase Saturday Night Country House Concert Australia Day Concert Songwriters Retreat Showcase & Much more Country at The DAG during the 2017 Tamworth Country Music Festival will see over 60 artists perform over 10 days at the award-winning DAG Sheep Station. Country music darling Felicity Urquhart features prominently in the line-up and will be giving a live concert which will also be recorded to play on ABC Local Radio s Saturday Night Country program. Felicity is riding high after her group Bennett, Bowtell and Urquhart took out a swag of Golden Guitar nominations. Felicity Urquhart, The Bushwackers, Kevin Bennett, Alece Simmonds, Luke O Shea, Lyn Bowtell, Jeremy Edwards plus many, many more Festival favourites Tom Maxwell and Graham Roger return for their 7th year and The Bushwackers will be back for their 3rd year. The Songwriters Retreat Showcase is back for its 4th year, featuring Luke O Shea, Kevin Bennett, Aleyce Simmonds, Jeremy Edwards and artists from the 2016 Songwriters Retreat. To end the Festival, there will be a special Tribute to Karl Broadie show, one of three Tribute Shows to be held during the 2017 Tamworth Festival, featuring friends and special guest artists from the Tribute to Karl Broadie Album. Festival Buses will run daily to Nundle and The DAG. For details visit RECORDING LIVE: Felicity Urquhart (pictured above) will be recording Saturday Night Country House Concert LIVE for ABC Radio at The DAG next month. Live Music at its Finest Australiana to Modern Country Rock Friday 16th 8.30pm Free Every Friday Night in December on The Main Stage Sat 21 st JanUARY 2017 Belford, Hunter Valley NSW Embracing the sharper edge of our existence, Thrashville is a one day blast for +15, with optional camping & a bunch of great punk, metal & hard rock bands. Expect some other cool stuff too like skateboarding, graff art, bmx, disc golf & more. tickets on sale now! 8 - Up Country Entertainer - Thursday 15th December, 2016 HOWNOWMER JEN BUXTON & THE SLAUGHTERHOUSE FIVE SUPPORTING