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News and Upcoming Events
NEWS |
UPCOMING
SPECIAL EVENT |
Something was rotten in the kingdom of Gresphobia ... The Gresford Amateur Performing Society's (GAPS) 2008 production, A Tale of Two Sisters, was a medieval romp which featured passion, poison, pomp and pageantry. The GAPS team took enthusiastic audiences back to the world of peasants and pheasants; knights and castles; and fools and knaves. There was murder and intrigue as an evil Prince Regent and his wicked consort tried to usurp the throne of Gresphobia and disinherit a beautiful and vulnerable Princess. The Queen's wish to secure the throne for her daughter was a catalyst for betrayal at the hands of her Machiavellian consort, and Princess Avelina herself was placed in the direst peril. Fortunately for the Princess, there were enough good folk in the kingdom to help her face her implacable foes - but, of course, sometimes courage is not enough to conquer cunning. There was chivalry and trickery; splendour and foolery; desire and surrender. A dastardly scheme, a knightly dilemma and a royal haunting unfolded to the strains of wondrous music as loyal courtiers and humble peasants united against the wicked Prince Regent and his ruthless paramour. Long-buried secrets surface, hidden identities were revealed and virtue was sorely tried. A Tale of Two Sisters was the latest in a series of productions stretching back well over ten years where well-known storylines have been given the local treatment. The costumes were superb and, as usual, the singing and dancing was very professional. Audience members enjoyed a delicious meal and joined in the singing of many popular songs. This production raised the bar even higher and locals are now looking forward to the next GAPS production. In the meantime, many cast members will soon start rehearsals for the local community's Christmas Carols event which will be with us all too soon. See photos below! |
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CREATE Art Carnival 2008In early November we're holding the third Create art festival. "Create" is an increasingly important regional art event, and this year Gresford School will be holding an Art Carnival as part of the celebration. Imagine a sports carnival, or a swimming carnival, but for art! There will be exciting workshops for the kids - and other schools in the region are being invited as well - in art, crafts, new technologies and even chocolate making. The Festival is still a work in progress but at this stage our derring-do committee has a terrific event planned. As well as the school workshops, there'll be a vivid exhibition with an opening soiree. A guest artist and local artists will work to the theme of "carnival", and it'll be a great opportunity to buy something beautiful or just have a look. On the weekend, we're hoping to offer a tour of gardens and artists' studios - there are some amazing little secrets hidden in our corner of the country. Then there's the gala night. On the Saturday, we're packing the school hard-court, which was such a superb venue for Australianarama last year, with food-loving, party-hungry samba-dancing folk (yes, that's all of you) for a night under the Big Top. And for those who don't want to fake it when the rumba starts playing, we're aiming to have an evening of Latin Lessons a couple of weeks earlier, in late October, to give people some bumping practice. The money from Create goes to Gresford Public School toward the creative arts and the literacy program - this is how the school pays for library books for example - and to the P&C for its own contribution to school life. Hope to see you there!
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Local Cricket Gears Up For Another Season As the weather warms up, the minds of sport lovers start to focus on a new season of cricket. Gresford Seniors recently held their AGM with Brendon Sellens re-elected as President, Jamie Atkins Vice-President, James Dent as Secretary and Amanda Sellens as Treasurer. After only initially entering one team last season and scraping together a second at the last minute, the club has now entered two teams in the Dungog District competition and was very close to entering a third. "This is going to be an exciting year for the club," said President Brendon. "We've got a large group of young players moving into the senior ranks and despite losing a number of players from last year, we've been able to enter two teams and would like to expand that further in coming seasons. The C-Grade teams will be known as Gresford Hotel Beatty and Gresford Colts." "The longer term aim will be to have teams entered in three grades, but with the current influx of young, inexperienced players, we're ecstatic to simply get the two C-Grade sides on the park." "But we're still encouraging anyone who wants a game, even if they can only play a few times a year, to contact us. We've been fortunate to attract a few quality players from outside the Gresford district to add some extra skill to our teams but we'd love to welcome a few more locals." "Training has already started. Anyone who wants to have a go before committing to a team can join us from 5.00pm till dark at the Gresford Showground nets. We'd love to see a few more new or returning players. Players of both sexes and all standards are very welcome." "One of the benefits of playing with our club is that it's cheaper than just about anywhere else. The raffles held at the Beatty every Friday night enable us to keep costs to players at a minimum. We think this is particular important for the younger players. Of course, we always appreciate the fine support we get from the Beatty and from those locals who always buy some raffle tickets." "The future for the club looks bright, especially with our great number of teenage players and the influx of players the Juniors have had following the launch of the In2CRICKET program," said Brendon. The local cricket season will commence on Saturday, 11 th October. Anyone interested in playing or sponsoring is asked to contact Brendon Sellens on 4938 9186 or simply enquire at the Beatty. Any parent interested in getting their children a game in the In2CRICKET program should contact Dave Jefferson on 4938 9586. STOP PRESS: The Gresford Cricket Club has started the season in sparkling form with wins for each team! Watch out for the nig local derby at the Gresford Sporting Complex on 25th October! |
Gresford Bowling ClubMelbourne Cup Party Tuesday, 4th November from 11.00am Fashion Parade by 59 Park Entertainment following lunch by our own local Kevin Chesworth Sweeps and raffles on the day Prizes for prettiest and unusual hat Delicious smorgasbord lunch provided by the ladies bowling club $20pp For catering purposes contact Beth 4938 9413 or Fay 4938 9458 All welcome! _________________________________
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SPECIAL EVENT LOST PROPERTY Sunday 23 November Gresford School of Arts Hall
'LOST PROPERTY' is an exploration of biological, material and emotional inheritance in the context of the division of a family farm. This reality is very often extremely problematic in rural areas as it can also mean the division of the family. In the current financial environment the sale of properties that have been within a family, often for generations, is almost unavoidable and the destruction of one's history has consequences. The keeping of secrets is not exclusive to country life but the geographical isolation; both of small communities and family farms can facilitate concealment. As the play unfolds reminiscence uncovers some dark and distasteful memories of childhood on the seemingly idyllic farm. Consequences of actions committed by others long ago impact on the present as we gradually discover that the beauty of the landscape is underscored with cruelty and misconception. Shakespeare et al was formed in 1998. Our aim is to present professional theatre to Newcastle and the Hunter Valley in many and varied locations, whenever possible creating employment for local theatre practitioners. With an emphasis on exemplorary production values we create unusual and inspirational productions which include the classics, new contemporary Australian works and original children's theatre. The company has emerged as the leading professional theatre company in Newcastle, producing on average 4 shows a year. Now comes a new and exciting phase - a desire to produce work from page to stage - theatre experiences written and produced by locals, about local issues and people, and performed where those locals live. Our company is fully professional in attitude, production values and commitment. A panel of Newcastle media-based theatre critics, in conjunction with Newcastle City Council, annually recognise theatre excellence by presenting City Of Newcastle Drama Awards (CONDAS). The company and its practitioners have had their consistently high production standards rewarded by being the recipients of numerous CONDAS over the years, with the company receiving Best Professional Production CONDAS in 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007. Shakespeare et al received a record 26 Conda nominations in 2007 and Anne Frost (founder and artstic director of Shakespeare et al) won the Newcastle City Council Award for Outstanding Achievement in Newcastle Theatre. To summarise Shakespeare et al's activity in recent years: In 2003, 2004 & 2005 we presented the feature production at the Gloucester Shakespeare Festival. 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', 'The Merry Wives of Windsor' and 'Much Ado about Nothing'. 2006; 'Titania's Fairies' at the Civic Playhouse for Civic Theatre Inspirations Season.(written and directed by Anne Frost winning Best Pro Production 2006 CONDA. ) 'Aunts With Hot Flushes' at Darlinghurst Theatre (directed by Peter Ross) as part of The Season of Intrigue. Public readings of 'Lost Property' and 'Grace' . One week in Wodonga as part of Hothouse Theatre's A Month in the Country workshopping 'Lost Property' . Return Season of 'Wind in the Willows' (written and Directed by Anne Frost) at the Hunter Wetlands Return season of 'Much Ado About Nothing' (directed by Anne Frost)at the Civic Playhouse. 2007; 'Billy and the Garbage Monsters' by Vanessa Bates - Civic Playhouse for Inspirations. Winner Best Professional Production 2007. 'Rural Reflections' - a double bill of new one act plays written and directed by Anne Frost 'Grace' & 'Lost Property'. Inspirations Civic Playhouse. Return Season of 'Wind in the Willows' (written and directed by Anne Frost) at the Hunter Wetlands. 2008; 'Billy and the Garbage Monsters' at the Hunter Wetlands (directed by Anne Frost) 'Hansel and Gretel' (written and directed by Anne Frost) at the Hunter Wetlands. Writer, Director, Designer - Anne Frost
Anne is the 2007 recipient of the Newcastle City Council CONDA Award for Outstanding Achievement in Theatre. She is the founding director of one of NSW's longest surviving independent theatre companies - 'Shakespeare et al'. Her directing, acting, designing and writing for theatre has been a passion for more than twenty years. During that time she has been instrumental in staging original children's theatre, Shakespeare, contemporary Australian plays and community based projects. Anne has toured Australia with her work and won numerous Awards for directing and acting. Her mentoring and workshops have also given inspiration to others to create. Anne was raised in Stroud and her parents still live there in the same house they built when they married almost 60 years ago. As a daughter of Stroud Anne's understanding and appreciation of rural community and lifestyle has not only come from her own experience but that of her parents and their parents before them. With such a rich oral heritage as her resource Anne is confident in creating 'real' characters that echo the struggle, pride, loyalty and humour of rural life. 'Lost Property' is the culmination of 3 years work from writing the first draft to production in 2007 at the Civic Theatre Playhouse, where it received critical and audience acclaim. As a Stroud expat Anne is determined regional areas should have access to professional theatre. Her understanding of the constraints of living in a small town have spurred her to tour the production to rural areas.
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Gresford Amateur Performing SocietyTale of Two Sisters Photos
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Open Mic @ the Beatty
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19th October - Spring Flower Show 16th November - House Tour SATURDAY, 6th December - Christmas Fair
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Gresford Local Traders - Planning for the Future
Gresford Local Traders Business Group Established Following on from two preliminary meetings, a group of local business owners met on 11th September for the inaugural Annual General Meeting of Gresford Local Traders. Gresford Local Traders (GLT) was formed as a sub-committee of the Dungog & District Chamber of Commerce (DDCC). Greg Schreiber was elected Chair, John Evers was elected as the GLT representative on the DDCC executive and Bruce Graham was elected as secretary of GLT. All intending members will need to join DDCC and a discounted membership rate for this year has been offered by DDCC. Greg Schreiber said that the GLT banner is now ready to produce and should be delivery within a few weeks. John Evers will contact the local Business Enterprise Centre's support officer to arrange a meeting to discuss longer term planning. The group also decided to continue promotions through the Gresford News with a "Business of the Month" feature which will include special offers. Local signage and shopper rewards programs were also discussed and nominated as short term priorities. Any business owner or manager wishing to join GLT should contact Greg Schreiber on 4938 9710 or Bruce Graham via allynconsulting@bordernet.com.au or on 4938 9182.
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Business of the Month for November: The Hotel Beatty, East Gresford The Gresford Local Traders Business of the Month for November is the Hotel. With family service since 1870, the Beatty has long been a focal point for the local community. The Beatty and the people of the district come together to celebrate, to socialise, to enjoy fine food and to enjoy a relaxed beer or glass of local wine. The Beatty thanks locals for their support by sponsoring local sporting teams, like the Gresford Vacy Scorpions Football Club and the Gresford Cricket Club, and special events, like the Gresford Show, the Billycart Derby and the Gresford Rodeo. "We're happy to support our community because community members support us so strongly. This month, we'll throw in an extra little thank you by offering all those who make a purchase of $40 or more over the bar the opportunity to win a $50 dinner voucher and a complimentary bottle of fine wine thanks to Camyr Allyn Wines," said Licensee Bernie Lawler. "To celebrate being Business of the Month, we've put on a special for wine purchased to drink on the premises. All local wines, Camyr Allyn, Glendonbrook and Broadfield, will be $2 off the regular price during November. With the hot summer approaching, it's the perfect time for a soothing ale or chilled bottle of wine at the end of the day - even better when you enjoy it with some great food from the Bistro." "We're also happy to announce that things have been moving ahead in the bistro. Ian Edwards, formerly of the Carriageway Restaurant, is back with us to run the bistro full time. So we can all look forward to an excellent dining menu and some of Ian's specialty dishes." "No doubt, Ian's flair will prove popular so bookings, especially on a Friday night, are recommended. Bookings also give us the opportunity to properly dress tables and organise the right seating." "Also in the kitchen, we're very pleased to have local Eliza Jupp signed on. Eliza will be undertaking an apprenticeship as a chef from early next year and we're very pleased that we have been able to give this opportunity to a hard working local person"” "Recently, the Beatty has been able to bring back live music to the area. We've had local groups and some big names from the Newcastle scene. Terry Miller has also been doing a great job with our Open Mic sessions once a month." "On Grand Final day, we had Doghouse live and the response was fantastic. We'll be looking at more weekend arvo entertainment. Our next live band will be the Saggy Bottom Boys on Saturday, 25th October from 2.00 - 6.00pm." "And, as per usual, we have some great live music planned for New Year's Eve. Another regular event is Melbourne Cup Day and, on Tuesday 4 th November from midday, there'll be bubbly on arrival, a fashion parade, superb luncheon, music, trivia, Camyr Allyn Wines, sweeps, lucky door prizes, best dressed prizes and all the racing action on the big screen. Bookings have already started coming in - it should be a top day out!" "We're very pleased to be Gresford Local Traders Business of the Month. It's great to see local businesses coming together to promote themselves and the local area. Times might be a little tough at the moment but we're confident that this area in particular has a rosy outlook and the Beatty Hotel will be a part of the future of our district just as it's been a part of the past of this little slice of heaven where we all live," said Bernie. For more information on the Beatty, go to the Beatty webpage on this site.
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Tuesday, 4th November from 12 noon Fashions, Food, Fabulous Wine & Plenty of Fun! featuring Not to mention a superb luncheon featuring fresh seafood and cold meats plus dessert and tea or coffee. All for only $25 pp (children’s menu $6) - so tizzy up and join us for a fabulous day out at the Beatty!
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Business of the Month for October: Gresford P.O. Store & Crossroads Cafe Gresford Local Traders is pleased to announce that the Business of the Month for October is the Gresford PO Store and Crossroads Café owned and operated by Brett Bailey and Karin Lawrence. Brett and Karin purchased the business from long term owners Walter and Ely Hes in 2003. Since then, they have undertaken major redevelopments and expansion of the business. "Initially, we decided to add a take-away food aspect to the business based on what we saw as clear local demand. We also added a commercial pizza oven to our kitchen and this has been very popular, especially with our Two Standard Pizzas for $25 deal every Monday to Thursday." "The latest addition to our business is the recent opening of the Crossroads Café. Customers can enjoy a delicious cup of coffee, breakfast from 7.00am seven days a week, a light meal or even just sit in pleasant surroundings and enjoy their hamburger or pizza." "Crossroads Café has also been very popular for functions. We can cater for up to 25 people in an exclusive indoors setting with a choice of menu types such as smorgasbord, pizzas, sandwich platters or a hot and cold buffet. We don't charge room hire fees for any function and there is no corkage on BYO alcohol. People can even decorate it the room to suit their function." "We've catered for anniversaries, birthday, business functions and family get-togethers and we're already takings bookings for Christmas functions. People are enjoying the peaceful private surroundings and special touches like the large screen plasma TV and sound system. We can also provide seafood or chicken platters to make entertaining at home so much easier. Our aim is to be flexible and provide our customers with a wide choice of catering options. People may be surprised what can be achieved. Call in and ask," said Karin. The next stage of the business for Brett and Karin will be to develop an outdoor dining area to cater for the growing number of customers looking for a peaceful, pleasant spot to enjoy a cuppa or a light meal. The Gresford PO Store provides a large range of services to the local community. Call in and see what the Gresford Local Traders Business of the Month for October can offer you! |
Gresford Local Traders Business of the Month Special Offer for October Anyone making purchase of $10 or more at Gresford PO Store or Crossroads Café receives a ticket in the draw for a $50 Dining Voucher. Drawn on 1st November - good luck!
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Did You Know? At Gresford PO Store and Crossroads Café you can:
And it's all available from 7.00am till late seven days a week. |
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This page last updated 25/10/08 by Bruce Graham, Allyn Consulting Pty Ltd
Ph 4938 9182
