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1 upper hunter March 9 to March 15, 2013 The only way to find out what s going on! Eight Days to Go Until the Show (See page 2) YOUR WEEKLY GUIDE FREE Upper Hunter Regional Show 15/16 March 2013 Muswellbrook Showground Bar and BBQ running all day Bet with the Bookies Calcutta Guess the Weight Auction Mechanical Bull Body & Face Art Helicopter Rides Kid s Tent operates all day All mice are provided for the day s races and have been trained to peak form for this championship event by Gai Watermouse Monster Trucks & Jet Quad, Rodeo, Wood Chop, Showjumping, Fireworks, Ute Competiton, and much more secretary@upperhuntershow.com.au everyday specials MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN $3.50 VB SCHOONERS $10 PASTA $3.50 XXXX SCHOONERS $12 SCHNITZEL DART thoroughbred hotel $3.50 C/DRY SCHOONERS $15 M/GRILL POOL COMP $3.50 NEW SCHOONERS $15 S/FILLET DART COMP Offering an exclusive range of contemporary event furniture, decorative decor + party hire suitable for weddings, corporate functions, dinner parties, birthday celebrations + children's parties. $7.00 RTD S* * See our board $7.00 RTD S* * See our board $3.50* STUBBIES * See our board Amelia Wilkinson / / info@theeventstoreroom.com.au / Cupids Flower Studio & Event H ire * Fresh Flowers * Chocolate Arrangements * Balloons * Event Hire * Gift Baskets * Giftwear * Party Supplies * Bridal Wear Offering FREE delivery on all fresh flowers & balloons Shop 16 Scone Shopping Village Kelly Street Scone WIN a double pass to Majestic Cinemas. See page 2 for details 2NM has all your footy action in 2013 with the Continuous Call team covering NRL Friday night, Saturday and Sunday afternoons The Heart of the Hunter for over 60 years

2 feature event Bigger and Better Than Ever! By Caitlin Andrews There are just eight days left until the launch of the 2013 Upper Hunter Show, which is set to be one of the biggest and most exhilarating events in the show s rich history. That s right kids it s time to save your pocket money, pick out your outfi t and get ready for two days of action-packed show entertainment. The fi nal touches are now being applied to livestock including beef cattle and horses for the show s traditional elements of cattle and horse judging, as well as the feathered friends with a large scale chook judging competition sure to be on the agenda again. Exhibitors are ready to provide everything from fresh produce to plants, animals and art works, with huge displays of arts, craft, sewing, cooking and much more to be displayed in the pavilions. The terrifying, but fun rides will soon start to arrive to make sideshow alley the colourful and thrilling spectacle it has always been. In the main arena, the line up of entertainment for this year s event is outstanding. One the main new attractions is the nationally acclaimed comedy performance by The Crackup Sisters, along with Monster Trucks and Jet Quads in the Monster Family Thrill Spectacular, wood chopping, post splitting, dog high jump demonstration, live music and a huge fi reworks spectacular, the thrills and spills of rodeo and the demolition derby. The offi cial opening of the show will take place following the Grand Parade at 3pm on Saturday where the 2013 Upper Hunter Showgirl will be announced. The general pavilions will be complemented by a new showcase in BAR BOTTLESHOP BISTRO Restaurant Open 7 Days 98 Kelly St. Scone (02) the Providore featuring some of the Upper Hunter s fi nest produce from places such as Two Rivers Wines, Winbourne Estate, Tilses Apple Cider, Pukara, Hunter Belle Cheese, Alexander Downs Meats, Blue Flame Cafe, Carmens A little taste of Italy, La Luna Brasserie and others. It wouldn t be an agricultural show without the feature of horse events including campdrafting, district hack, breed classes, Stock Horse classes, open hack and riding classes, showjumping, polocrosse State of Origin along with the heavy horses, Australian saddle ponies, miniature horse and harness classes. Don t miss out on all the action at this year s Upper Hunter Show. For more information, visit the offi cial website at Program information Thurs 7th to Wed 13th March The Entertainer in conjunction with Majestic Cinemas are giving away two double passes each week to two lucky readers. Look for the word WINNER along with the editors signature on this page, above HVP logo. Present the winning Entertainer to the Muswellbrook offi ce of Hunter Valley Printing, 6 Wilkins Street Muswellbrook and collect your passes. (must be claimed within one week of publication date) Any Events? Advertisements? Stories? If you would like to add your event, article or advertise in The Upper Hunter Entertainer, contact us at Hunter Valley Printing Phone Fax publications@huntervalleyprinting.com.au 2 - The Upper Hunter Entertainer - March 9 to March 15, 2013

3 what s on Campdraft Action at Aberdeen By Caitlin Andrews After a long break campdrafters from near and far will make the journey to Aberdeen this weekend for the Aberdeen Bushman s Carnival Campdraft. The two day event will be held at St Andrews Reserve in Aberdeen where a full program of campdraft action will be on show. Spectators are welcome to witness some of the fi nest men; women and children compete in the draft starting with the maiden run in conjunction with the encouragement at 6am this Saturday morning. The open and ladies events will follow and a jackpot open for open will conclude the day s events. The novice competitors will start the program on Sunday morning with the novice A starting at 6am followed by novice B, the junior events and fi nals of the maiden, both novices and the open draft. Children will be in paradise on Saturday with ring two including hack and riding classes, as well as sporting events starting at 9am. Entries for ring two will be taken on the day. The nights will also be abuzz with activity with the Australian Bushmen s Campdraft and Rodeo Association Hunter Zone High Point Presentation Night and a free sausage sizzle for competitors. Saturday night will feature a calcutta on the fi nalists of the open draft. There will be a full canteen, barbecue and bar facilities available throughout the weekend. For more information, contact Scott Ryan on RAILWAY HOTEL Images: [Top] Local Aberdeen competitor and committee member Joe Palmer in action at Wingen last year. [Bottom] Last year s ABRCA Hunter Zone top point score winners after the presentation - held on the Friday at last years Aberdeen draft. Live Entertainment Every Sunday from 4.30pm to 8.30pm Food from 5pm Full TAB and Keno Facilities MARCH NEW RELEASES 6/3 End of Watch (MA15+) Action 6/3 Intouchables (M) Drama 6/3 Premium Rush (M) Thriller 6/3 Silent Hill Revelations (MA15+) Horror 6/3 Taken 2 (M) Action 2/209 Kelly Street Scone Ph: MUSWELLBROOK Restaurant Mon - Fri 6pm pm March 10 - Matt O Leary March 17 - Ryan Sampson March 24 - Jared Scott Market Street Muswellbrook SCONE BOWLING CLUB Gundy Road Muswellbrook Luxury Accommodation Restaurant Open 7 Days Subject to bookings Catering for Special Functions Business & Gourmet Breakfasts Solar Pool & Spa 18 Hole Golf Course (Opposite) FRIDAY NIGHT RAFFLES 30 MEAT TRAYS FIRST DRAW 7.30PM FRIDAY MEMBERS DRAW $1100 Draws at 6pm, 7pm and 8pm if not won WEDNESDAY NIGHT RAFFLES 15 draws to be won - First draw 7.30pm WEDNESDAY MEMBERS DRAW $3400 BINGO Tuesday 7pm TEXAS HOLDEM POKER Tuesday 7pm ALPHY Thursday 7pm CHASE RESTAURANT OPEN 7 DAYS Modern Australian and Asian Cuisine Lunch pm, Dinner pm Takeaways, Phone Bookings Preferred $8 Meal Deals every day, plus Wednesday nights MEMBERS HAPPY HOUR Wednesday & Friday 5pm to 7pm Thursday & Saturday 5pm to 6pm $2.50 schooners & $1.00 off all house spirits Courtesy Bus Available from 5.30pm til late Fridays, 6pm til late Wednesdays. Phone club for bookings Restaurant bookings SCONE S ONLY 4 STAR MOTEL Cnr New England Hwy & Mount St March 9 to March 15, The Upper Hunter Entertainer - 3

4 creative Creative Arts arts BHP Billiton Invests $1.1 Million into Local Early Childhood Education Muswellbrook will soon be home to one of Australia s largest pre-schools following a $1.1 million contribution from BHP Billiton Mt Arthur Coal announced today. Mt Arthur Coal s funding to Muswellbrook Pre School Kindergarten Inc. will allow the school to increase its daily student numbers from 80 to 110. The funding will also be used to create a new community room, which will be opened to other local community groups, and to install additional outdoor play equipment at the school. Peter Sharpe, NSW Energy Coal Asset President, said the funding opportunity was identifi ed during Mt Arthur Coal s Sustainable Communities Project. Childcare and education are two areas the community told us were in need of support, and the investment in the preschool is an example of how Mt Arthur Coal is listening to the community and delivering on its commitments. The expansion of the preschool will give more children the opportunity to experience the benefi ts of early childhood education and support the ongoing development of the local community, Mr Sharpe said. Kelly Constable, Muswellbrook Pre School Kindergarten Inc. Director and teacher, said the school has come a long way from its humble beginnings, and it has been disheartening to have to turn potential students away due to a lack of space. Muswellbrook Pre School Kindergarten Inc. began in 1965 with just two employees, Baybrook Motor Inn & Apartments New England Highway, Muswellbrook 2 & 3 Bedroom Serviced Apartments Quality motel units/family units Austar, Pool, BBQ Wireless Broadband twenty children and twenty pounds in the bank. Today, we have twenty-fi ve employees, two hundred children and over seventy children on our waiting list. For years, we have been looking at how to make this expansion project feasible, and we are extremely excited and very grateful to Mt Arthur Coal for helping us make our dreams a reality. This expansion will not only allow more students to access our learning and development programs, but will provide a new community room for other local education and development groups to hold THE WAYFARER MOTEL New England Highway, Muswellbrook B g G f C 25 A C P & BBQ WIFI AUSTAR reception@wayfarermotel.com.au The Grapevine Motel 1 Ogilvie Street, Denman PHONE grapevinemotel@bigpond.com 17 New Units with King Beds Free Continental Breakfast Air Conditioned Undercover Parking Inter-Connecting Rooms Disabled Unit Walk to Family Restaurant Off the Highway Internet Austar meetings, workshops and programs, Mrs Constable said. Construction of the new facility will commence in the coming weeks and is expected to be completed by late Other educational initiatives recently supported by Mt Arthur Coal include the Warrae Wanni Pathways to School project for early childhood education, and the company s graduate, apprenticeship and traineeship programs. Mt Arthur Coal also provides assistance to employees looking to further their education. Further information on Mt Arthur Coal can be found at DENMAN MOTOR INN 8 Crinoline Street, Denman Ph: Fax: denmanmotorinn@yahoo.com.au Good CLEAN Country Hospitality in the heart of the Upper Hunter Vineyards Fully cooked breakfast Evening meal to rooms FREE Internet Austar BBQ facilities Pool quality and reliability every time... Muswellbrook 6 Wilkins Street Ph: Fax: mbkadmin@huntervalleyprinting.com.au Scone 90 Kelly Street Ph: Fax: sconeadmin@huntervalleyprinting.com.au The Upper Hunter Entertainer - March 9 to March 15, 2013

5 creative arts WUPA s Success in Flagship Funding from Destination NSW The 5th annual Wupa@Wanaruah art exhibition is back again this year taking tourists and Hunter Valley locals on an Aboriginal art trail experience across seven venues in the popular Pokolbin and Broke wine region of the Hunter Valley. The free exhibition, being held over six weeks from 14 September to 31 October 2013, is organised by the Ungooroo Aboriginal Corporation, a not-for-profi t organisation run to benefi t local Aboriginal people. The fi fth year is a tremendous milestone for Ungooroo AC, the WUPA artists and all their sponsors and supporters, and it is fi tting that at such a key moment in the development of WUPA as an event they are able to announce their success in being among a number of events and organisations to receive Flagship Funding from Destinations NSW. Ungooroo Aboriginal Corporation Manager Taasha Layer said, The Flagship Funding further cements a growing relationship that WUPA has developed with Destination NSW over the last couple of years and will enable us to broaden our marketing and promotional strategies and reach a much larger audience. The growth of WUPA is evident when you take into account that this year their exhibition is showcasing more than one hundred pieces of photographic, contemporary and traditional artwork produced by over fi fteen experienced and emerging Aboriginal artists from the Hunter Valley and surrounding regions. The Arts of March By Sophie Fitzgerald This March, the region has prepared for us a rather full calendar of events, as we gear up for our busiest month yet. From the 7 9 March, Gloucester will hold their 15th Annual Shakespeare Festival. A locally produced play of Romeo and Juliet will be performed in traditional medieval style with food, markets and workshops. It s a great way to spend a weekend in the beautiful Valley. For more information - www. shakespeareingloucester.com.au We are then presented with Flickerfest 2013, the international touring short fi lm festival. Being its twenty second year running, the travelling festival comes to Dungog on 16 March. For tickets or information go to agog.net.au/tickets or call We are then delighted with An Evening of Delhi Delights!! on the 17 March. Presented by Scone Grammar, the event fundraises for a school in North India with live music, Indian sweets, a snake charmer, juggler and artwork. For more information contact Marina on or Along with these is over twenty other events including Country Music Shindig, Harmony Day, Art Displays, exclusive talks and many more. For any information on these, go to muswellbrook regional arts centre 12 January - 17 March 2013 Strong Women, Strong Painting, Strong Culture Muswellbrook Australia Day Acquisitive Art Award We Just Like It True Blue Image: Kunmanara (Narpuuta Jugadai) Nangala, Kaarkurutinytja 2006 acrylic on linen Corner of Bridge & William Streets, Muswellbrook NSW 2333 t e arts.centre@muswellbrook.nsw.gov.au w muswellbrookartscentre.com.au Tuesday to Friday 10am - 5pm Weekends 10am - 1pm Mondays by appointment only Closed public holidays March 9 to March 15, The Upper Hunter Entertainer - 5

6 food & wine Lovedale Long Lunch Game On! at Wynwood Estate By Sophie Fitzgerald Twentieth year and counting, the annual Lovedale Long Lunch is set to impress the Hunter Valley once again this year, stretched over Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 May from 10am-4pm. The food and wine trail event features seven different wineries, where you will be treated to various wine tastings, unique, progressive style cuisine and live entertainment. With accommodation deals, bus and shuttle services available and ticket deals, you and your friends or family can make a relaxing, fun weekend out of it! Gathering food and wine lovers from far and wide, they invite you to Allandale Winery, Emma s Cottage Vineyard, Gartelmann, Saltire Wines, Sandalyn Wilderness Estate, Tatler Wines and last but not least Wandin Hunter Valley. So get some friends together and book your tickets online today! For more information visit and guarantee your place at the Hunter Valleys unmissable event of Saturday March 23, 2013 Game on is an outdoor progressive dinner starting at 2pm sharp. Each course will be matched with a different Wynwood Estate wine. After every second course you will be required to walk approximately 100 metres to the next location (seating will be limited) where the next course and matched wine will be served. Water will be provided at each station. The progressive dinner ends with a live magician show by Adam Mada, music and dancing in our Barrel Room, cheese platters will be served at this time. The idea of GAME ON is to show you some fantastic food and wine. We will be moving across the Wynwood Estate property and every second course will be in a different location, six in all moving every hour to the next two courses. We will not have seating available for everyone at each location so a light weight camping chair is recommended as you will be entertained throughout your journey. The AFTER PARTY being held in the Wynwood Estate Barrel Room will end at 10pm. Location: Wynwood Estate Twine Restaurant Oakey Creek Road Pokolbin NSW 2325 Don t Miss the Maitland Taste Festival 9 & 10 March The Maitland Taste Food, Wine and Music festival is a colourful celebration of the Hunter s most renowned chefs and winemakers. Held in the heritage rich Maitland City Centre, the festival takes place over two huge days in beautiful autumn weather. In 2013 Maitland Taste is excited to host cooking demonstrations from Maitland s own MasterChef champion Andy Allen. The charming celebrity chef will share the tricks of the trade with crowds as he slices, dices and sautés his way to foodie heaven. Allen will be joined by some of the most experienced and talented chefs in the Hunter offering cooking demonstrations and classes. The smorgasbord of treats will be complemented by some of the most esteemed wineries from around the region including Wynwood Estate, Tulloch Wines and Pepper Tree Wines. Atmospheric entertainment will be provided by local musicians and there will be plenty of children s entertainment and activities. For more information: Welcome to Muswellbrook Shire 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: The Upper Hunter Entertainer - March 9 to March 15, 2013

7 food & wine PUKARA ESTATE OLIVES Where: 1440 Denman Road, Muswellbrook 2333 When: Open seven days, 9.30am to 4.30pm Pukara Estate s extra virgin olive oils are amongst Australia s best, winning over 32 awards in shows nationally. Visitors to the Estate can taste the complete range of Premium and Flavoured oils, table olives and many gourmet products. All products can be purchased direct from the grove. Toby s Estate Coffee and home made slices also available. Open 7 days a week 9:30am 4:30pm. Phone At James Estate, we enjoy the simple life Smiles, laughs, friends and fresh air Wine is a bonus! We re at 951 Bylong Valley Way Baerami Cellar door open 7 days 10am to 4:30pm Ph: Follow us on Facebook kerv Espresso Bar Where: 108 Liverpool Street, Scone When: Open Mon-Fri 7.45am - 4pm Sat 8.30am - 2pm Open for breakfast, lunch & dinner by appointment Takeaway menu available Selection of in-house pastries & sweets Prepared frozen meals Toby s Estate Coffee Phone The family pub, owned and operated by Phil and Kyua Ryan and their daughter Amelia. Phone Bridge Street, Muswellbrook White Hart Hotel Kerv Espresso Bar Black & White Pepper Paddock 2 Pantry One22 Royal Hotel - Motel, Scone Hotel Eatons Hunter Belle Cheese Pukara Estate Olives Two Rivers Vineyard James Estate ONE 22 FOOD WINE BEER Serving the Hunter Valley s Finest! 122 Kelly Street Scone Phone: March 9 to March 15, The Upper Hunter Entertainer - 7

8 the equine trend & more Dog Agility is a Fast Growing Sport By Dr. Peta Gay Railton 2013 NCHA National Finals and Snaffl ebit Futurity Dog agility is one of the fastest-growing dog sports in the world. Dogs leap over hurdles, power through tunnels, zip through a slalom of upright poles and scale ramps of different sizes. The aim is to fi nd the balance between the control of the dog and the speed of the performance. It s a fun and exciting sport in which a team of dog & handler run through numbered courses to perform obstacles within a certain time limit. Agility can be a sport just for fun or for competition. It s exciting regardless of whether you re a spectator or a participant! Dog agility emphasises teamwork, with the handler directing teammates through the obstacles using both body and verbal cues. It s a fun, healthy way to connect and play with your dog, creates a strong bond between handler and dog and can be enjoyed by people and dogs of all ages, as long as they are fi t and healthy enough to meet the athletic challenges. Agility accommodates all types and sizes of dogs, from mixed breeds to pure breeds. It s a great way to get fresh air and exercise with your best friend. To learn more about this exciting sport, call Pet Medical at Pet Medical is offering Dog Agility school taught by master trainer, Zoe Daly and is held on Wednesdays at 5:30pm. Pet Medical. Scone / Muswellbrook / Denman Image: Zoe Daly and Matilda Wednesday 13 Saturday 16 March. Venue: Australian Equine and Livestock Events Centre (AELEC) Tamworth Event Contact Details: National Cutting Horse Association. Phone: (02) Fax: (02) , admin@ncha.com.au, Website: www. ncha.com.au pet medical SCONE MUSWELLBROOK DENMAN Experience. Sound advice. Positive outcomes. We think that just about covers it! Owner with her dog. Scone Pet Parade 2012 MUSWELLBROOK Market House ~ 4 Market Street Muswellbrook NSW The Upper Hunter Entertainer - March 9 to March 15, 2013

9 the equine trend & more Thoroughbred Retraining Programme Scott Brodie will be demonstrating the Racing NSW Thoroughbred Retraining Programme at White Park on Saturday 18 May. This programme aims to re-home Thoroughbred horses deemed suitable for use as leisure horses as well as re-educate and re-train these horses in a new equine career. It is a joint venture between Racing NSW and Corrective Services NSW which provides inmates with skills, training and prospective employment opportunities in the thoroughbred industry through the completion of relevant tertiary TAFE qualifi cations offered through the programme. Scott has had over twenty years experience as a horse trainer with the NSW Mounted Police. He is an accomplished practitioner of Natural Horsemanship techniques and has had years of training in the fi eld of classical dressage. These horses are for sale with the proceeds reinvested into the programme to allow for its ongoing maintenance and possible extension. Images: Scott Brodie. (images by Furdography. your local club Scone Jump Club Marcia sconeshowjumpingclub@hotmail. com Upper Hunter Team Penning uhtp@hotmail.com Riding for Disabled Pres: Chris Hayes (02) Anne-Marie Williams amglwilliams@skymesh.com.au Riding & carriage driving: Tues and Thurs (2nd and 3rd school terms). Open to all children and adults with a disability. Colonial Motor Lodge The Quiet One 9 Guernsey St. Scone Star Fully Licensed Restaurant AUSTAR BROADBAND Phone 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 March 9 to March 15, The Upper Hunter Entertainer - 9

10 leisure & lifestyle Coal & Allied Supports Aboriginal Arts and Dance Residencies at Local School Rosary Park Catholic School students will benefi t from a new cultural programme that is supporting the short term residencies of an Aboriginal artist and dance teacher at the school thanks to funding from the Coal & Allied Aboriginal Community Development Fund. The programme, Respect and Knowledge, was launched recently with renowned Aboriginal Cessnock artist and Wanaruah Elder Les Elvin running interactive art classes at the school. The dance teacher is set to commence next term. Rosary Park Catholic School Indigenous Support Teacher Caroline Kennedy said: It s a privilege that Les Elvin has agreed to be our artist in residence and will signifi cantly support the students learning of Aboriginal culture. Les has won countless regional, national and international awards for his work. He has been a strong supporter of our school for the last three years using his art expertise in various fundraisers and art judging panels and we re very excited to have him back. We have more than 200 children in our school and over seven per cent of these identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. Where we can, we ve always tried to integrate cultural activities and education in our curriculum such as NAIDOC week activities, Sorry Day activities and incorporating Aboriginal culture and history into the students lessons. Cessnock Aboriginal artist and Wanaruah Elder Les Elvin said: I am proud to be involved in this programme, which I believe is important in helping our local students and the wider school community understand our local Aboriginal culture, heritage and customs. Over the next eight weeks, I will work with students from year three to six in a range of areas. Firstly they will learn the basics on how to maintain their work space and this includes explaining each of their art tools, how to mix paint, how to keep their area tidy and properly store their work. Then they will move onto learning about Aboriginal symbols and how they can be used to tell a story. Finally, they will learn about dreamtime astrology and how our culture has a different animal that represents each month. They will learn to sketch and paint different animals before completing a couple of their own paintings, which will go into an exhibition for the school at the end. Images: [Above] Pictured: Back row left to right, Coal & Allied Aboriginal Relations Specialist Cate Sims, Cessnock, Aboriginal artist and Wanaruah Elder Les Elvin, Rosary Park Catholic School Indigenous SupportTeacher Caroline Kennedy and School Principal Will Callinan. Front row left to right, Rosary Park Catholic School Year Four students Ashleigh Bettison, Faith Thorpe and Brianna Smith. [Above Left] Rosary Park Catholic School Year Three Student Drew Wiseman with Cessnock Aboriginal artist and Wanaruah Elder Les Elvin. Real Estate Pty Ltd 109 KELLY STREET, SCONE NSW 2337 TELEPHONE: (02) FAX: (02) patrick@patgleeson.net.au The Upper Hunter Entertainer - March 9 to March 15, 2013

11 leisure & lifestyle March Garden Checklist with Aberdeen Nursery Dig up all vegetable plants that have come to an end of their season so that the beds can be adequately prepared for winter crops. Pull up and completely dispose of all diseased vegetables. Vegetables to sow now include broad beans, carrots, beetroot, cabbage, lettuce, onions, parsnips, peas, radishes, silverbeet and turnips. Azaleas, camellias and rhododendrons should have their last feed before fl owering starts. Broadcast a complete fertiliser over beds where vegetables and annuals are to be sown or planted. Use a pyrethrum-based pest spray to knock down pests. March is one of the best months of the year for planting new shrubs and trees. Give them a good start by digging in organic pellets before planting and add soil wetter to the root area once the plants are in place. Firewood available now for those cold days and nights ahead. ABERDEEN NURSERY Open 7 Days 9am-5pm 2013 Aplus Contracting Shield Thiess Services Hunter Valley Group 21 Rugby League Under 18 s knockout, Sunday 24th March 9.30am Denman Oval. Round 1 - Games to be played in 15minute halves with 5 minute break at half time. 1. Singleton v Denman 9.30am, 2. Scone v Greta Branxton 10.05am, 3. Aberdeen v Muswellbrook 11.35am Round 2 Games to be played in 20 minute halves with 5 minute break at half time. 4. W1 v W2 1.05pm 5. W3 v Highest Ranked Loser from Games 1, 2 & pm Final To be played the fi rst time both sides meet in the 2013 competition draw Scanlon Shield Thiess Services Hunter Valley Group 21 Rugby League 1st grade knockout, Sunday 24th March 10.40am Denman Oval. All games to be played in 25 minute halves with 5 minute break at half time. Round 1 1. Singleton bye (due to withdrawal of Greta Branxton), 2. Denman v Scone 10.40am, 3. Muswellbrook v Aberdeen 12.10pm. Round 2 4. Singleton v W2 1.50pm, 5. W3 v Highest Ranked Loser from Games 2 & 3, 3.40pm Final to be played the fi rst time both sides meet in the 2013 competition draw. Phone: Fax: isismotel@yahoo.com.au 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 New England Hway ABERDEEN NSW 2336 Phone/fax For all Your Garden Needs Skip Bin Service Available Come and stay for a night or stay for a week! Hosts Karen & Ian Campbell Meals 7 Days a Week $10 Lunch Specials Keno Pub TAB Games Room All Weather Beer Garden March 9 to March 15, The Upper Hunter Entertainer - 11

12 local gig guide Furniture, Giftware, Soft Furnishings, Jewellery, Accessories, Clothing, Stockists for L Occitane products & Glasshouse Candles. Musically Versatile Matt By Sophie Fitzgerald Tamworth-based musician Matt O Leary is quite the multi-genre artist. Having played amongst many of the greats including Keith Urban, Troy Cassar-Daly, Beccy Cole, Deborah Conway and Max Merrit and the Meteors. He is one of the most sought after entertainers in New South Wales. Over the years, Matt has toured largely throughout Australia with many bands. His music choices vary from country through to rock classics or jazz and his love for music is quite evident, stretching over four decades of tunes. With credits on many recordings including hit singles from Sally-Anne Whitten and Dianna Cormie, he has also featured on television commercials as well as some radio work. Today, you ask? You ll find him performing at various pubs and clubs all over New South Wales, and in the Hunter - you can catch Matt s performance at the Railway Hotel in Muswellbrook this Sunday 10 March at 4.30pm. Full of musical experience and talent, Matt also does studio producing and engineering work, with unconfirmed whispers he may be releasing an album in the future. [Image] Matt O Leary pubs & clubs Royal Hotel Muswellbrook Thursday 7 March Rock The 7.30pm Royal Hotel Muswellbrook Friday 15 March Brent 8pm Belmore Hotel, Scone Thursday 7 March Carrots@ 6.30pm White Hart Hotel, Murrurundi Saturday 16 March Plastic 8pm Muswellbrook District Workers Club Friday 8 March Rock Da House main 8.30pm Royal Hotel Muswellbrook Saturday 16 March Karaoke Theme 8pm Royal Hotel Muswellbrook Friday 8 March Plastic 8pm White Hart Hotel, Murrurundi Saturday 9 March 8pm Friday pm pm FREE in main lounge Friday pm pm FREE in main lounge Friday pm pm FREE in main lounge Muswellbrook District Workers Club Sydney St, Muswellbrook Belmore Hotel, Scone Saturday 9 March Mike 8.30pm Railway Hotel, Muswellbrook Sunday 10 March Matt O 4.30pm Royal Hotel Muswellbrook Thursday 14 March Trivia 7.30pm Railway Hotel, Muswellbrook Sunday 17 March Ryan 4.30pm White Hart Hotel, Murrurundi Saturday 23 March 8pm Railway Hotel, Muswellbrook Sunday 24 March Jared 4.30pm White Hart Hotel, Murrurundi Saturday 30 March Brett 8pm The GumBall Music Festival Belford Hunter Valley 25, 26 & 27 April A Super Laidback Music Festival for the Whole Family FEAST YOUR EYES ON PART OF THE LINE-UP FOR , 26 & 27 APRIL BELFORD, HUNTER VALLEY TURIN BRAKES (UK) MIA DYSON TUMBLEWEED ROGERS, CATHERINE BRITT, THE HILLBILLY KILLERS Feat TIM BILL CHAMBERS & FRIENDS From REDGUM: JOHN SCHUMANN & HUGH MCDONALD THE BEARDS SASKWATCH THE MEDICS PONY FACE EUGENE HIDEAWAY BRIDGES (USA) KATALYST JORDIE LANE BENJALU MOJO JUJU THE BIRD THE EASTERN (NZ) THE PREATURES STEVE SMYTH LIZ STRINGER & VAN WALKER THE RE-MAINS The Upper Hunter Entertainer - March 9 to March 15, 2013