The only way to find out what. Image: Stephen Irwin. Christmas Race Day Friday 12 December TAB races Free gate entry - open 11.

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1 Serving the Hunter for over 20 years with a readership of over 4,000 weekly! Thursday 11th December, 2014 s going on! The only way to find out what YOUR WEEK LY GU ID E Missed an issue? See inside ADDING TO YEARS TV Guide Unique and original style by a local artist Often witty, somewhat quirky, distinctive, sometimes sentimental but always original that s the best way to describe Hunter Valley-based Stephen Irwin s art. Image: Stephen Irwin. Christmas Race Day Friday 12 December TAB races Free gate entry - open 11.30am Creating garden art, functional indoor pieces, signature landscape pieces and a range of other engaging pieces, Mr Irwin, who is best known as a thoroughbred industry professional, began tinkering in his workshop about a year ago. His initial creations fuelled a passion to continue and the response has been overwhelming. Working mostly in found objects or discarded metal, he enjoys creating strong and durable pieces whilst respecting the age and heritage of the materials he is working with. What might look like a heap of scrap metal laying on his workshop floor is a challenge to create something new and each piece created to date is unique. 434 Bunnan Road Scone NSW Tel: events@sconeraceclub.com.au sconeraceclub.com.au SRC10096b Whilst he has an eye for detail and emphasis on quality finish, he respects the origin and history of the raw materials. Story continued pages 4 and 5. <Q[ \PM ;MI[WV \W JM 2WTTa +WV\IK\ \PM ->-6< [\WZMZWWU NWZ ITT aw]z +PZQ[\UI[ XIZ\a M^MV\ PQZM VMML[ \PM ->-6< [\WZMZWWU 1; 76 <0-57>- 7]Z ;KWVM JI[ML WNNQKM PI[ KTW[ML IVL PI[ JMMV ZMTWKI\ML \W W]Z VM_ X]ZXW[M J]QT\ _IZMPW][M I\ *TIVLNWZL 8TMI[M KWV\IK\ ][ \W IZZIVOM IV QV[XMK\QWV WN W]Z M`\MV[Q^M M^MV\ XIZ\a PQZM ZIVOM I\ W]Z VM_ _IZMPW][M NIKQTQ\a 1V[XMK\QWV[ IZM [\ZQK\Ta Ja IXXWQV\UMV\ WVTa!! QVNW(\PMM^MV\[\WZMZWWU KWU I] \PMM^MV\[\WZMZWWU KWU I] NIKMJWWS KWU I] \PMM^MV\[\WZMZWWU Join Kerry for his unique take on the world of sport and those jokes that never end! Saturday afternoons from 12pm until 4pm the man they call Skull, Kerry O Keefe broadcasts across the Upper Hunter on 2NM. Are you looking to purchase a property? Check out the real estate guide on page 11.

2 what s on Now available for hire Phone Guernsey Street Scone Royal Hotel-Motel Scone $10 lunch menu / $12 dinner specials (N/A public holidays) Mondays: Seafood basket Tuesdays: Fish & chips with salad Wednesdays: Perfect pasta Thursdays: Succulent schnitzel Every Friday 6.30pm 5 meat tray raffles to be won plus joker draw with $200 up for grabs on 12 December 2014 *TAB *Function room *Family courtyard Lunch: 12pm 2pm; Dinner: 6pm 8.30pm Bistro open 7 days Kelly Street Scone Phone Program information Thurs 11th to Wed 17th December Celebrate Christmas at Scone Races Scone Race Club is looking forward to their traditional Christmas Party Race Day this Friday 12 December. This is a great day to celebrate Christmas with work mates before the crazy rush begins! CEO Sarah Wills said, The Function Centre is booked out with work Christmas parties for the day. Guests will enjoy the day s racing in airconditioned comfort with a delicious special Christmas buffet catered by The Hunted Gourmet. Miss Wills further said, Some businesses have chosen the marquee option on the lawn. They will be able to view the races, enjoy a beautiful lunch with close proximity to the bar and betting facilities. A very relaxing and entertaining day for all. There are seven TAB races with the fi rst at approximately 2:40pm. Gates are open at 11:30am and there is free gate entry. For further information contact Scone Race Club on Images courtesy Katrina Partridge Photography. Would you like your story, event or advertisement in The Entertainer? Contact Cheri Gibson at Hunter Valley Printing E publications@huntervallyprinting.com.au P: F: WIN two double passes! 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) Professional, friendly service - The quiet one g b b r r b Valley 2 Vineyards Trike Tours available - book now! The Entertainer - Thursday 11th December,

3 what s on December events and festivals for Christmas By Zack Phillips There are over 20 events taking place all around the Hunter this month to take care of your specific creative juices! We ve narrowed the list down to a short few that you cannot miss. Judy Simonson, along with her friends Gai Raynor, Michele Barker and Neryl Purcell will be at the Gloucester Gallery every Thursday - Saturday this month for the Butterfly Connection. Judy and her friends will be showcasing their superfine merino wool, silk, canvas and a variety of fibres. For the first time the gallery will be showcasing a venue filled with butterflies with descriptions, including The Butterfly Angel and the Fantastic Butterfly Corner. In Murrurundi Haydon Hall is hosting the Once was the River Page until 14 December. This is an exhibition of 18 canvasses by a collection of 9 Upper Hunter artists. The artworks are from the twoweek workshop in September to show the significance of the Pages River to the community and to expand people s understanding of the relationship through the art and the people. On Saturday 13 December Scone s Elizabeth Park will be transformed into a wonderland of Christmas joy with Christmas in the Park. The evening kicks off at 5pm and there will market stalls, face painting, popcorn, slushies, barbeque, entertainment, raffles, and so much more. Santa Claus himself will also be making an appearance on the night with Santa photos taking place. Bring a blanket or a bean bag to sit on, as there ll also be a Christmas movie on the giant outdoor screen for viewing. For more Christmas activities, or any other events, visit the Arts Upper Hunter website on Scone Motor Inn Conference Centre Accommodation; Corporate Rates Cnr New England Hwy & Mount St Now also at Dubbo Manera Heights Apartments Executive and One-Bedroom Apartments Family Units and Three- Bedroom House Festive cheer with the Damage Brothers If there s one thing a band wants to hear, is the members of the audience asking, When are you playing again? It s something that the Damage Brothers, local Upper Hunter classic rock band has been hearing ever since forming in The band began its days when Owen Hogan, Dave Neumann and Nathan and Dan Crosby left the bands they were playing with and decided to get together and explore the styles they wanted to play. Over the years since then the group has had a few changes until it became the Damage Brothers audiences know today; Mark Anderson on lead vocals, Nathan Crosby on drums and vocals, Todd Johnston on bass guitar and vocals, Steve Neumann on rhythm guitar and Dave Neumann on lead guitar and also providing vocals. With a line-up of all your favourite classic rock artists from the 70 s and 80 s, plus a few originals thrown in to shake things up a bit will certainly entertain the large crowd expected. Their repertoire includes songs from the Angels, AC/DC, Bad Company, Cream, The Rolling Stones and others that have gained them a loyal following among Upper Hunter audiences over the years that keeps people coming back again and again. The Damage Brothers are performing at the Royal Hotel in Muswellbrook on Friday 19 December from 8pm until late. Admission is free, so make sure you come along and experience the pumping highs of being in the audience at a Damage Brothers gig. If you want to stay updated on their gigs, events and general antics, you can follow the Damage Brothers on their Facebook page. Image: Mark Anderson Maitland Street New England Highway Muswellbrook E: thejohnhuntermotel@bigpond.com.au Phone: Luxury Accommodation The John Hunter Motel is the largest motel in Muswellbrook with 68 rooms ideal for corporate or family travellers. We offer quality service with 24 hour reception and room service for breakfast or dinner. Choose to dine in our licenced restaurant or have it delivered to your room. Interconnecting Rooms Disabled Access Licenced Restaurant & Bar Guest Barbecue Area Pool & Heated Spa Catering for All Occasions Wifi Access Austar In Room Meals Airconditioned Rooms Off Street Parking 18 Hole Golf Course (Opposite) Bringing more than 25 years of experience of high quality work in both digital and offset printing 90 kelly street scone wilkins street muswellbrook Thursday 11th December The Entertainer - 3

4 creative arts Unique and original style by a local artist Continued from front page One signature piece was a large indoor wall art fixture for the acclaimed Willow Tree Inn s restaurant Graze. Another recent accomplishment was a two-metre-tall sunflower which was commissioned by a well-known Morpeth identity for a heritage-listed property. I can t draw, but I can envisage things in my mind, and I am using my welding experience but thinking outside the square, Mr Irwin said. Creating life-sized sheep not one the same, since different materials are used, has proven popular with clients. The sheep literally sell off the back of a truck, he said. When the working day is over and his children are tucked up in bed, Mr Irwin turns to his shed and relishes working alone at night. His art has garnered attention from property owners, and as a result, he has been commissioned to do specific work such as the sunflower. Sourcing raw material isn t always straightforward. I buy about 60 per cent from mechanical scrap bins, I sometimes trade a carton of beer for items, and I try to get to clearing sales. But you d be surprised, a lot of people have stuff on farms and you think you can get it because it is just sitting there rusting, but they re reluctant to part with it. However, he has created a couple of pieces using old materials significant to the client. One example was a seat with features to enable an elderly man to stand. He was an 80-year-old former shearer, and I went to the shed and got pieces he d used over the years, shearing handpieces, an old tractor seat, plough tynes, star picket posts it all represented things that had been important to him over time. He loved it and he uses it every day it reminds him every day who he is by touching the pieces, he said. Continued page 5 THE WAYFARER MOTEL New England Highway, Muswellbrook Muswellbrook s only 24-hour check-in motel Room service available for breakfasts, home cooked dinners and packed lunches Backing onto golf course Clean, comfortable and affordable 25 air-conditioned rooms Pool and barbecue facility WIFI reception@wayfarermotel.com.au Images: [Above] Mr Brian Hunt and his custom-made chair. Images: [Above] Creations with a difference by Stephen Irwin. 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 Bringing more than 25 years of experience of high-quality work in both digital and offset printing 90 kelly street scone wilkins street muswellbrook The Entertainer - Thursday 11th December,

5 creative arts Unique and original style by a local artist Continued from page 4 I also did a fish for a lady on a 12,140-hectare wheat farm near Quirindi because her husband was a mad fly fisherman. It is positioned in their garden where he sits and has a smoke and a beer every afternoon and just looks at it. He has also done custom equine pieces for stables and front gates. I guess anything people visualise, I will try to do. It does have a rough-hewn aspect to it and that is hard, to leave it rough, because I have a fabrication business where the finish has to be perfect, but the raw materials can be from 10 years to 100 years old so it spoils it if you touch it up too much. Mr Irwin was raised at South Narrung Stud in South Australia and followed his father Les Irwin into the thoroughbred industry, working at Blandford Park near Murrurundi as a youngster under his father and the late John Kelso and Peter Flynn. All I ever wanted to do was horses, but I did do some work with a builder and learned welding skills, and I have enjoyed doing work that is evident on many farms in the Hunter, he said. He remains involved in the thoroughbred industry providing farm items to a wide range of prominent clients, offering a farm set-up service and a yearling preparation consultancy service. But it is at night-time in the shed with the music on and a heap of old metal that is now the seemingly unstoppable passion of Stephen Irwin. Images: Stephen Irwin and some of this unique creations. Thursday 11th December The Entertainer - 5

6 food & wine Berlin Beach Club Last Saturday evening s Berlin Beach Club event at Michael Reid Gallery in Murrurundi saw a well-attended gathering of people with a thunderous storm at the end of the evening. In homage to Berlin s summer beach culture, the gallery will host a further two Berlin Beach Club evenings (12th and 19th December 2014) leading up to Christmas. Good Australian wine, German beer and sausage are to be enjoyed during these very social events. For all enquiries phone: Images: [Above] L-R: Dragica Vukas, Glenda Stace and Mandy Archibald. [Right] Robin Babbage, John Summerill, Geoff Field with Stoker the gallery labrador in front. [Below] The crowd enjoying the evening. 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 6 - The Entertainer - Thursday 11th December,

7 food & wine Phone Muswellbrook s newest fine-dining destination Maitland Street, Muswellbrook OPEN FOR LUNCH & DINNER 7 DAYS BREAKFAST SUNDAYS FROM 8AM For bookings please call Ogilvie Street Denman denmanhotel.com.au ACCOMMODATION Paddock to Pantry Royal Hotel - Motel, Scone Hunter Belle Cheese The Remington Two Rivers Vineyard Hollydene Estate Wines The Denman Muswellbrook - Denman - Sandy Hollow A great place to experience a host of fabulous events, festivities and the culture of the Upper Hunter Let us help you make the most of your visit to our beautiful shire Muswellbrook Visitor Information Centre 87 Hill Street, Muswellbrook NSW 2333 Phone: Denman Visitor Information Centre 7 Ogilvie Street, Denman NSW 2328 Phone: Thursday 11th December The Entertainer - 7

8 out & about Volunteer sporting coaches thanked Volunteer sporting coaches give up their free time to bring the benefits of sports to children throughout the community. In the lead up to International Volunteer Day last Friday (5 December) Upper Hunter Shire Council produced an honour role to thank the 181 volunteer coaches from 28 sporting groups who share their time, skills and efforts. At an afternoon tea at Council s Scone Chambers, Mayor Michael Johnsen personally thanked some of the coaches including younger coaches. Without volunteer coaches there would not be the wide choice of activities available for children and young people in the Upper Hunter, he said. From football to netball and swimming there is something for everyone. Both my wife Zenda and I have spent our lives volunteering in all of our children s sports. Being a part of our children s busy lives is important to us as parents and enhanced their life experience; an attitude I am sure they will pass on to their own children in years to come. Team sports are not just about great childhood memories they teach important skills and habits for a healthy, happy life, Mayor Johnsen said. I thank all of the volunteer coaches who are making such a difference by keeping our children running, playing and having fun. Images: [Above left] George McCready, Tracey Warner, Nicky Western, Lauren Eccles, Maree Hedley, Mayor Michael Johnsen, Jesse Schumaker, Maddee Phelps, and Rachael Tillemans celebrating International Volunteer Day at Upper Hunter Shire Council. [Above right] Maddee Phelps being presented her award by Mayor Michael Johnsen for volunteering with Scone Basketball Association. Are you looking for Christmas cards or 2015 calendars for either personal or corporate use? We will personalise, design and print to your specifications. Contact us for a quick and efficient turnaround. Bringing you superb results for over 25 years! 90 kelly street scone wilkins street muswellbrook EDDINGS ORMALS UNERALS LIMO & CAR HIRE tuttifruittilimo@yahoo.com.au The Entertainer - Thursday 11th December,

9 equine trend & more Where Champions Are Born Where Champions Are Born is a monumental publication, chronicling a snapshot of the present studfarm landscape in New Zealand. Well-known racing journalist and broadcaster Aidan Rodley has profiled 16 of our finest breeding establishments in his seminal book Where Champions Are Born - New Zealand s Most Influential Studfarms. With magnificent photography from the renowned equine photographer Trish Dunell and the foreword from current Black Caps cricket captain Brendon McCullum, Where Champions Are Born is sure to become a staple on the bookshelf of bloodstock aficionados everywhere. Stylishly laid-out by distinguished editorial designer Ken Emery, this hardcover, glossy-paged book consists of 216 pages, with a chapter designated to each studfarm, documenting its history, success and evolution and giving an amazing insight into the lives of some of New Zealand s most important breeders - men and women that have helped shape the industry. The studs range from the powerhouse stallion farms to the most influential boutique nurseries, each sharing the philosophies and events that have made them such influential entities on the bloodstock scene. Where Champions Are Born is a unique undertaking in profiling the breeding industry and its elite participants and the book has been produced to the highest standards in keeping with the subject matter. The studs profiled in Where Champions Are Born are (in geographical order): Haunui Farm, Te Akau Stud, Pencarrow Stud, Highview Stud, Curraghmore Stud, Cambridge Stud, Windsor Park Stud, The Oaks Stud, Trelawney Stud, Valachi Downs, Rich Hill Stud, Waikato Stud, Wellfield Lodge, Fairdale Stud, Goodwood Stud, Little Avondale Stud, White Robe Lodge. Where Champions Are Born will be released in mid-december, retailing at $39.90, and can be preordered at or purchased at selected bookstores. Moving into starting gates this week Several years of hard work have gone into a new innovation in Australian bloodstock selling which goes into the starting gates this Thursday and reaches the finishing post next Tuesday evening, December 16. It is to be the staging by a company named BloodstockAuctionCom of Australia s first online thoroughbred auction sale. It is the brainchild of Hawkesbury Valley businessman and stud farm owner Anthony Gafa and one of the regions leading horsemen, Craig Weeding. They have established an office at Windsor, Hawkesbury Valley under General Manager Anthony Harrington, have travelled widely in New South Wales and other States introducing the concept to potential sellers and buyers and are confident of a lot of interest when the first catalogue goes on the website on this week. Images: The management team poised to launch online bloodstock auctions. L-R: Anthony Gafa, Director; Anthony Harrington, General Manager and Criag Weeding, Director. 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 11th December The Entertainer - 9

10 leisure & lifestyle Revamp plans for Upper Hunter CBDs Central Business Districts (CBDS) across the Upper Hunter may be upgraded as a result of Upper Hunter Shire Council establishing a new CBD Development Committee. Mayor Michael Johnsen said the vision was to maximise the best features Scone, Aberdeen, Merriwa and Murrurundi have to offer residents and visitors. Each town is unique and a coordinated approach to improving CBDs will take advantage of that, Mayor Johnsen said. Shire wide plans also put Council in an optimum position to apply for future opportunities through NSW and Federal grants. We are planning for the future. The Scone Bypass and Overpass is only a few years away and it will impact on Scone but also potentially on other towns. This is an opportunity and we are planning for it, Mayor Johnsen said. Interested residents are invited to submit Expressions of Interest on serving on the new committee which will include community members from each town as well as Deputy Mayor Wayne Bedggood and Cr Ron Campbell. Sub-committees will also be established in each town to assist in the planning. Council s Economic Development and Tourism Manager Sean Constable said a more coordinated focus on CBD redevelopment would be a more efficient way to improve facilities in town centres. Every town is different but we don t need to re-invent the wheel when planning improvements to CBDs, he said. Across the Shire we all need to consider how to accommodate new travellers like RVs, new retail experiences and making our towns more shopper-friendly. The new Upper Hunter CBD Redevelopment Committee will prepare a brief for a study of CBD redevelopment in the Upper Hunter and oversee the creation of masterplans by an independent expert consultant. The Shire has had some CBD committees specific to single towns in the past, however they have become inactive. Councillors approved the Charter for the Upper Hunter CBD Redevelopment Committee at the Council meeting Monday night. An Expressions of Interest form for the new Upper Hunter CBD Development Committee is available on Council s website www. upperhunter.nsw.gov.au (under Your Council / Council Business / Committees/ Upper Hunter Shire Council S355 Committee Nomination Form ). Images: [Above] Upper Hunter Shire Mayor Michael Johnsen, Deputy Mayor Wayne Bedggood (front) Cr Lorna Driscoll and Cr Ron Campbell after the Council s decision on Monday to establish a CBD Redevelopment Committee. [Below] Council s Economic Development and Tourism Manager Sean Constable said the new committee to oversee CBD redevelopment plans would mean a more coordinated and efficient response to opportunities to improve Scone, Aberdeen, Merriwa and Murrurundi. 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 The Entertainer - Thursday 11th December,

11 Real Estate Guide Real Estate Profi le: Bettington Rural, Murrurundi David Bettington, licensee in charge and Elizabeth Turner, property manager provide a professional service to the districts between Scone and Quirindi. Established in 2012, Bettington Rural is founded on the morals and strength of David Bettington. David s aim is to make the daunting process of buying or selling a property a positive one. He prides himself on being friendly, approachable and highly-motivated. His approach ensures he will go the extra mile for the best possible outcome. Liz Turner joined Bettington Rural in Her knowledge and experience along with her dedication and honesty plus her commitment to property management allows Bettington Rural to offer an expert propertymanagement service. Bettington Rural is a proud sponsor of many local community activities and is a major sponsor of the King of The Ranges Stockman s Challenge and Bush Festival held at Murrurundi over the fi rst weekend in May each year. The Bettington Rural team is looking forward to another year of growth in 2015, and would like to wish the wider community a very merry Christmas and a great New Year. You can contact Liz on or David on Image: David Bettington and Elizabeth Turner. Located in the Scone Industrial Estate is the only storage facility in Scone with video surveillance 24 hours a day/7 days a week. The following size storage units are available: For further information and availability phone MacCallum Inglis or visit our office and ask for Kelly street Scone. Real Estate Pty Ltd 12 Coolibah Street, SCONE $198,000 Ten Mile 1669 Crawney Rd, CRAWNEY Great first home / investment Why pay rent, when you can own? Brooke McInerney Phone: (02) Mobile: Patrick Gleeson KATE MAILER SOLICITOR Providing sound advice for all your legal needs Price: Expressions of interest - Closing 16th February 2015 The property is a lifestyle block but with the ability to generate significant income. Further improvements are still possible, allowing for tax deductions. Located in Timor only 1 hour from Scone and just a little more to the bigger centre of Tamworth. Property has 15 dams plus approx. 5kms on the Ten Mile Creek and frontage to the Isis River. Soil is deep chocolate basalt and limestone. Ranges from creek flats to rolling basalt hills and steep country interspersed with cleared elevated plateaus. Good timber cover has been retained, mainly stringy bark, yellow and white box with some apple and red gum. Creek banks - white gum and River Oaks. Windbreaks have also been planted. Weed control has been a priority; records kept on usage. David Bettington or Liverpool Street SCONE NSW 2337 P: F: E: kat er@kat er.com.au Thursday 11th December The Entertainer - 11

12 local gig guide Furniture, Giftware, Soft Furnishings, Jewellery, Accessories, Clothing, Images: [Above left] Scone Singers and Scone Public School students performing. [Above Right] Staff from Scone & Aberdeen Neighbourhood Centres - Jan Kelaher, Jaala Presland and Lee Watts. [Below left] Sparkles the clown with Mikayla and Emity Croft. [Below right] Staff member Di Pittard with market stall holder Kerry Gough. [Bottom] Employees from Hunter Valley Quality Meats. Royal Hotel, Muswellbrook Friday 12 December Funked Up Friday with DJ 8pm Free admission Muswellbrook District Workers Club Friday 12 December 8.30pm Free admission in the main lounge Royal Hotel, Muswellbrook Friday 19 December Damage 8pm Free admission Muswellbrook District Workers Club Friday 19 December Carrot 8.30pm Free admission in the main lounge Royal Hotel, Muswellbrook Saturday 24 January 2015 (Australia Day long weekend) DRAGON Endless Summer 8.30pm Tickets $40 pp a double pass to Majestic Cinemas. See page 2 for details Aberdeen Twilight Markets - wet but successful Last Saturday 6 December produced a nearly-washed -out Aberdeen Twilight Markets, however as they say the show must go on and it did with the whole event being relocated into the community hall at Aberdeen. Twilight Market organiser, Jaala Presland praised the support and efforts of stallholders, staff - Scone & Aberdeen Neighbourhood Centres and volunteers from the Aberdeen Lion s Club, Scone Singers and of course the patrons. Friday 12 December 8.30pm Free entertainment in the main lounge Driving the Hunter! Saunders Honda Ph: Saunders Mazda Ph: MD48144 MVRL The Entertainer - Thursday 11th December,