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1 10 12th June 2016 festivalofthefleeces.com.au 1

Welcome to the 26th Merriwa Festival of the Fleeces Leave the flock, bring your dog We re still young at heart and not the least bit interested in being put out to pasture.

Modern well-appointed homes with clever design to make life easier, plenty of room for country hospitality, and an emergency call button for peace of mind.

I am sure the imaginative people planning entries in the parade and window displays will also play with visions of fishing, casting nets off, caterpillars shedding their cocoons and becoming

The entertainment that night will include toe-tapping party band Everyday People and a performance by Robyn Sykes the 2012 Australian Women s Bush Poetry champion.

2 Welcome to the 26th Merriwa Festival of the Fleeces Leave the flock, bring your dog We re still young at heart and not the least bit interested in being put out to pasture. So when we caught wind of Strathearn Villas we decided to have a nose around. What we found was the bee s knees a beautiful country village with all the trimmings and none of the worries. Modern well-appointed homes with clever design to make life easier, plenty of room for country hospitality, and an emergency call button for peace of mind. There s even This year the theme is Cast Off which reminds me of knitting, or our red-socked sheep cast off down the street to lead the Grand Parade on Saturday. I am sure the imaginative people planning entries in the parade and window displays will also play with visions of fishing, casting nets off, caterpillars shedding their cocoons and becoming butterflies, or recycling and turning old things into new. Some events including the Merriwa Tyre & Service Centre Fashions of the Fleeces on Friday night will sell out quickly, so book now. The entertainment that night will include toe-tapping party band Everyday People and a performance by Robyn Sykes the 2012 Australian Women s Bush Poetry champion. Robyn will also be judging the Bush Poetry competition on the Sunday morning, and I encourage everyone to have a go with a prize pool of $500 to be won. The Festival is the largest event for the Merriwa district bringing over 5,000 people to town each year including tourists from all over the state who come to experience country hospitality and authentic rural heritage. The Festival has thrived thanks to the hard work of volunteers and the contribution of sponsors particularly our principal sponsor Rosto Olives. Upper Hunter Shire Council is proud to be a long-time sponsor of the Festival, giving much behind the scenes assistance particularly through the Upper Hunter Visitor Information Centres (VICs). Thanks also to everyone who has sponsored events, served on the committee, donated prizes, bought a raffle ticket, modelled in the fashion parade, decorated a float or a shop window, written a poem, or dressed up a child or a sheep. We couldn t do it without you. For updates on the Festival please visit like our Facebook page or follow us on Deirdre Peebles Committee chairperson and Upper Hunter Shire Councillor the new experience of Strathearn Villas Super Fast Internet (with up to 200mbps internet access speed!) bringing the world to our door. Who has time for retirement when there s a friendly community around, plenty on the social calendar and a great clubhouse coming soon to enjoy such good company. Call Adam on to see Strathearn Villas for yourself. You ll be like a dog with two tails! rostogrove.com.au Enquiries: Proud sponsor of the 2016 Merriwa Festival of the Fleeces 75 GUNDY ROAD, SCONE 2 Rosto Merriwa Festival of the Fleeces - Official programme

dawson dawson REALTY PTY LTD * Residential Real Estate * Property Management * Rural Property Sales * Commerical / Industrial * Storage 02 6545 9993 For all your real estate needs contact www.

au M NUTT CONTRACTING PTY LTD EARTHMOVING & TRANSPORT Glenn, Debbie & Brad Hunt - proprietors 141 Bettington Street, Merriwa History of Merriwa This much-loved festival celebrates the Upper Hunter

The 'Brindley Park' woolshed built in 1880 for 10 blade stands, to shear some 100,000 sheep highlights the size industry in Merriwa in those years.

Distribution of land to white settlers in the Gummun District commenced in about 1830, but as early as 1824 white settlers were moving into the area from the west as well as from the Lower Hunter.

J Blaxland, J Bettington, G Hall, A McKenzie and H Dutton were amongst the early settlers who came in search of good grazing land.

3 dawson dawson REALTY PTY LTD * Residential Real Estate * Property Management * Rural Property Sales * Commerical / Industrial * Storage For all your real estate needs contact Mac Dawson on Phone: Full Mechanical Workshop Can-Am ATV Sales Husqvarna Outdoor products Tyre Repairs & Sales M NUTT CONTRACTING PTY LTD EARTHMOVING & TRANSPORT Glenn, Debbie & Brad Hunt - proprietors 141 Bettington Street, Merriwa History of Merriwa This much-loved festival celebrates the Upper Hunter town's involvement with the wool industry. Merriwa relied heavily on the wool industry from its early days in 1830s through to the 1960s. The 'Brindley Park' woolshed built in 1880 for 10 blade stands, to shear some 100,000 sheep highlights the size industry in Merriwa in those years. Merriwa District was first known as Gummun (or small) Plains. Distribution of land to white settlers in the Gummun District commenced in about 1830, but as early as 1824 white settlers were moving into the area from the west as well as from the Lower Hunter. The first pioneer white settlers are believed to have come to the Merriwa district in the late 1820s. Messrs. J Blaxland, J Bettington, G Hall, A McKenzie and H Dutton were amongst the early settlers who came in search of good grazing land. Generally, new settlers occupied the more fertile lands along the various watercourses. The earliest buildings were simple slab huts, so it is doubtful if any still remain. Of the more substantial buildings which followed, the sandstone wing of "Terragong" homestead would be, from all indications, the oldest remaining homestead in the district. John Oxley passed through the district in Some significant dates in Merriwa's history include: the first church was built; first electricity; there were 10 houses in the village; an inn was erected; first private school; first state school; it was stated that the township of Merriwa was rapidly rising in importance. During the previous 15 months, 20 new houses and an Anglican Church had been erected the church, a slab building was consecrated by the Bishop on the 19th March; a Roman Catholic Church was being erected a new court house was completed in November and the church, referred to above, finished about the same time; there were three respectable inns, five stores, two blacksmiths, a few bush carpenters and also tailors and shoemakers. The remainder of the inhabitants were predominantly carriers who chose the town as their home on account of the excellent pastures it afforded their cattle while spelling; population was new Roman Catholic Church named St Anne's was opened by Bishop Terregganni on the 13th June; the hospital was built; the first hospital was opened, Mrs Paul being the first matron; Cobb & Co coaches began running between Muswellbrook and Mudgee passing through Merriwa; population was 437; first shire council was established; the railway line came to Merriwa; the rail link with Muswellbrook was completed. It is evident that the rabbit population was then large as the canning of rabbits for export was carried out at freezing works; population was about 1000; the town was supplied with electricity by M Campbell & Co; population was 15; Merriwa Festival of the Fleeces commenced. Welcome to the Phone: Mobile: mnuttcontract@bigpond.com Fax: Mackenzie Street, Merriwa Cross Country Merriwa Caltex Service Station NRMA Country Service Centre 24/7 Phone Battery replacement and windscreen repairs Mechanical workshop in operation Information on accommodation, tours, attractions, local wines and produce are available at all of Council s three Visitor Information Centres, or visit TRADING HOURS: 5.30am - 8pm 7 DAYS A WEEK Phone: Bettington Street, Merriwa 4 5

2016 Programme of events GUNDIBRI PTY LTD Friday 10th June Breeders of Quality Shorthorn Cattle & Australian Meat Merino Sheep Merriwa Tyre & Service Centre Fashion of the Fleeces For all enquiries

30pm till late Location: Merriwa RSL Club A fun filled family evening where you can enjoy live music and watch a showcase of fashions from Australian Wool Innovations and Di s Clothing Patch.

The parade will be compered by Sally Hagley. Supported by: AWI, Di s Clothing Patch, Merriwa RSL Club, M.A MacDonald & Co Accountants, The Campbell Family. Saturday 11th June 8.00am 3.

crafts, face painting, and plenty of food and coffee. There is something for everyone.

4 2016 Programme of events GUNDIBRI PTY LTD Friday 10th June Breeders of Quality Shorthorn Cattle & Australian Meat Merino Sheep Merriwa Tyre & Service Centre Fashion of the Fleeces For all enquiries please contact: James Munro or Angus Munro munnersinc@bigpond.com 6.30pm till late Location: Merriwa RSL Club A fun filled family evening where you can enjoy live music and watch a showcase of fashions from Australian Wool Innovations and Di s Clothing Patch. Entertainment by bush poet Robyn Sykes and party band Everyday People. Major raffle will be drawn tonight. MC: Cr Ron Campbell Special guest: Upper Hunter Shire Council Mayor Wayne Beddgood. The parade will be compered by Sally Hagley. Supported by: AWI, Di s Clothing Patch, Merriwa RSL Club, M.A MacDonald & Co Accountants, The Campbell Family. Saturday 11th June 8.00am 3.30pm Street stalls Situated along the main street of Merriwa A variety of street stalls will line the main street so come and sample everything and anything from fresh homemade produce, arts and crafts, face painting, and plenty of food and coffee. There is something for everyone. Servicing the Merriwa area for all Residential & Rural Real Estate Sales Your local sales Agent: Jay Shepherdson Mobile: jay@jtsrealty.com.au The Upper Hunter s premier florist Chocolate &Moss Floristry Specialising in: Flowers hand-selected weekly from the Sydney Flower Markets Stockists of Nina s handmade Belgian chocolates Amazing hampers Kid s corner Crn Bettington & Vennacher Streets Roar Petting Zoo, Sparkles the Clown, face painting, GJ S Laser Tag, Croc Stars Reptile Show, The Waste Wrappers Show, jumping castle & slides, penny arcade games, mini-car rides, sideshow alley. Sponsors of Kids Corner: Merriwa Central School, Merriwa IGA, Hunter Central Coast Regional Environmental Management Strategy (HCCREMS), Anthea Wright Vet Clinic, RM Property & Livestock, Merriwa Auto Electrical, Hunter Mutual. 8.00am CWA morning tea & lunch and knitting exhibition Location: CWA Building Starts from 8.00am with yummy cakes, soup and slices made by the local ladies from the Merriwa CWA plus a fantastic display of knitting. Knitting exhibition sponsored by Hunter Thoroughbred Breeders Association. Team penning UHTP competition starting at 8.00am. Then at 11.00am, breaking for the parade, 1pm-approx 4pm: The Rosto Olives Festival of the Fleeces Challenge. Team Penning is held on Saturday and Sunday. NB The presentation will be held at 4.00pm on Saturday 11 June at approx. 4.00pm. Plus - Battle of the Sexes Cut Out Competition (all day). Proceeds from competition entries go to the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service. All competitors must be members of UHTP or become Day Members, which can be taken out on the day. Personalised sympathy floral arrangements for funerals which can be organised in the privacy of your home From 8.30am All aspects of wedding flowers, corporate functions and events Catering to all budgets and individual s choices We deliver anywhere straight to your door! Murrurundi, Scone, Aberdeen & Muswellbrook Merriwa Wool spinning demonstration Location: Main Street Pleasant View Fibres takes a step back in time. Marvel at the skill of spinning yarn from wool straight off the sheep s back. Producing unique yarn & woollen products. 195 Kelly Street Scone Phone chocolatenmoss@gmail.com 6 7

Doctors Surgery Roar Petting Zoo Kids Amusements Sparkles the

Food Court Visitor Information Upper Hunter Shire Council

Hanging of the Quilts CWA Reserved seating for elderly &

Fuel Jumping Castle Kids Corner Sheep Dog Demonstration Dog

Hunter Mutual vintage car display & restored vintage farm

Merriwa VRA & Emergency Services Life Saving Demonstration The

Site 8 placement signs will be visable Rosto on the Merriwa

5 Doctors Surgery Roar Petting Zoo Kids Amusements Sparkles the Clown & face painting GJ s Laser Tag B&B on Bettington Stalls Food Court Visitor Information Upper Hunter Shire Council Merriwa Reserved seating for elderly & disabled Stalls The Hanging of the Quilts CWA Reserved seating for elderly & disabled St Trinities Anglican Church Cross Country Ford & Fuel Jumping Castle Kids Corner Sheep Dog Demonstration Dog High Jump To showground & fireworks Croc Stars Stalls Stalls Hunter Mutual vintage car display & restored vintage farm machinery display Royal Hotel Elders IGA The Hut Merriwa RSL Merriwa VRA & Emergency Services Life Saving Demonstration The Fitzroy Hotel Not to scale: Sites are an estimate position. Site 8 placement signs will be visable Rosto on the Merriwa morning Festival of the Fleeces festival. - Official programme 2016 Photos: Stay n Play Photography 9

6 Saturday 11th June continued 9.00am The City of Maitland pipes and drums Location: Main Street Come and listen to the pipers as they play some rousing Scottish strathspeys and jigs! 9.30am Modern day shearing display Location: outside the Royal Hotel Observe the hard work as the shearers drag their sheep and fleeces and then see how they toss the fleece for classing. Sponsored by Curtis Gant Irving Solicitors. Masters wool challenge Location: outside Merriwa Welcoming Centre An amazing display of our talented local knitters. Sponsored by Merriwa Welcoming Centre. Hanging of the quilts (9.30am to 4.30pm) Location: Merriwa School of Arts Talents from local quilters will be displayed all day. Beautiful quilts will be hung for all to admire. There is a chance to win a quilt of your very own as well as craft stalls to wander through. Raffle drawn at 4.00pm. Sponsored by Gordon Martin Bulk Hauling & Lenore s Quilting. 9.45am Motoring vintage vehicle display Location: Next to The Royal Hotel You will be amazed just how perfectly these vehicles and farming equipment have been restored. Speak to the owners who restored these vehicles and enjoy the attention to detail. Sponsored by Merriwa Pharmacy am Welcome to country - Presented by Kamilaroi Elder Aunty Rosalind. The Festival of the Fleeces committee would like to acknowledge the Gaewegal people who were the traditional custodians of the Merriwa region and surrounding lands, and the Kamilaroi people, the custodians today. The Festival committee would also like to pay respect to Elders both past and present of the Gaewegal and Kamilaroi nations and extend that respect to other Aboriginal people present. NB The winning entry for the Vintage Vehicle Display will be announced after the Welcome To Country am 11.30am Damper with cockies joy & billy tea Location: Fitzroy Hotel (Bow Street) See how real bread was made back in the day. The food of a stockman damper with cockies joy and billy tea. Outside the historic cooking demonstrations up to 4.00pm. Holy Trinity open day Location: Holy Trinity Church (Bow Street) Come and explore Holy Trinity in Bow Street, from 10.00am to 12noon and 2.00pm to 4.00pm. Take a wander through the church to see if you can locate the '10 Things of Interest'. There is nothing better than the expert cooking skills and hospitality of the women of the Anglican Church and Merriwa has the best to test your taste buds. Saturday 11th June continued 10.00am 11.30am Merriwa Fire and Rescue NSW open day Location: Merriwa Station (Bettington Street) Between 10.00am -2.00pm. Offering tours of the station and free gift packs for children. Everyone is welcome to come and have a look at the Fire Engine and meet some of the members. Always looking for new recruits too - if anyone is interested pm ROSTO RUNNING OF THE SHEEP See the famous sheep in red socks. Over two hundred sheep wearing red woollen socks lead a procession of marching bands, school groups, community services, and local businesses through the main street of Merriwa. Wave to NBN s famous Big Dog as he passes the crowd. Thank you to the Campbell family for the generous use of their sheep. 1.00pm Dog high jump Location: Intersection of Kids Corner. Watch the athleticism of local farm dogs as they hurdle the jump to arrive on the back of the work ute. Sponsored by Merriwa RSL Club 2.00pm Working sheep dog display Location: Outside The Royal Hotel Observe Zac Ede, as he works his dogs around the sheep, watch him communicate with his dogs through whistles and movements to bring the sheep into their pen. Sponsored by The Royal Hotel. From 3.00pm Entertainment moves to the Showground: Join in the fun and entertainment at the Merriwa Showground. Food stalls, jumping castles, slides and a fun afternoon of children s entertainment. 3.00pm 4.00pm Gumboot throwing competition Enter on the day. $2 entry fee. Compete in open men s, women s, boy s and girl s; under 5, and over 60. Prizes to be won. No steel cap boots. View rules on the day. Sponsored by RM Property & Livestock. Sheep poo spitting competition How far can you spit a piece of Sheep POO? Well the Festival uses jelly beans, just in case of accidental eating. Enter on the day. $2 entry fee. Open men s and women s, boys and girls, under 5 and over 60. Sponsored by Jake A. McIntyre. For All Your Rural Requirements Merchandise Livestock Real Estate Agronomy - Insurance Wool 88 Kelly St SCONE NSW Cnr Bettington & Marquet St MERRIWA NSW Licensed Real Estate Agents Stock & Station Agent Licensed Auctioneer Property Management Livestock Marketing & Sales Clearing Sales R M Property & Livestock Contact your local agents Roger: or Megan:

Di s Clothing Patch Merriwa s premier clothing store 02 6548 3023 Opening hours: 9am 5pm (Mon Fri); 9am 12pm (Sat) 135 Bettington Street, Merriwa Servicing the area in: Real Estate Merchandise &

au Men s & ladies clothing Children s & babywear Manchester Luggage, handbags & accessories Fashion jewellery & accessories Hi-vis workwear boots and hats Digital embroidery service Dry cleaning

7 Di s Clothing Patch Merriwa s premier clothing store Opening hours: 9am 5pm (Mon Fri); 9am 12pm (Sat) 135 Bettington Street, Merriwa Servicing the area in: Real Estate Merchandise & Rural Stock/Farm Supplies & Equipment Banking Agent for the Rural Bank Vennacher Street Merriwa Men s & ladies clothing Children s & babywear Manchester Luggage, handbags & accessories Fashion jewellery & accessories Hi-vis workwear boots and hats Digital embroidery service Dry cleaning service All at affordable prices! MacCallum Inglis MacCallum Inglis the Upper Hunter s 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: Rural Property Sales Residential Real Estate Livestock & Bloodstock Auctions Merchandise & Clearing Sales Property Management Saturday 11th June continued 4.00pm Children s hobby sheep races Families will enjoy the fun as age appropriate groups of children race for the title of Festival Champion and the winner s prize. The judges will be tough, & are looking for fun and thoughtfulness & abiding by the rules. Sponsored by the Campbell family. Lolly scramble Buckets of lollies cannoned into the air! As much fun for the parents as it is for the kids! Sponsored by Rio Tinto Mount Pleasant Project. Tug of war Who will win? Boys verses girls and mixed teams. Sponsored by Stonehill Vineyard. Team Penning presentation 5.45pm Festival presentations Festival Of The Fleeces Committee announce the winners for Best Float Entry, Best Window Display, Colouring in Competition and Pam Power Award. 6.00pm Ka-Boom fireworks Sit back and enjoy a spectacular fireworks display. The perfect end to a perfect day enjoyed with family and friends. Sponsored by Rosto Olive Oil. Sunday 12th June 8.00am Team penning Prizes for 1st place in all 3 divisions. Top ten shoot out for top ten places over all 3 divisions for Sat & Sun runs to be held at the end of the Sunday comp. 9.00am Anglican Parish 'blessing of the fleece' service Location: Holy Trinity Church, Bow Street Followed by morning tea. 9.00am 11.00am Bush poets breakfast Location: CWA Hall, Bettington Street The perfect way to finish the Festival. A walk up bush poets breakfast with a prize pool of $500. Special guest judge will be 2012 Australian Women s Bush Poetry Champion Robyn Sykes. Come along and enjoy a hearty breakfast while listening to the very entertaining bush poet s, for a wonderful Sunday morning experience. $5 donation at the door. Sponsored by Merriwa CWA. Proud supporters of the 2016 Merriwa Festival of the Fleeces 198 Kelly Street, Scone NSW 2337 Tel Fax WINTER TRADING HOURS: Monday - Friday 8am-6.30pm; Saturday - Sunday 9am-4pm 12 13

2016 Merriwa Festival of the Fleeces Event Sponsors Without our sponsors and supporters this community festival could not happen.

com SATURDAY 2 JULY 2016 Jefferson Park New England Highway, Aberdeen NSW Massed Pipes and Drums Tartan Warrior Strongmen Celtic merchandise and giftwares Traditional Scottish fare and other food

Printed & produced by Hunter Valley Printing - 02 6541 1358 GOLD SPONSORS SILVER SPONSORS BRONZE SPONSORS MAJOR MEDIA SPONSOR CURTIS GANT IRVING SOLICITORS David & Paula Stevenson - Wemimble Wagyu, M

8 2016 Merriwa Festival of the Fleeces Event Sponsors Without our sponsors and supporters this community festival could not happen. Special thanks from the Festival Committee to all those who have supported our 26th Festival of the Fleeces NAMING RIGHTS SPONSOR PLATINUM SPONSOR SATURDAY 2 JULY 2016 Jefferson Park New England Highway, Aberdeen NSW Massed Pipes and Drums Tartan Warrior Strongmen Celtic merchandise and giftwares Traditional Scottish fare and other food stalls Novelty games, tug-o-war and much more Followed by a Ceilidh in the evening EXPERIENCE THE VIBRANT ESSENCE OF SCOTLAND IN THE UPPER HUNTER VALLEY For tickets or information Ph: Printed & produced by Hunter Valley Printing GOLD SPONSORS SILVER SPONSORS BRONZE SPONSORS MAJOR MEDIA SPONSOR CURTIS GANT IRVING SOLICITORS David & Paula Stevenson - Wemimble Wagyu, M A MacDonald Accountants, The Campbell family of Merriwa Main show day! 17th September! Merriwa Royal Hotel, Di's Clothing Patch MEDIA SPONSORS Established Tel: Jake A. McIntyre Merriwa Welcoming Centre Lenore's Quilting OPEN COMMUNITY SPONSORS & SUPPORTERS: Anthea Wright Vet Clinic, Caroline's Café, Hunter Mutual, Max s Country Cuts, Merriwa Auto Electrical, Merriwa Central School, RM Property and Livestock, Stonehill Vineyard, Strathearn Park Lodge, TransCare, The Macdonald Family of Merriwa, Kristi Green, Sally Hagley, Jenny Johnson, Tash Taaffe. AND THANKS TO OUR DONORS FOR RAFFLE PRIZES: Mantra Aqua, Strathearn Park Lodge, The Vines Restaurant, Hollydene, The Campbell Family of Merriwa, Max s Country Cuts, Hunterbelle Cheese, Small Forest Winery. Springtime Show Campdraft & Interschool Challenge: Friday 16th September Open Horse Show: Sunday 18th September STRICTLY NO alcohol or glass to be brought onto grounds 14 15

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