Big Blue rides into Scone for the Horse Festival (See story page 2)

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1 s going on! The only way to find out what Serving the Hunter for over 20 years with a readership of over 4,000 weekly! Thursday 24th March, 2016 Missed an issue? Big Blue rides into Scone for the Horse Festival (See story page 2) See inside ADDING TO YEARS TV Guide Big Blue by sculptor Nick Adams will be on display during the Scone and Upper Hunter Horse Festival in May. Emirates Park Scone Cup Race Day SCONE CUP CARNIVAL Friday, 13 May 2016 Inglis Guineas/Darley Dark Jewel Race Day Saturday, 14 May 2016 City class racing, country style Bunnan Road Scone NSW Tel: ceo@sconeraceclub.com.au SRC10143B sconeraceclub.com.au SESSION TIMES: THURSDAY 24 MARCH - WEDNESDAY 30 MARCH Cinema is OPEN everyday over the Easter long weekend, including Easter Monday MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING 2 (PG) 94mins 12.15pm, 3.05pm & 9.10pm Phone: (02) BATMAN vs SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE 1.10pm 9.30am, 4.00pm & 6.30pm (M) 104mins KUNG FU PANDA 3 ZOOTOPIA 3D: 9.25am 2D: 4.45pm & 6.45pm 3D: 11.10am 2D: 2.00pm & 8.30pm (PG) 95mins Sydney Street Muswellbrook LADY IN THE VAN (M) 151mins COMING SOON (PG) 108mins Live in Muswellbrook? Don t forget the Courtesy Bus is available to get you to the cinema. Ph: The ONLY station in the Hunter with the award-winning No:1 Rugby League show in Australia - the Continuous Call Team on Friday night, Saturday and Sunday afternoons. The Jungle Book : The Boss Huntsman - Winters War : Bad Neighbours 2 Whiskey Tango Foxtrot : Free State of Jones Mother s Day : Money Monster : Dad s Army The Angry Birds : Independence Day Resurgence Finding Dory

2 what s on Big Blue rides into Scone for the Horse Festival Upper Hunter Shire Council is bringing a major artwork to town for the Scone and Upper Hunter Horse Festival. Big Blue, a larger-than-life sized horse in two parts, will be on display at Council s Scone Administration Centre throughout April. The sculpture will then move to the Saunders Honda car showroom at 114 Kelly Street to be part of the Scone and Upper Hunter Horse Festival window display competition. You can also see it on Council s float during the Horse Festival Parade on Sunday 7 May. Big Blue was created by artist Nick Adams, who has a background as a stockman and is still a horse hoof trimmer, with an applied Science degree. Welding and twisting fencing mesh, wire, baling twine and other farming materials, he has won several sculptural awards for his horse sculptures T F, (N/A public holidays) NOW OPEN ROYAL HOTEL COFFEE SHOP Mon-Fri Sat & Sun Eve a most recently the Huon Art Award for Blue Perspective, Big Blue s companion piece. Big Blue is a bright blue draught horse standing 2.2 metres high in two parts, so observers can walk through the animal, or it can appear to be emerging into or, out-of walls. Upper Hunter Shire Council Tourism and Events Coordinator Jan Sinclair encouraged everyone to come along and see the sculpture. Big Blue should be a big hit for the festival, Ms Sinclair said. It is even possible that Big Blue could find a forever home in the Upper Hunter if any of our local art collectors are interested in buying him as he is up for sale. For more information contact Jan Sinclair on or by on jsinclair@upperhunter.nsw.gov.au Image: Big Blue by sculptor Nick Adams will be on display during the Scone and Upper Hunter Horse Festival in May. PROGRAM INFORMATION THURS 17th to WED 23rd MARCH C H E C K W E B S I T E O R P H O N E F O R S E S S I O N T I M E S MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING 2 (PG) People change. Greeks don t. Disney Animation presents ZOOTOPIA (PG) LONDON HAS FALLEN (MA15+) 10 CLOVERFIELD LANE (M) Sacha Baron Cohen in GRIMSBY (MA15+) 21 Ryan Ave, SINGLETON Ph 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 24th March,

3 what s on Community invited to Conservatorium Open Weekend Musicians in the region are enjoying their beautiful new home, with the Upper Hunter Conservatorium of Music moving into the top level of the refurbished Campbell s Corner building last month. An Open Weekend will be held on April 2 and 3, with open-house tours and concerts on both days to celebrate the Conservatorium s relocation from The Convent in Brook Street, to Campbell s Corner. Upper Hunter Conservatorium director Jeremy Fletcher said planning had been underway for many years to make the new Conservatorium a reality. Now, we would like to welcome everyone in the community to see inside the renovated Conservatorium, Mr Fletcher said. Our Open Weekend will be a hive of activity, with student performances and special concerts on both Saturday and Sunday. During Open Weekend, residents will have the opportunity to see the tuition rooms and concert spaces, as well as the impressive Atherston Room concert studio and the smaller Colvin Room, where more intimate performances will be held. As part of the Open Weekend celebrations, a gala concert will be held on the Saturday night featuring the Upper Hunter Orchestra, choirs and ensembles. Sunday afternoon s concert, Conservatorium Comes to Campbell s Corner, will be a bands showcase. Bookings are essential for both concerts and can be made on the Conservatorium s website at or phone Images are courtesy of the Upper Hunter Conservatorium of Music. Celebrate Seniors Festival Upper Hunter Shire Council has a huge range of activities planned for the 2016 Seniors Festival. The festivities will kick off with a bus trip from Murrurundi to the DAG Sheep Station at Nundle. A collector s roadshow is also coming to the region and giving locals a chance to have their old items and trinkets assessed and valued. Merriwa will also host two sit dancing classes yes, that s dancing while you sit down. There will also be a guided tour of the Upper Hunter Shire Council administration centre. To find out about these and many more events log on to The Seniors Festival runs from April 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 24th March, Up Country Entertainer - 3

4 out & about Students to celebrate diversity and culture across the Hunter The Hunter community is invited to come together to celebrate the rich culture and diversity of the Hunter region through a series of Harmony Day events hosted by Hunter TAFE students and staff this month. Hunter TAFE will hold Harmony Day celebrations across seven of its campuses in the Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Hunter and Central Coast regions from 15 to 29 March Harmony Day events are open to the public and the whole community is encouraged to join staff and students to celebrate. Activities will include live world-music, yoga, origami folding, sushi making, and cultural displays. Students will also be cooking and sharing food from their cultures and sharing their personal stories across the days. Harmony Day coincides with the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. People can share their Harmony Day celebrations and pictures on social media using #harmonyday. For more information about Hunter TAFE s Harmony Day events please visit Register now for second community workshop on stormwater Singleton Shire Council is holding a community workshop as part of the next phase of the urban stormwater drainage review. Council held workshops in October last year and engaged a contractor to review water quality and flood monitoring to help deal with local flooding issues. The community is invited to register for a second workshop on Wednesday 30 March from 5.30pm to 7.30pm at Singleton Youth Venue and provide feedback on the work completed to date. Secure your place by calling Singleton Council s Customer Service Centre on or ssc@singleton.nsw.gov.au by 24 March. For more information regarding this project visit majorprojects Discover art, food and music Organisers have put out the call for stallholders at the upcoming Art Bazaar. The team at Hunter Arts Network carefully select a wide variety of stalls featuring premium handmade products for the event which showcases the Hunter s creative and vibrant art community that locals and visitors look forward to three times every year. The next Art Bazaar will be held at Lake Macquarie on Sunday April 3 with further events scheduled in Morpeth and Newcastle later this year. For more information log on to com.au 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 24th March,

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 Baerami Bush Dance Baerami, not far from Sandy Hollow, will host a truly authentic and fun-filled bush dance at the beautifully timber-lined Baerami Hall on Saturday April 16. Haydon Hall Paddock to Pantry Royal Hotel - Motel, Scone Two Rivers Vineyard To Merriwa The Denman Hunter Belle Cheese To Singleton Hollydene Estate Wines The event will feature traditional acoustic music performed by Waltzing Jack and Friends, musicians from the Hunter Valley. Dances are explained and you don t need a partner for this familyfriendly gathering. Arrive from 4pm; dancing starts at 7.30pm and continues into the night! Bring your own dinner and drinks, and a supper to share. Camp at the hall, or stay at nearby accommodation. Join in a leisurely Sunday morning guided bushwalk in nearby Wollemi National Park, or go for a bike ride. Image courtesy of Martin Fallding. OPEN FOR LUNCH & DINNER 7 DAYS BREAKFAST SUNDAYS FROM 8AM For bookings please call Ogilvie Street Denman denmanhotel.com.au ACCOMMODATION 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 24th March, Up Country Entertainer - 5

6 leisure & lifestyle Win a holiday in Nelson Bay with the Rosto Festival of the Fleece s raffle The Rosto Festival of the Fleeces in Merriwa will celebrate its twenty-sixth year in June 2016 and has a raffle with fabulous prizes up for grabs. This year the major prize in the raffle is the perfect three-night escape in a two-bedroom poolside unit at the Mantra Aqua Resort in Nelson Bay valued at over $1,300. The prizes don t stop there the second prize is a one-night stay at Strathearn Park Lodge valued at $200. The third prize consists of a fully-packed whole lamb, cut up by Max s Country Cuts and donated by the Campbell Family of Merriwa which is valued at $200. The fourth prize is a Hunter Belle Cheese voucher and a bottle of boutique Orange Rose from Small Forest valued at $80 and the final and fifth prize is a cheese platter for two and two glasses of wine at the Vines Restaurant, Hollydene valued at $40. Committee chairperson and Upper Hunter Shire Councillor Deirdre Peebles said that you have to be in it to win these fabulous prizes. Tickets are on sale now for $2 each or three for $5 and can be purchased from the Merriwa and Scone Visitor Information Centres and Council Offices. There provides a last chance to get tickets at the Rosto Festival of the Fleeces street stall in Merriwa on 29 April, 2016 before it is drawn at noon. Winners will be announced via local media outlets and social media. Singleton Council cuts red tape Singleton Council has come up with ideas to help smooth planning processes in the shire following a recent forum. The Council invited developers and builders to meet with staff to share ideas and concerns relating to development applications, construction certificates and planning proposals. Communication was identified as the number one area for improvement and it was agreed a single point of contact on both sides would help to ensure everyone gets the right information at the right time. Council says it has already addressed some issues relating to staffing levels and implemented checklists at the lodgement stage. Council is compiling an improvement action plan based on the discussions and will convene another forum in three months to measure and review the improvements being made. Mayoral election survey starts Upper Hunter residents could soon have the chance to directly elect the shire s mayor. Currently the mayor is chosen by the councillors, but the council is looking into the possibility of holding a referendum and changing to a directly-elected mayor. First a survey is being carried out to see whether residents want a referendum to be held. An external company has been engaged to telephone 400 residents right across the shire in the coming weeks. To find out more log on to Singleton Council announces National Youth Week Singleton will kick off its Youth Week celebrations with a free outdoor movie screening on Friday April 8. The feature will be Pixels which starts Adam Sandler and Kevin James. Gaming stations for Nintendo 64, Xbox and PlayStation will also be set up so moviegoers can challenge each other. Doors open at 6pm for pre-entertainment and the movie will start at 7pm in the Youth Venue carpark. For more information, contact the team at the Singleton Youth Venue on or like them on Facebook. Driving the Hunter! Saunders Honda Ph: Saunders Mazda Ph: MD MVRL Up Country Entertainer - Thursday 24th March,

7 leisure & lifestyle Re-live their lives 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. Phone: Fax: Murrurundi-based charity Australia Remembers is working on a project to honour all ANZACS and World War II veterans individually and personally. Come and stay for a night or stay for a week! Australia Remembers has created online journals for each ANZAC and World War veteran. Each Journal is partitioned into a number of sections allowing specific and identifiable contributions to be made directly into each Journal from groups such as schools, historical and genealogical societies and other organisations, as well as from approved individual moderators and contributors. Short tributes can also be added to each Journal. All material is moderated and approved before publication. Find out more online at Bringing more than 25 years of experience of high-quality work in both digital and offset printing 90 kelly street scone wilkins street muswellbrook Be inspired by free computer classes Scone Neighbourhood Resource Centre is running free computer classes for people over 60 years of age as part of its Seniors Festival between April 4 and 8. Classes will cater to a range of interests and abilities including, Facebook, Apps and introduction sessions to computers, the Internet and ipads. Bookings for all classes are essential. To get the full timetable and reserve your place, please phone or call in at 130 Liverpool Street, Scone. THE WAYFARER MOTEL New England Highway, Muswellbrook On-call late check-in until 10pm Room service available for breakfasts Undercover guest barbecue and rest area Backing onto golf course Clean, comfortable and affordable 25 air-conditioned rooms Free WIFI and pool reception@wayfarermotel.com.au MUSWELLBROOK CINEMA MOVIE REVIEW BATMAN v SUPERMAN Fearing the actions of Superman are left unchecked, Batman takes on the man of steel, while the world wrestles with what kind of a hero it really needs. With Batman and Superman fighting each other, a new threat, Doomsday, is created by Lex Luthor. It's up to Superman and Batman to set aside their differences along with Wonder Woman to stop Lex Luthor and Doomsday from destroying Metropolis. For screening times check DENMAN MOTOR INN 8 Crinoline Street, Denman Ph: Fax: reception@denmanmotorinn.com.au Fully cooked breakfast Peaceful and central location FREE Internet Austar BBQ facilities Pool 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 24th March, Up Country Entertainer - 7

8 entertainment scene Entertainment to kick off Easter Muswellbrook District Workers Club has two great live shows lined up for the Easter weekend. On Thursday March 24 One Non Blond will take to the stage. The duo cover a variety of music from Patsy Cline to AC/DC with a sprinkling of Creedence, Status Quo, Wolfmother and Cold Chisel thrown in. On Friday the 25th Matt O Leary will wow the crowd with a set list that covers four decades and everything from Elvis to ACDC. Matt plays rock, country and jazz. Both gigs are live and free and will start at 8.30pm. For further information contact the club on WIN! a double pass to Majestic Cinemas. See page 2 for details MUSICAL STYLIST: Matt O Leary who has worked with Keith Urban, Debra Conway and Troy Cassar-Daley will perform at the MDWC this Friday 25th 8.30pm. Talent showcased at Upper Hunter Shire and Kia-Ora Concert Almost two hundred young musicians, singers, dancers and other performers were in the spotlight at the 15th Upper Hunter Shire and Kia-Ora Concert in Scone on Friday night, 18 March Following three days of rehearsal, children and young people from all Upper Hunter Shire schools took to the stage at Scone High School in front of an appreciative audience of over three hundred and fi fty people. One highlight was the Amazing Voice competition where nine talented young singers performed. The winner was Kartya Bailey a year 10 student from St Joseph s Aberdeen. The participating schools this year were Aberdeen Public School, Belltrees Public School, Blandford Public School, Merriwa Central School, Murrurundi Public School, Scone Grammar School, Scone High School, Scone Public School, St Joseph s Aberdeen, St Joseph s Merriwa, and St Mary s Scone. The music camp encourages young talent and motivates them to develop music in their lives by providing awards and scholarships. Founder and Youth Music Camp coordinator Gillian Miles thanked all involved including Council for supporting the camp and concert. Image: Amazing Voice winner Kartya Bailey and voice teacher Francine Bell. 8 - Up Country Entertainer - Thursday 24th March,