July 2004 - Chewton.net

CHEWTON CHAT 

(a newsletter published by the Chewton Domain Society) 

www.chewton.net 

(a website supported by the Chewton Domain Society) 

Published monthly Issue 65 July, 2004. 

CHEWTON’S HISTORY DOCUMENTED 

Two new publications on Chewton’s history have been completed and copies 

presented to the Chewton Domain Society. The books are Forest Creek’s 

Eureka Reef and Mt. Alexander Goldfield’s Specimen Hill and have been 

written and produced by Jack Cocks. Jack is well known in mining circles 

after a distinguished career overseeing battery operations across Victoria, 

and is well known locally as a prodigious and thorough researcher of local 

history. He is no stranger to Chewton Chat readers either, having written 

The Batteryman column for more than three years. 

With wife Pat’s encouragement and editorial support, Jack has spent “a couple 

of years gathering bits and pieces” to form the basis of these publications. 

The fact that he can’t stand television also helped. Many days and weeks 

have gone into this labour of love, including time “in the bush” confirming various incidents mentioned in book and 

paper reports, and locating specific sites. Spending time in the bush is something Jack loves despite his Cornish Gran 

continually warning him of the spirits that she knew lived out there. 

The thoroughness of Jack’s research will make these publications a must read for people interested in Chewton’s past, 

and future researchers will find the comprehensive indexes and bibliographies invaluable. As a regular volunteer at the 

Chewton Town Hall, Jack was in familiar territory when he handed copies of his work to Elaine Appleton and Allan 

Dry for inclusion in the People and Places Display. The Chewton Domain Society has been fortunate to receive these 

documents. The People and Places Display in the Chewton Town Hall is open 1 to 4 at weekends. 

And Jack isn’t resting on his laurels; he is already working on his next project - a book on Wattle Gully is in the pipeline! 

CHEWTON POOL AND THE COUNCIL BUDGET 

When the Mount Alexander Shire (MAS) draft budget for 2004-5 was published there was immediate concern for 

Chewton because there had been a zero allocation of capital works funding for the Chewton Pool. Capital expenditure 

allocations for new equipment and maintenance were made to all other pools; Campbells Creek $233,060, Harcourt 

$60,000, Maldon $30,000, Newstead $60,000, Castlemaine $240,000 and Chewton $0. 

In a tight budget $623,060 had been allocated for swimming pool capital works and no money for the Chewton Pool! 

This meant no equipment replacement or repair this season. Yet the budget listed Chewton as needing a new filter 

because water quality was affected during the last season due to filter failure, and the replacement of the filter at the 

Chewton Pool would allow the water quality to be consistently maintained within the parameters of the Health (Infectious 

Diseases) Regulations 2001. It also said that the pool needed the piping infrastructure and balance tank to be upgraded. 

No money meant that none of this work could be done. The pool either couldn’t open, or would close at the first 

breakdown. 

A series of phone calls and emails from the pool committee elicited different advice. In response to a question 

“1. Why was there no allocation for capital works at the pool when the infrastructure problems were well known from 

last season, and documented in the budget papers?” 

the CEO Ivan Gilbert replied 

“1. Councillors in the long and detailed process of reviewing the draft budget and assessing which items could and 

could not be included or adjusted from the preliminary draft budget, determined to not include amounts for Chewton 

Pool to assist.” Continued on Page 2. 

AND ALSO INSIDE...Your invitation to mark the PO changeover...National Tree Day...Letters...A Lucky 

Bloke...Minto Wines...Rogaining Report...Public Forum Detail...The People's PO...Matters of Estate... 

A Busy Batteryman...Darts...A Cartoon...An 80th...Black and White memories...Dancing at the Red Hill...A 

Family Gold Vein...A Crossword complete with Apology...A Call for Rain Dancing...Another Busy Calendar... 

CSMP...Advertisements...Soccer...Water Levels...Get Wells...Fryerstown...and lots, lots more.

On behalf of Chewton, the Pool Committee made a written 

submission to Council about this situation, and Bettie Exon 

and Patsy Braybrook represented the Pool Committee at 

the budget submission hearings held a few days later. 

Bettie spoke to the Councillors at that hearing. Council 

was requested to review the funding allocation before 

making their final budget decisions. 

Informal sympathetic responses have been received since 

the submission hearing and Mayor Jim Norris confirmed 

this at the Chewton Public Forum on the 21st. 

Council met at Newstead on the 22nd to determine on the 

2004-5 budget but instead of passing or amending the 

proposed budget decided to withdraw it because of a 

previously unreported overrun on the almost completed 

Library-Phee Broadway Theatre Project. The full cost of 

this is unknown but is believed at this stage to be at least 

$320,000. A new proposed MAS budget will be drafted 

taking into account these figures and the information put 

forward in the various submissions received (the Chewton 

Pool was only one of a number of submissions asking for 

more; there were representations about the Marketing and 

Promotions unit, the arts officer position, skateboarding, 

playground equipment and disability access). 

As someone commented at the public forum, certainty 

only comes when the figure is there in black and white! 

The new proposed budget will be anxiously awaited. 

An adequate allocation to cover the problems of the 

Chewton Pool could see Bettie Exon earn a new title - 

AOY! (Advocate of the Year!) 

PAINTING DONATED 

A painting of an iconic Chewton building acquired by the 

Castlemaine Art Gallery some years ago has been declared 

in excess of their needs. This situation was made known 

to the CDS, and following representations to Gallery 

Director Peter Perry by Bruce Newman the painting has 

been donated to the CDS for display in the Chewton Town 

Hall. The acknowledgement is to read “Donated to CDS 

by Castlemaine Art Gallery and Museum. June 2004.” 

CHEWTON DOMAIN SOCIETY AGM 

DETAILS IN NEXT MONTH'S CHAT 

FRYERSTOWN ROGAINING 

The Rogaine at the Burke and Wills Hall attracted 821 

participants over the weekend of the 19th and 20th June. 

We had 364 on the Saturday and on the Sunday, we had 

220 adults and 237 school students. 

Despite the weather many participants commented on the 

fantastic sense of history they felt exploring the forests 

surrounding the town. We were made to feel particularly 

welcome at all times. Pat Cubeta was very helpful with 

the use of the Burke and Wills Hall, and the landowners 

we approached were very generous in allowing our 

members to have access to their property. The residents 

we approached around the 

hall to alert them to the 

forthcoming crowds were 

most cooperative. 

Over the weekend itself a 

number of local people 

visited our site and gave us 

a very warm welcome. 

We were certainly 

impressed by the generous 

response we received and 

leave Fryerstown having 

had a most enjoyable 

experience. Thank-you! 

Jenny and John Sheahan, Rogaine Coordinators. 

MALTBY’S NURSERY 

GRADUAL 

CLOSING DOWN SALE 

1 Baird St. (Off Murphy St) 5472 3925 

Wesley Hill. Castlemaine. 

..and best wishes and thanks from all in 

Chewton. The Chewton Chat owes much to the 

enthusiastic support from Maltby's Nursery over a 

very long period. Thanks Evelyn.

CHEWTON’S PUBLIC FORUM 

More than 30 hardy souls tested the heating in the Chewton 

Town Hall at the June Public Forum. Sandy McKay and 

Andrea Ross, in the midst of arrangements to take over 

the Chewton Post Office, took the opportunity to come 

along and meet the wider community. They requested 

patience be shown as they come to grips with the many 

names that comprise the community! 

Ward representative Cr. Jim Norris had also allocated time 

to attend and after being welcomed explained the 

background to the community concerns about the Chewton 

Pool. A 6 week process undertaken by councillors had 

resulted in the tightest budget in his 5 years on council. 

He assured the meeting that pools were core business 

and council’s core businesses were to be funded. To close 

the Chewton Pool would be a disaster. Apparently there 

was a breakdown in communications and there was no 

realisation of the situation at Chewton being so critical. 

Jim gave the assurance that the situation would be 

redressed before the budget was finally passed. The 

shared facility is also about to happen in the near future. 

Discussion then was sidetracked to public transport; with 

several deficiencies noted in the service to and from 

Chewton, and in and around Castlemaine. Jim pointed 

out that public transport isn’t a direct council responsibility, 

but council had liaised with Macedon Ranges and had 

produced a MAS Transport Information Booklet which is 

freely available. (Bronwen Machin is the co-ordinator of 

this booklet and can be contacted on 0417 130 885 or 

b.machin@mountalexander.vic.gov.au regarding service 

suggestions.) It was pointed out that the current bus service 

is usually poorly patronised, with only one passenger on 

many occasions. 

Katherine Seppings gave a presentation on the proposed 

MAS planning changes, specifically the Happy Valley/ 

Moonlight Flat Strategic Plan. She pointed out the many 

potential implications such as bushfire, access, recreational 

usage, tourism, cultural heritage, water infrastructure, and 

relationship to the national park; many of which have 

potential implications for Chewton. Council will be 

considering this situation shortly, and anyone wishing to 

pass any comment on this Strategic Plan should do so by 

July 5th. 

The evolution of the Monster Meeting recognition was 

outlined by John Ellis. The Entrance to Chewton project 

was planned some years ago when funding from the 

Department of Infrastructure was applied for. This 

included a walking track, ford, plantings and a flagpole. 

The flagpole was to be placed in the Entrance precinct, 

and its positioning was influenced by the road and other 

infrastructure in the area. An area overlooking the site 

believed to be the Shepherds Hut/Monster Meeting was 

selected. The flagpole (a bush pole) was donated by Col 

Webster and Coliban Water donated $1,000 to allow the 

bluestones around their new sewerage pumping station to 

be re-gravelled in more appropriate material. This Entrance 

project has just been signed off, with a formal recognition 

of a huge number of hours of local communty participation. 

Since then the Monster Meeting site has been more 

positively identified and a CHEFP grant obtained from 

the Federal Government to allow appropriate recognition. 

Plans and submissions are being prepared for the specific 

site and future Chewton Chats will carry these suggestions. 

Meanwhile the current grant is funding a replica flag which 

is being produced, and a lectern style sign to sit below the 

current flagpole. The wording on this sign begins with the 

words, “The gentle slope to the north was the site of a 

shepherd’s hut that became the focal point of a Monster 

Meeting”. 

The Public Forum ended with a light supper and continued 

informal discussion. 

LOCAL PLUMBERS FOR LOCAL WORK 

For all your plumbing requirements contact 

Printz Plumbing for fast, reliable, efficient service. 

We offer: 

• All domestic plumbing. 

• Registered Green Plumber. 

• Gas appliance maintenance. 

• Sewer connections. 

• Same day changeover on hot water services. 

• Supply and installation of heaters & cookers. 

• Obligation free quotations on ducted heaters, 

evaporative coolers and split systems. 

• Water treatment plants. 

• Solar hot water services. 

• Genuine after hours service to our clients. 

Printz Plumbing employ local people, and put on new 

local apprentices each year. 

We support our community. 

PRINTZ PLUMBING, 

81 Mostyn Street, Castlemaine. 

Telephone 5472 2533 Fax 5470 6362 

printzplumbing@castlemaine.net 

SOCCER 

Up coming matches: Seniors on Sunday July 25 (Chewton) 

-hosting the Epsom teams 

August 1 (Chewton) hosting the Colts from Strathfieldsaye 

U/18s kickoff at 10:30, the Women at 12:30 and the Men 

at 2:30. 

Saturdays (except July 3) will see up to 9 junior matches 

plus the goal kick program. Bill Burris.

THE BUSINESS(ES) OF CHEWTON 

A2 continues to seek out the businesses of the Chewton area, and takes a trip to the very end of Golden Point 

Road, and finds the old Faraday school at the Calder Highway intersection has had a new lease of life. 

Minto Wines was established in 1999 with the planting of 20 acres of vines on the 

Elliot property on the Eastern side of the Calder Highway, just South of the Faraday 

school. There are 5 acres each of Shiraz, Cabernet, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay 

providing the basis for the production of Minto wines. The winery itself is opposite the 

vineyard, adjacent to Alan and Heather’s home on the Western side of the highway. 

The hard work that went into the establishment of the vineyard is now bearing fruit. 

Then fate played a hand as the (former) Faraday school became vacant and for sale. 

Its location is very close to the property, so Alan and Heather purchased the freehold 

in November last year (2003). This Heritage Victoria listed property is situated on two acres and has since been 

transformed into a tasting room and sales venue for their premium wines. 

The building was officially opened by former student Mrs. P. Reece on 17th January 

this year (2004), and is now open for complimentary tastings each Saturday, Sunday 

(and Mondays that fall on Public Holidays) from 10am to 4pm. Wines may be 

purchased by the glass, or bottle; and discounts are offered for case lots. 

As with most of Chewton and surrounds, the old school building is well known locally 

for its history and heritage, and much more widely for the events of October 1972. 

The Elliots place more emphasis on history and heritage however, and have spectacularly returned the interior to its 

former “schoolroom character”. Blackboards on which visitors can chalk pearls of wisdom have been installed, the 

original hardwood floor has been sanded and polished, and school and 

local history pieces are pinned to the “scrapboard”. Even the bar (an 

old bank counter) is in keeping with the general ambience of the place. 

Alan and Heather welcome anyone to call in and and absorb this local 

piece of history; and if your liking is to taste and talk wine they are only 

too willing to help. The old school will soon become a central meeting 

place for “serious” discussions by local winemakers, and in the spring 

and summer it is planned to stage some outside wine-related events 

such as wine and jazz afternoons. 

An old building with a long and distinctive history is now being given a 

new lease of life thanks to two caring and sympathetic new owners. 

Do drop in and wish Alan and Heather well, look over the old school, and sample the products our district is quickly 

becoming famous for….and it is a great place to impress your visitors! A2. 

Minto Wines Alan and Heather Elliot 2801 Calder Highway, Faraday, 3451 Ph. 041 737 3950 

Cellar Door at the Old Faraday School, open 10am - 4pm Sat, Sun and Monday Public Holidays 

SPEED TRAILER 

MAS arranged 

for a speed trailer 

to spend a week 

in Golden Point 

Road. Located in 

the 80kph zone, 

the trailer clearly 

displayed the speeds of all vehicles approaching from the 

Chewton direction. This became a conversation piece as 

motorists compared their speedo readings and driving habits 

to the trailer’s very public display. WinNews even came 

down and filmed the trailer in operation. After its stint in 

Golden Point Road the trailer moved to a spot in the 40kph 

zone in Castlemaine’s Hargraves Street. But don’t expect 

to see the trailer placed in Chewton’s main street - the 

Pyrenees Highway is a VicRoads responsibility rather than 

an MAS one. It isn’t known if VicRoads has access to 

similar speed awareness devices. 

Aikido Central 

Victoria 

Aikido is a non-competitive, defensive 

martial art incorporating empty-handed, 

sword and staff techniques. 

Classes in Castlemaine and Kyneton. 

Phone Robert Wilson (3 rd dan) on: 

5473 4044 or 0427 670 201 

COMPUTER BITS (and bytes) 

Old computers and computer related equipment can often 

be rehabilitated and made useful again. Please don’t dump 

these items because they can fill a need for someone else 

- not everyone needs the latest. Call Andrew Milton on 

5472 3662 if you have parts that may be recyclable.

CHEWTON HISTORIC POST OFFICE - "THE PEOPLE’S PO" 

As most of you will know the post office is about to enter yet another phase of it’s long history – with us, the new 

licensees taking over from Max and Rosalie on the 1 st of July. 

We have passed the rigorous pre-sale interviews, police checks and 

signed the legal contracts required by Australia Post. 

Some of you will already have met Sandy who has successfully 

completed basic training at Australia Post corporate headquarters in 

Melbourne and Castlemaine and is now happily taking instructions 

from Max and Rosalie – and from all reports having an enjoyable 

time along the way. 

I hope to meet you all soon. 

It would be hard not to notice how vital this little post office is to the 

local community – and know that many people will be wondering 

how things might change –with the change of operators. 

Sandy and I have lots of ideas – but not many firm plans as yet – 

except to get to know all aspects of the operation. One thing we have 

done is accept the lease of the residence as well as the post office – as lack of space and storage restricts the 

possibilities of providing any more improvements than Max and Rosalie have already put into place. So look out for a 

more spacious appearance once we get settled. 

We will also recommence Saturday morning opening from 9 am-Midday on Saturday 10 th July 

Since we don’t really have ‘anything to report’ we felt it might be useful to offer some early observations and reflections 

on the Chewton Post office - from our perspective. 

Ours was a quick decision, to invest in this business - for a number of reasons. 

Australia Post has undergone many changes in its operations – and yet (according to a recent Reader’s Digest survey) 

- still remains high on consumers list of ‘most trusted’ agencies next to emergency services. Sandy and I feel quite 

privileged to be selected not just by Australia Post, but by the encouragement we have received from the Domain 

Society and unreservedly generous support from Max and Rosalie. 

Whilst it is true that not everyone likes change – being able to adapt to changing circumstances and times, is the secret 

to longevity. It’s fair to say that Max and Rosalie have presided over a dynamic period when Australia Post has 

reinvented itself to become more ‘commercial’, with greater demands placed on licensees in relation to business 

development and corporate expectations. This has been accompanied by the loss of secure employment opportunities 

as Australia Post presses ahead with further privatisation. 

Some informality for smaller post offices has no doubt been lost in this change process, but this is more than compensated 

for by wider services through automation. Sandy and I want to expand on services we can offer the community – and 

your suggestions will always be carefully considered within the scope of our licensed contractual obligations to Australia 

Post. 

The introduction of computer based-operations cannot be underestimated in relation to the ongoing development of 

postal services for Chewton. Australia Post has a level of transactions required before it will allow post offices to 

automate. This has catch 22 elements where service & transaction levels can be greatly improved with automation – 

but it’s well nigh impossible to reach that target until you get automated! Although Chewton does not yet meet the 

required level of transaction, it’s thanks to efforts by Rosalie and Max and a one-off rural scheme, that the EPOS 

(Electronic Point Of Sale) technology provides additional security in relation to current and future community needs, 

simply by making it viable to potential operators. 

For Sandy and I the Chewton Post Office held great appeal in relation to the historic aspects of its development and its 

survival over time – often against overwhelming odds. This was definitely a good omen we felt! 

We have always been aware that, far from us simply ‘choosing’ to buy the business – there was also a selection 

process going on about which potential purchaser might ‘fit’ best into the community. 

In truth, we were also drawn to the quirky idea that the Chewton Post office is probably unique in Australia. A 

government agency, franchised to private operators, whose consumers also happen to be the ‘landlords’. For many 

people that might sound like a recipe for disaster! 

Sandy and I are much more optimistic though. We believe that, although the various parties might have different 

motivations at times – the ‘bottom line’ is that we all want the 

Chewton Post Office to remain vibrant and viable – showing what 

can be achieved in a dynamic community. 

To this end, Sandy and I intend to work really hard to increase the 

value of this community asset on our “watch”. 

Andrea Ross and Sandy McKay.

THE BATTERYMAN... 

... A PRESENTATION 

After more than three years of researching and writing 

on the famous, the important, the forgotten, the overlooked, 

and the quirky events from Chewton’s past The 

Batteryman stepped back from writing a monthly column 

at the end of 2003. His decision to concentrate on other 

priorities was understood but it still disappointed his many 

fans. “An Ode to The Batteryman” was penned 

“anonymously” by Helen McGeachin at the time and was 

published in the Chat some months ago. The CDS decided 

to have the ode framed and a presentation was made to 

The Batteryman by CDS secretary Bettie Exon at the 

time The Batteryman’s alter ego Jack Cocks was 

presenting the CDS with copies of his new publications. 

Thanks Jack - from all of Chewton. 

GET WELL WISHES 

Two of Chewton’s best known residents are currently 

in the care of Mount Alexander Hospital. Many 

thoughts are with Alan Lakey and Margaret Reynolds 

as they recover from recent set backs. Margaret’s 

birthday in hospital was acknowledged by a bunch of 

flowers from the CDS on behalf of the Chewton 

community. These were delivered by Bettie Exon, who 

is one of the many, many Chewton people who 

remembers year after year receiving a birthday card 

from “Frenta”. 

WATER 

LEVELS 

Water levels in Coliban’s 

catchments have risen slightly to 

21% (25/6) due to approximately 

30mls. of rain in the catchment 

areas during the week. Eppalock 

(4.6%) and Cairn Curran (4%) 

remain at the same levels as last 

month. 

Expedition Pass Reservoir has risen slightly in the last 

month, up from 371.26 metres to 373.4 metres. 

REAL ESTATE GOSSIP 

Thought it would be a good idea this month to run through 

most of the houses that are for sale in Chewton. Not a 

complete list, but pretty close to it. 

IN THE HEART OF TOWN! 

* Manchester House (aka the Bakery) App. $500,000 

* 198 Main Road $260,000 

* 197 Main Road $185,000 

IN THE SUBURBS! 

* 1 Eureka Street $179,000 

* Miners Hut Road $700,000 plus 

* Pyrenees Highway … a 

two bedroom hardyplank 

home for $165,000 

* There’s also a bush cottage 

for private sale up the top of 

Chinamans Point Road, but I 

haven’t sussed that one out 

yet. 

As I warned you earlier, this 

may not be a complete list. Let me know if anything is 

missing. (There are a couple of rumours floating around 

… can’t tell you about those.) 

Next month maybe we will have a look at land! 

Keith Richardson. 

AGM’S 

June 30th marks the end of the financial year and opens 

the season for Annual General Meetings. Community 

organisations will be holding these important meetings 

in coming weeks... the Chewton Chat is available to 

all local organisations to advertise and/or report 

on these important meetings.

SOLDIERS’ MEMORIAL PARK 

Thank goodness for the rain! Our oval is playable again 

so there have been soccer club matches on (wet and drizzly) 

weekends and a school tournament on June 11. 

Our June meeting was taken up with concerns about 

expensive plumbing works we need to have done and 

moving light switches from the soccer change room 

switchboard to the wall of the kitchen. 

We were pleased to welcome the proposal from Bruce 

Newman for the Chewton All Stars Committee to include 

Ian McMillan, Jack and Marg Finning, Shirley Ann Hughes 

and Mick Sundblom. They will work with the Soccer Club 

to move all Tigers’ memorabilia into the room nearest the 

kitchen which is the old Tigers’ Room. 

When Brian Smith, the former President of the Chewton 

Pool Committee, rang me to tell me the Chewton Pool 

was about to close, I checked with Cr Jim Norris and was 

reassured when he told me that, on the contrary, no pool 

in the shire would close as pools are now Core Business. 

At the same time we understood that Bettie Exon would 

follow up with council to find out why there was no money 

in the budget for the Chewton Pool. 

There is further evidence of council’s support for its 

community pools in its efforts to get industry support for 

its local swimming pools policy and to seek a two-tiered 

lifeguard award to acknowledge the different training needs 

of swimming supervisors in regional areas. The landmark 

meeting of the Victorian Aquatic Council in Castlemaine 

on June 22 gave additional credit to this policy. Only a 

council that is deeply committed to maintaining its 

community pools would act in this way. 

At the Community Forum on Monday, June 21, Cr Norris 

explained that a $60,000 roof over a changing area at 

Newstead had mistakenly been given priority in the budget 

over the filter and pipes at Chewton because the officer 

“believed the [Chewton Pool] would make it through the 

season while it seems that it would not even make it INTO 

the season!” He assured the meeting that funds will be 

allocated more appropriately before the budget is adopted. 

He also confirmed that council will soon begin to build the 

Shared Facility, the showers and change rooms to serve 

both the Park as a whole and the Chewton Community 

Pool. As Jim put it, if it is to be a multi-purpose change 

room, we have to have a swimming pool! 

This Committee of Management is conducting our Annual 

General Meeting on Wednesday, July 14, at 7.30 p.m. in 

the George Archer Pavilion. Everyone is invited. Cr Norris 

will chair the election of Committee Members. This will 

be followed by our Committee Meeting. 

Pat Milthorpe, President 5470 5050 

Hor Horticultural Hor 

ticultural Advice 

Advice 

Landscaping 

Landscaping 

Wayne's Wayne's Mowing 

Mowing 

5473 5473 3306 

3306 

FRYERSTOWN CORNER 

The rogaining was held on the weekend of the 19th and 

20th of June. The number of people are turned up was 

unbelievable. Our 6 and a 1/2 acre back paddock at the 

hall was full of cars, as well as those parked on the streets. 

It really must be doing the whole area a lot of good, tourist 

wise, to have so many people here for the weekend. 

One of our old miners' cottages in Fryers, with a two peak 

roof has had a room added and is now a three peak roof. 

It looks very good. 

Our next film night is on Saturday the 24th of July at 7:30 

p.m. in the Fryerstown Hall. Screening will be “Captain 

Blood”, a 1935 film starring Errol Flynn and Olivia 

deHavilland. Also screening will be the sixth episode of 

Flash Gordon. 

Rainfall for June in Fryerstown (to the 21st of the month) 

was 95 and a 1/2 millimeters. The total for the year so far 

is 145 and a 1/2 millimeters. Pat Cubeta. 

LUCKY BLOKE! 

Lucky Bloke was a passive volunteer at a recent working 

bee at the Entrance to Chewton. Lucky is the latest 

creation by Rocky - remember Rocky's Man who 

entertained us on the trip to Castlemaine? 

Watch for Lucky making regular appearances in and 

around Chewton - and in and around the Chewton Chat.

DARTS 

Well the ‘Home & Away’ part of the season has come to 

a close and it saw ‘good old’ Red Hill 2 finish higher up 

the ladder than in the past few seasons. Red Hill 1 made 

the finals (the Semi’s being played last night – as I type 

this). It saw them pitted against Harcourt 1. This game 

was a really good tight struggle, which went right down 

to the wire. Basically both teams had a chance of winning 

the very last game – so it was pretty much decided on the 

last dart of the night. Red Hill 1 won 6 games to 5. It has 

come to our attention that ‘local identity’, who shall remain 

nameless (Ken McM….), lost the (his) last game of 

Singles. This was the reason that allowed the night to go 

to the Teams Game which Red Hill 1 won, thus allowing 

them to press on in the finals (Instead of Harcourt 1 – 

Ken McM……'s Team). 

The other Semi was played at the Red Hill Hotel between 

Harcourt 2 and Northern 2. Harcourt 2 came out 

comfortable winners on the night although, as is quite often 

the case, the score line belies the actual quality and 

closeness of the evening's events. 

An ‘unofficial’ complaint was lodged by Mark ‘The 

Painter’ during the night’s proceedings. Come his game 

of ‘singles’ and he was totally concentrating on the matter 

at hand, but knew there was something missing (the 

support so very necessary that can get you across the 

line in these close games). Well he turned to find that his 

entire team, including No. 1 supporter Bill Hunter, had 

deserted him. They were found ‘en masse’ at the bar. 

Well the poor man was reduced to tears at failing to leave 

his ‘mark’ on either the game or evening’s events. 

Australian film icon Bill Hunter has become a regular 

supporter, and was once again there as the ‘one man cheer 

squad’. (And I must say what a lovely and genuine man 

he is – apart from the above infraction) 

This was the game that this reporter attended and I must 

say the quality or standard of darts was absolutely 

fabulous. 

It was intended that a photo of the two teams accompany 

this write-up. Budding photographer Jake Braybrook was 

summoned from his ‘sick bed’. It was only when at the 

hotel and attempting to take the photo that he found his 

father Glenn had flattened the batteries in the camera 

(and Glenn was true to form and told no one). So the 

camera didn’t work. Nice one A1. – how is the Chat 

supposed to get professional with help like yours? 

Next week’s Preliminary Final will be played at the 

‘Messidog’ (Carriers Arms Hotel) between Red Hill 1 

and Northern 2 – 7:00pm. start. I thoroughly recommend 

it for a night out and emphatically implore one and all to 

go along and lend support for your team. And irrespective 

of that, cheer on poor old Mark ‘The Painter’ in his games 

(I hate seeing grown men cry – even though I can fully 

understand the importance and necessity of team and 

tactical meetings needing to be conducted at bars). 

Wwwally and Phil followers will be pleased to know that 

despite their ‘questionable’ tactics of playing ‘ring-ins’ 

they still managed to finish below Red Hill 2. Well played 

Wwwally. 

Next season already has two (2) new ‘old’ teams coming 

into the competition, i.e. the Commercial and Elphinstone 

Hotels. Rumors are also rife that there is a team of ‘darts 

tarts’ (a women’s team) playing from the Red Hill Hotel 

next season – possibly led by that well known female 

impersonator ‘Stan Munro’. 

Next Season will most probably see (with enough teams) 

the immediate grading and Divisions or ‘seasonal grading’. 

That is, play a complete round and then split into two (2) 

Divisions – the ‘top half’ and the ‘bottom half’ – with 

two (2) lots of Finals being played at the end of the season. 

Anyone wishing to get in on the act, time is running out 

and YOU need to act now, i.e. contact any participating 

Hotel or yours truly and you also NEED TO ATTEND 

the A.G.M. which is being held at the Harcourt Tavern 

on 12/7/04 – 7:00pm. 

Well apart from urging everyone to come along to the 

Messidog on 30/6/04 for the Preliminary Final and the 

Harcourt Tavern on 7/7/04 for the Grand Final all I can 

say is what an absolutely fabulous season it has been, 

and what a time I have had. 

In closing for this season, what a pleasure it has been in 

reporting (and ribbing) the season’s events for ‘The Chat’. 

It has all been done in good spirit and thanks to the quality 

of ‘all’ the players (each and every one of them is a 

character within their own right) who have taken the 

reports in the same good and gracious way. 

Until next season this intrepid reporter A2. is signing off…. 

And Blade has a look at June's "Darts with a Difference"!

YOUR Invitation TO BE PART OF CHEWTON'S HISTORY... 

Everyone in Chewton is invited to a gathering that will mark a very important historic event! The history of the 

town is often measured in terms of who was in the Post Office at the time. Did that happen in Mr. Torney’s time? 

Or was it during Mrs. Taylor’s? 

July sees the changeover from Max and Rosalie Wilkinson to Andrea Ross and Sandy McKay. To mark this 

momentous occasion the CDS is arranging for a gathering in the Chewton Town Hall at 5 p.m. on Friday the 2nd 

of July for the Community to farewell Max and Rosalie and welcome Andrea and Sandy. Be part of Chewton’s 

ever evolving history and come along. 

GOLDEN POINT LANDCARE 

National Tree Day will be celebrated on Sunday the 18th 

of July. Volunteers who would like to participate are invited 

to meet at the Golden Point/Llewellyn Road corner at 9.30 

a.m. 

Tasks will include the planting of carex along Forest Creek, 

counting and tidying the previous plantings and digging out 

emerging bridal creeper. Contact Jillian Milton (5472 2298) 

for further details. 

Thanks to all the people who responded to the Golden 

Point Road traffic and safety situation (the blue flyer in 

last month’s Chat). The responses are being collated for 

presentation to Bob Cameron (MLA Bendigo West), 

VicRoads and MAS. 

Celebrating community 

achievements? 

Do you know someone who has 

done some outstanding work 

benefiting our natural resources/ 

environment in our community? 

The NCCMA is calling for 

suggestions of people, groups or 

organisations who have made outstanding voluntary 

contributions to protect and improve out natural 

environment. These suggestions must be received by the 

16th of July on a form that is available from the NCCMA, 

Landcare Coordinator Dean Bridgfoot, your landcare group 

or call Marie Jones on 5472 2892. 

WWW.CHEWTON.NET 

Some messages left in the guestbook this month are of 

interest. These are from some of the 4,218 visitors now 

recorded as having visited our site. 

* Hi Chewton, terrific web page. I am researching my 

family. My Great Grandmother and her Husband owned 

the Northumberland Arms. They were Richard and 

Elizabeth Hopper. Elizabeth (nee Safe, nee Emmerson) 

died in Chewton in 1886 at the age of 68. She had two 

sons Thomas and William Safe. Can anyone help with 

past or present relatives. Many thanks, Peter Safe. 

* Can anyone tell me the names of the postmasters/ 

mistresses at Chewton between Harold Torney 1974... 

and Max & Rosalie Wilkinson 2001? I am compiling a 

display of goldfields post offices. Thank you, Alex 

Stoneman. 

* Our family is more closely associated with Ballarat 

from the 1850’s, but I would like to congratulate Chewton 

on its website. There is much to read and learn about 

Chewton's past. Keep up the great work. Frank Braybrook. 

* Hi again. I’ve just been reading June’s Chat and was 

surprised by the ‘Let’s Get Singing’ on the Front Page - 

Terrific! Reminds me of those ‘good old days’ singing in 

Chewton Town Hall during the War years, for our 

Australian War Effort - those times were very rousing 

and meaningful! Also during my childhood singing in the 

Community Centre Hall when it was a Church. (I think I 

have that right. That is what the Hall used to be, right?) 

Please tell me if I am wrong. Also, I liked to read about 

the ‘Singing in the rain.’ Perhaps, and I don’t want to be 

simplistic here, believe me, but it would be good to hear 

our ‘Praying In the Rain’. We certainly need it, eh! Just 

another thought. Good to hear the local News in the Chat 

again.Thankyou. Don Archbold. 

For publication on the website we still need lots of short 

stories... and from this month’s Chat we will post Edna’s 

80th and Bettie’s view of the 1969 moon landing but we 

still need more. Can you help? Without interesting tales 

we can’t attract visitors to make return trips to 

www.chewton.net. Your help is desperately needed. 

AD VERTISING in the Cha t, on the Web, and in the TIB 

Along with donations, paid adver tisements k e p the Che wton Chat viable. But adver tising is also possible, and encouraged, 

on our website www.che wton.net . The Tourist Infor ma tion Board on the Highway near Golden Point Road also has 

space for fliers from Che wton businesses. 

If you are interested in taking up these oppor tunities please call 5472 2892 to discuss your needs.

EDNA’S 80TH BIRTHDAY 

When John Ellis asked me to write something for the Chewton Chat he 

didn’t actually say what he wanted me to write about. Did he want my 

views on what it is like to be 80? Or what I have experienced over the 

last 80 years? 

So, to start with, being eighty doesn’t feel any different, it sort of sneaks 

up on you. I still have to do the cooking, cleaning , etc. I did say that I 

would retire from committees when I turned 80, but everyone laughed, 

so it looks like that didn’t work. 

As to what I have experienced, that covers a lot. I started school at 

four and a half years and spent time on the first day in disgrace, because 

I picked a bunch of flowers (it turned out the flowers in question were 

from a tamerisk bush, and everyone knows they have heaps of flowers). 

I have always loved flowers, and still do, even now. I spent two years 

in grade eight because I wasn’t old enough to leave. We watched from 

the schoolyard as electric light poles were put in and Chewton then had electricity. 

I started work as a shop assistant at Gilpin’s and was there when war broke out, the Second World War. That brought 

rationing and ration books. I saw boys that I went to school with enlist. Some came back, some didn’t. And of those 

that came back, very few are alive today. For that reason , the only war films I watch are “Hogan’s Heroes”. I saw 

the boom in gold in the thirties, and all mines that were working then. I remember when Mrs. Taylor had the post 

office, and if you wanted to use the phone, you had to book the call. Quite often these were after hours , but she didn’t 

mind. 

I remember our school concerts, Sunday School picnics, school sports days; we 

actually won the shield one year. I remember when Chewton had a butcher, baker 

and two grocery stores. I remember when they called for orders and delivered 

them. The milkman called and measured out the milk into your jug or billy in front of 

you. The iceman called, there were no fridges then. No washing machines either, 

just a copper to boil. And no TV's! In fact it was a luxury to have a radio. I 

remember when we had a football team, a cricket team and tennis teams; and they 

were teams to be reckoned with! I have served on quite a few committees, and 

hope I’ve been of some benefit to them. I helped raise money to build our swimming 

pool. I’m still a member of the Fire Brigade Ladies Auxiliary (and am about due for 

my 40 year badge); as well I am membership secretary for the Domain Society, and 

Treasurer and Parish Council representative for our St. John’s Anglican Church. So 

it doesn’t look as though I will be allowed to retire just yet. 

I have a wonderful family and it has been great to watch them develop into adults 

with families of their own. I’ve watched people come and go, some only stayed a short while, while others were happy 

to call Chewton home and stayed. There are not many of us older Chewton born people left. 

Sorry, but I can’t remember the Monster Meeting so I can’t help you there. Edna Preece. 

AFTERNOON SERVICES... 

...AT ST.JOHN'S 

Afternoon services are being conducted at St. John’s 

Chewton more frequently these days. On Friday the 

28th of May, at 2pm, twenty people joined Rev. Ken 

Parker for a renewal-of-vows Eucharist for hermit 

Carol McDonough. On Sunday the 20th of June at 5pm, 

Rev. Ken Parker led 33 people in a, “Welcome To 

Winter”, songfest around a bonfire in St. John’s grounds; 

before continuous drizzle and fading light forced them 

to adjourn to the church for a potato and soup meal. 

Lindsay Milton. 

FOLDING 

The August Chat will be folded at a working bee at the 

Chewton Town Hall at 2.30 pm. on Friday July 30th. 

Rhone Mechanical Repairs 

From basic servicing and 

mechanical repairs to engine 

conversions and high 

performance work. 

Tim Rhone 

Ampol Garage, Main Road, Chewton 

Phone/Fax 5472 2546 

Please support our advertisers.. 

..their support ensures the Chat keeps going!

MEMORIES IN BLACK AND WHITE 

Who can remember exactly where they were and what they were doing on the day man landed on the moon? Well, I 

can! 

With the recent passing of one of our much loved locals, Alice Josephine Dennis, memories of my childhood, state 

school etc. all came flooding back and I stopped for a while to reflect and remember what a bloody great childhood I 

had right here in Chewton. (Center of the universe, you know!) 

How excited were we at Chewton Primary School on that historic day. We knew something special was taking place, 

what with everyone talking about the moon, astronauts, spaceships etc., but at such a tender age (all those who know 

me can stop laughing now!) who cared? All we knew was that it was big, and everyone was talking about it. 

After arriving at school that morning, Mr. Alf Mortar (now he was a real headmaster, but that’s another story) 

explained to us that the whole school would be going down to Mr. and Mrs. Ron Dennis’ to watch a man landing on the 

moon (live) on their black-and-white television. Wow! Excited? We were beyond excited. I think a couple of kids wet 

their pants, some screamed, while others sat in silence. 

Mr. and Mrs. Ron (Tonna) Dennis lived just on the corner opposite the school, 

so as the time neared, we all formed assembly and Mr. Mortar, as only he 

could, explained what a terrible fate would befall any of us who did not behave 

in the appropriate manner expected of us. Back then, you knew you had to do 

your best or else when you got back to school. 

Not many families in Chewton even had a television then, and this made it 

even more exciting. Not just watching history, but to actually see a TV in real 

life!! When we arrived, Mr. and Mrs. Dennis had cleared the lounge room of 

most of the furniture. But yes, the wonderful TV was there for all to see. The 

moment had arrived. 

We were very orderly, all sitting on the floor. Isn’t that a great moment, a 

whole school in someone’s lounge room (and well behaved out of fear after 

Mr. Mortar’s earlier speech)? Mrs. Dennis turned on the TV. Most of us 

were gobsmacked! This was the very first time some of us had seen live 

television. The program started and all was quiet. Funny black-and-white images, snowy reception, but no one gave 

a rat’s bum because we were watching TV. We were part of history, and we were sitting in Alice and Ron Dennis’ 

lounge room. 

I can’t remember how long it went for, but my best friend, Fiona (Helen) Campbell and I sat there spellbound. It was 

the absolute greatest day to us. At the end Mrs. Dennis passed around cookies she had baked for us to have. We 

thanked Alice and Ron for their hospitality and quickly filed out of the lounge room with its black-and-white television 

that we’d seen history made on. 

Isn’t it funny how the brain holds such special memories for us to keep forever, and isn’t it great that lovely fuzzy warm 

feeling you get when one of those memories comes at the oddest moments? At the end of that year, 1969, I was named 

Dux of the School and my name is on the Honor Roll there, and I imagine for all-time. But even that was never as 

special as sitting in Alice and Ron Dennis’ loungeroom, watching man land on the moon on their wonderful television, 

with my best friend Fiona (Helen) Campbell - who I still remain friends with to this day. 

Bettie Exon, Chewton (Centre of the Universe). 

ENTITY GOLDFIELDS GOLDFIELDS DISCOVERY 

DISCOVERY 

TOURS 

TOURS 

“Discovering the Castlemaine Diggings 

National Heritage Park” 

Half-day tours 9am – 1pm or 1 – 5pm 

Includes morning or afternoon tea. Adults $ 55 Kids $25 

Full day tours 9am – 5pm 

Includes morning tea and lunch. Adults $ 85 Kids $50 

For bookings call Adam Smolak on 03 54 70 5453 

10 % seniors discount welcome 

Web: www.entity.com.au 

LEVEL 4 WATER RESTRICTIONS 

STILL APPLY

CFA - UPDATE 

Congratulations to everyone. No major fires in the area 

in the last three months. A job well done - let's keep this 

up. 

Burn-offs are permitted now on Tuesdays and Saturdays, 

between 9.00am and 6.00pm. So everyone should get 

ready for the summer months now and reduce your fuel 

loads while it is safe to do so. For big burn-offs please 

let the brigade know on the day, of the time and 

approximate burn-off load, on Ph. 54721978 or 0408 

522488. 

Continue to keep an eye on flues and clean them out 

regularly. Clear dryer filters out after every use. 

Be extra careful on the roads in wet weather. 

000 is the number to call for all emergencies inside 

and outside the home, whether they are fire emergencies 

or any other. 

Our new chain-saw was put to good use by brigade 

members for training purposes. Everyone had a go and it 

worked well. 

Thankyou to all members of the Chewton community for 

your support over the past fire season. 

Jo Willen, Captain, Chewton Fire Brigade. 

New Videos 

And the yummiest and chewiest gum 

as endorsed by Zac! 

FOXES 

These ever present predators have been making their 

presence felt through the Chewton area, as they are 

throughout Victoria. 

The Department of Primary Industry is running a Fox on 

the Run program, more than 105,000 poison baits have 

been laid around Victoria this autumn. The baits are buried 

to avoid wildlife and other animals eating them. This dead 

fox was spotted near a local dam. 

CONGRATULATIONS 

For many years Chewton has received wonderful publicity 

and support from both the Midland Express and 

Castlemaine Mail. On the occasion of Dawn Felstead’s 

leaving those papers, a bunch of flowers was arranged 

by those involved in the Chewton Chat and the CDS. 

This was to say thanks for not only the publicity, but also 

the interest and advice passed on during Dawn’s time 

there. Australian flowers were selected and superbly 

arranged by regular Chewton Chat volunteer Barbara 

Dry. This card has just been received in response.... 

“To all involved in the Chewton Chat and Domain 

Society, 

Thankyou very much for the beautiful flowers and 

kind words on my departure from the Castlemaine Mail 

and Midland Express. Both the Chat and the Domain 

Society are a credit to everyone involved. They are 

also an indication of a vibrant and involved 

community. The coming years are going to be crucial 

for Chewton, Castlemaine and the whole area. Stay 

involved! Thanks again, Dawn.” 

CERAMIC TILING, PAVING 

& STONE FIXING 

Quality Quality laying laying of of ceramics, ceramics, terra terra cotta, cotta, 

cotta, 

slate, slate, marble, marble, granite, granite, pavers pavers etc. 

etc. 

Also Also landscaping 

landscaping 

& & home home maintenance/renovations. 

maintenance/renovations. 

Call Richard on 5473 3306 for free quote. 

LETTER RECEIVED... 

...BY CHEWTON DOMAIN SOCIETY 

Chewton Domain Society Inc., 

Late last month I was visiting Castlemaine in search of 

photo resources to use in a new edition of Goldfields, an 

educational computer game I first published in 1986 and 

which is used in nearly every school in Australia and New 

Zealand. Due to some confusion on my part I missed the 

Chewton Town Hall’s normal opening time and was rather 

dismayed because I wouldn’t have the opportunity to return 

until late October. 

And then there was Allan! He very generously gave up a 

morning to guide me through your excellent collection, and 

I’ve been able to recommend to Goldfield’s current 

publishers a list of images that they can include to help 

students get a better idea of what life was like for the 

average digger back in the 1850s. 

I deeply appreciate Allan’s knowledge and his willingness 

to help. I also appreciated the thoroughness with which 

the source of each photo was documented. This is making 

the tiresome task of obtaining permissions and so on 

infinitely quicker and simpler. 

Enclosed is a small cheque that may go a little way to 

ensuring your valuable community resource continues its 

important work. 

With sincere thanks, Bruce Mitchell 

(Publishing and Data, Queensland).

LETTER TO THE EDITOR 1 

It was my pleasure to assist the Chewton Domain Society 

recently with the Old Time Music Hall concert, there is 

certainly a wealth of talent in the area. 

Another pleasure was to attend the Wattle Gully Gold Mine 

re-union as M.C.. It was good to see so many familiar 

faces and to remember the terrific assistance I had from 

the Wattle Gully miners when establishing the gold mine 

tours in the 1970’s. We had 150,000 tourists through the 

mine in 5 years until the tours had to stop to allow the 

large sand dumps to be re-worked. During the re-union 

dinner I spoke to Ian and Helen Jesser and Helen agreed 

to send me some notes on the Jesser family, early Chewton 

pioneers, and an update on Ian’s activities. 

I hope you may have space to publish this interesting history 

in the Chewton Chat. I look forward to reading your 

newsletter each month, keep up the good work. 

Best Regards, Felix Cappy. 

LETTER TO THE EDITOR 2 

I was deeply upset by the ugliness and parochialism of the 

Community Forum on Monday, 21 st June. 

The presence of our Ward Councillor, Jim Norris, should 

not have given free reign to uninformed, rude and 

aggressive attacks on him and on Mount Alexander Shire 

Council about matters far removed from the agenda of 

the meeting. 

If we invite guests to our community forums, we are at 

the very least obliged to make them welcome and to treat 

them with courtesy and respect. 

Yours etc, Pat Milthorpe. 

M.C. Felix and some of his fellow performers at last month's Old Time Music Hall Concert 

Bookkeeper 

Kerry Bourke 

5472 4515 / 0417 136 769 

Overwhelmed by paperwork? Need help with 

GST and BAS returns? 

Get on track and save on accountant’s fees! 

Call me! 

Tons of experience. No business too small. 

Reasonable rates! 

STRENGTH TRAINING HERE 

If there are enough people interested in the scientificaly proven 

strength training program that turns back the clock—replacing fat 

with musc le, rever sing bone loss, increasing strength and energy, 

we could possibly run a group here in 

Chewton in the George Archer Pavilion. 

It would involve four weeks’ “training” with experienced leaders 

in Castlemaine before the move to Chewton. 

If you’ r e interested, please ring Pat Milthorpe on 5470 5050.

A GOLD VEIN FLOWING THROUGH GENERATIONS 

In 1954 CHARLES THOMAS JESSER immigrated from England with his wife and family, to South Australia, finally 

settling in Chewton, Victoria. The Jesser name has been closely linked with the Central Victorian goldfields to the 

present day. Family heirlooms held by the family are gold scales and a personal seal. This seal carries Charles 

Jesser’s insignia, inlaid on a quartz background, linked to a gold fobchain. His grave site, bearing a significant headstone, 

is surrounded by a wrought iron guard in the Chewton cemetery. “Flash Charlie” ( Charlie’s nickname) made his 

fortune in the Gold rush days on Forest Creek, in Chewton. Alluvial gold found here brought its own rewards. He built 

and invested in a general store which still stands today. 

His daughter, Mary Ottery, later followed in his footsteps, building a family store over the road. The Jesser name is 

stamped on many original land titles in the district. Charles Jesser’s son ROBERT was born in 1860 at Chewton. In 

the1880’s he continued the gold adventure, walking from Chewton to Tennant Creek in the Northern Territory, seeking 

his fortune in gold. He became lost in the outback, and was rescued by Aborigines. A boundary rider guided him to 

Darwin. Suffering from Sandy Blight, he was brought back to Sydney by bullock wagon. He remained blind until he 

died at the age of 94 years. He taught himself Braille and broadened his education. 

His son, CHARLES VINCENT, was born in 1888. He started working life as a 12 year old, at the Garfield Mine in 

Chewton as a battery boy. As an adult he worked as a shaft sinker at Chewton’s Wattle Gully and East Nimrod mines 

in the 1930’s. He also worked at the May Queen mine at Drummond. Using his craft he also quarried stone at 

Harcourt for the Shrine in Melbourne. He died an early death of Miner’s Complaint at 52, as the dust destroyed his 

lungs. 

LEONARD HERBERT was born in 1916. He worked with his father, also as a miner. They had a close relationship. 

While living at Kyneton the pair cycled to the Annie Laurie Mine at Taradale, daily covering a distance of 30 km. to 

work. During the depression era, mining was drawing to a close and Len secured a job with the shire. He installed the 

sewerage works and then managed them for 30 years until his retirement. Gold still dominated his leisure time, sinking 

shafts with mates at promising sites and fossicking in local creeks. 

The final chapter in the gold mining family history has centred on IAN LEONARD JESSER, born in 1946 at Kyneton. 

He is the great, great, grand son of Charles Thomas. Upholding the family tradition, Ian has carved out his own mining 

history while working full time in the heavy engineering industry. He worked in various mines during the 1980’s; Wattle 

Gully at Chewton and Williams United in Bendigo. He did this to obtain his mine manager’s certificate, explosives 

permit and winch operator’s certificate. Ian also worked for Planet Resources as a prospector. He then concentrated 

on researching and re-opening the Cornish and Spanish reef at Fryerstown working as an independent, single handed 

miner for 13 years. His mining endeavours have been documented in the Minerals and Energy of Victoria 100 year 

of Geological Survey of Victoria 1995. Ian was also involved in work with the Melbourne Museum. He used his 

mining and explosives experience assisting them to uncover fossils at Dinosaur Cove, west of Apollo Bay. These were 

shown on the ABC documentary video “Mutterburrasaurus”. His lifetime interest in the quest for gold is now spent 

prospecting at many sites in the rich gold area of Dunolly. Gold, once in the blood, stays with you through the generations. 

Complied by Ian and Helen Jesser, 13 Thomas Street, Dunolly 3472. Ph. 54681944. Forwarded by Felix Cappy. 

Friday 2nd July...Chewton Town Hall 

A gathering to mark the PO changeover... 

...farewell and thanks to Max and Rosalie 

...welcome to Andrea and Sandy 

You are invited...can you come along? 

CASTLEMAINE FIELD NATS 

Visitors welcome at Field Naturalist meetings/excursions. 

Fri. Jul. 9. Kimberleys. Chris Morris. UCA Hall, 8pm. 

Sat. Jul. 10. Native Street Trees. Leader: Ern Perkins, 

Ph 54723124. Inc. launch of the Native Street Trees 

leaflet. Driving, then walking. Leave the Octopus at 

1.30 sharp. 

Sat. Jul. 24. Roadside Clean-up. Meet by Tait’s 

Carriages, Pyrenees Highway, Castlemaine at 8.30am. 

Gloves, garbage bags and red safety vests supplied. 

Wear sturdy footwear. 

Sat. Jul. 31, Sun. Aug. 1. National Swift Parrot and 

Regent Honeyeater Survey. Details at July Meeting 

Committee - Chris Morris (President) Ph. 9885 4221, Rita Mills 

(Vice President and Public Officer) Ph. 54724553, George 

Broadway (Secretary) Ph. 5472 2513, Hans van Gemert 

(Treasurer) Ph. 5472 1082, Geraldine Harris (Newsletter Ed.) 

Ph. 5474 2244, Ern Perkins Ph. 5472 3124, Richard Piesse, 

Athol Dorman and Nigel Harland. Castlemaine Field 

Naturalists Club Inc., PO Box 324, Castlemaine, 3450.

150 YEARS AGO 

"List of Qualified Medical Gentlemen. Members of the 

Mount Alexander Medical Association. 

Henry Howlett The Camp Castlemaine 

Wm H Preshaw Campbells Creek 

B. Gill Castlemaine 

James Weston Montgomery’s Hill 

Joseph Meears Back of Argus Office 

John Packer Opp. Manchester Store 

Richard Southee Castlemaine 

Thomas McGrath Castlemaine Hospital 

T.H.Hopkins Opp. Manchester Store 

Richard Close Adelaide Hill 

Harry Green Adelaide Hill 

R.W.Schmidt Castlemaine 

Wm.F.Mercer Old Post Office Hill 

J C Campbell Old Post Office Hill 

Henry Montgomery Wesley Hill 

Robert Tassel Fryers Creek 

—— Carey Windlass Hill 

H.B.Armstrong Windlass Hill 

R.E.Bower Golden Point 

James Hutchinson Campbells Creek 

John McMahon Campbells Creek 

Garret Bulter Campbells Creek 

John H. Hardy Campbells Creek 

M.W.Bourne Wesley Hill 

H. Groundstone Mt Franklyn 

TENT STICKING UP 

Reports have reached us from various quarters, of attempts 

that have been made to deprive the industrious digger of 

his earnings, during his absence from his tent. No sooner 

is a man known or suspected to be doing pretty well, than 

he is surrounded by a host of new acquaintances, who 

take the liveliest interest in his welfare. If he leaves his 

tent in an unprotected state it will most likely receive a 

visit from someone with confused notions of the rights of 

property. A tent near Adelaide Hill was patronised last 

week by some of these gentry. The beds were overturned, 

and every corner ransacked, but the gold being fortunately 

in the bank, escaped the fingers of the marauders." 

Courtesy MAM 15 July 1854. Albar. 

SKATEBOARDING 

Skateboarding is an activity that doesn't feature prominently 

in the media, and is not widely acknowledged or 

appreciated. Skateboarding needs specific surfaces, and 

skateboarders trying to access such places often lead to 

conflicts within the community. Heritage steps, new house 

slabs, concrete ramps, school paving and busy footpaths 

are just a few sites where conflict has occurred. 

At the MAS budget hearings when the Chewton Pool issue 

came up, one group was easily identifiable. A group of 

skateboarders sat quietly with their boards, and a 

spokesperson eventually put their case. 

Last year's MAS budget had allocated $20,000, apparently 

for seeding (to use to obtain further government funding). 

Nothing had been gained and the money not allocated in 

the new budget. The point was made that the Castlemaine 

"Sk8 Park" was inadequate; rating only 3 stars on the 

website www.skateboard.com.au where it is rated against 

every skate park in Australia, and where it is detailed as a 

small streetscape with a fun box, quarter pipes and grind 

poles. Along with photos and the address of the facility, 

the detail of the local skate shop is provided. This is similar 

to the skateboarders "bible", The Skate Park Grind 

Guide to Vic. S.A. & Tas. 

The point was also made that websites and guides such 

as these are encouraging local skateboarders elsewhere; 

particularly by public transport to the more comprehensive 

and challenging skate parks. Melbourne is becoming a 

magnet for the young. 

It was also pointed out that each skateboarder's equipment 

is worth hundreds of dollars, and that market would seem 

to have potential for a community such as MAS. 

WARMING WORD FEASTS 

The 3 rd annual Daylesford 

WORDS in WINTER Festival- August 6,7 and 8. 

For a program call into local shops, cafes and galleries, 

go to www.hepburnshire.com.au or call 5321 6123. 

Admission to most events is from $2 and under $10. 

Inaugural local festivals also on at neighbouring towns 

TRENTHAM- Aug. 13,14 & 15 (T: 5424 1156) 

CLUNES- Aug. 20 & 21 (T: 5345 3896)

EARLY POSTAL SERVICES 

The following description of a very early post office is 

courtesy of an Australia Post publication “History of 

Postal Services in Victoria” dated 1984. 

“A Post Office Hole 

The Shire of Goulburn 1836 

Major Mitchell and other explorers left letters and 

messages for others following in their tracks by cutting a 

cross in the ground where their tent had stood and by 

digging a hole at the centre of the cross large enough to 

bury letters.Many letters were posted in this on the banks 

of the Goulburn River at Crossing Place (Seymour).” 

Before separation from NSW and the gold rush in mid - 

1851, the following post offices had been established in 

our general region, usually in conjunction with another 

business such as a store, hotel or maybe near a Squatter’s 

Run. 

Kilmore 1/ 7/1843 

Mt Macedon (Carlsruhe?) 16/ 8 1843 

Seymour 1/ 7/1844 

Ballan 1/ 9/1844 

Mt Alexander (Porcupine Inn)* 1/ 7/1848 

Burnbank (Lexton area) 1/ 7/1848 

Serpentine Creek 1/ 7/1848 

Campaspie (Bertrams Inn)# 1/ 1/1849 

Gisborne (Bush Inn) 22/ 3 1850 

Kinlockewe (Wallan area ) 1/11/1850 

Bulla Bulla 1/ 3/1851 

In the first months of the new Colony of Victoria at least 

another 2 offices must have been planned to open because 

in September 1851 tenders were advertised in the 

Government Gazette for the conveyance of mails as 

follows, commencing 1/1/1852: 

* From and to Kyneton (new) and Swan Hill by way of 

Mt Alexander and Serpentine Creek once or twice a week; 

* From and to Mt Alexander and Carisbrook (new) on 

horseback once a week. 

No doubt the opening of the Forest Creek goldfields later 

in September and through October/November caused 

some changes because in December Mr. Evans was 

postmaster of an office on a hill which became known as 

Post Office Hill. This may have been official (?). What 

happened next is not known for certain. It appears that 

Mr Evans either was moved or resigned because soon 

Mr Howard, the Argus correspondent, who spoke at, and 

reported on, The Monster Meeting of 15 December 1851, 

took on the additional role of operating a private postal 

service linked into the official service at Kyneton. 

Early in 1852 the Government Authorities decided to move 

the main official activities to the junction of the Forest and 

Barker Creeks at what is now known as Camp Reserve 

and the Goldsmith Crescent area. A new Official Post 

Office was opened where today the table tennis sheds 

are situated at the southern end of Camp Reserve, just 

west of Barkers Creek. Mr. Francis Fryer was appointed 

Postmaster on 1 April, 1852 on a salary of 250 pounds 

p.a. (he was no relation to Squatter Fryer of Fryerstown.). 

Although the new office was in Castlemaine it continued 

with the name Forest Creek and used a Forest Creek date 

stamp. The Postal Authorities did not change the name 

and date stamp to Castlemaine until 1 January, 1854 

The first Postmaster, Mr Evans was still about because 

he applied to the Chief Secretary for re-appointment as 

postmaster about the second week of April 1852 but of 

course, by then the position had been filled. For the next 

five and half years there was no official service at the 

east or northern ends of Forest Creek. To receive mail 

people had to make their way into Commissioner’s Camp. 

For outgoing mail there were probably many private 

arrangements. 

The second era of postal services in Forest Creek/Chewton 

commenced in October 1857 and will be covered shortly . 

The ruins of the Porcupine Inn were demolished in the 

1960’s when the railway overpass at North Harcourt was 

erected. # Original spelling of Campaspe. 

Albar. 

TOWN HALL EXHIBITION ROSTER 

SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS (& most Public Holidays) 1pm to 4pm 

SCHOOL HOLIDAYS WEEKDAYS BY APPOINTMENT ONLY 

JULY 

Saturday 3 Robyn 

Sunday 4 Frank 

Saturday 10 Audrey & Keith 

Sunday 11 Elaine & Thomas 

Saturday 17 Jack 

Sunday 18 Marion 

Saturday 24 Frank 

Sunday 25 Joyce 

Saturday 31 Allan 

WANTED AND NEEDED: VOLUNTEERS 

FOR PEOPLE & PLACES EXHIBITION 

We need friendly people with an understanding 

of Chewton’s history, who are prepared to give 3 

hours one Saturday or Sunday each month. 

Please ring Alan Dry 54723385 or Elaine Appleton 

54722498 if you would like to help. 

THE CHEWTON CHAT ALWAYS NEEDS.... 

Stories, Photos, Ideas, Advertisements, Cartoons, 

Letters, Suggestions, Reports, Reviews, Verse, Ideas. 

How much better would it be with your input?

GOLD 

This photograph by Antoine Fauchery titled Forest Creek 

Mine was taken in1858. In those times Forest Creek 

flowed through where the pine plantation is today. It was 

re-aligned after a huge flood came down the creek following 

a great thunder storm that dropped 8 inches of rain in an 

hour (according to reports of the time) on Mt Alexander. 

The wall of water flooded into the Francis Ormond Mine 

(that was to the rear of where the Ampol garage is today) 

killing William Wadley Dennis and Ambrose O’Connor. 

They were working on New Years Day 1889. The sum 

of 1,400 pounds was raised by public appeal to buy large 

powerful pumps so the men’s bodies could be recovered. 

It was five months before the bodies were recovered and 

taken to the Red Hill Hotel cellars while the funerals were 

arranged. The creek was straightened and is now to the 

rear of the pine plantation. This area is really worth a 

look as great sand stone retaining walls were built to keep 

the creek on course, designed by Chewton Council 

engineer Mr. Jas. Sparks. The retaining walls run from 

Mount Street to North Street. The early photo shows 

trestle bridges and rail lines for the small trucks that carried 

the wash dirt from around this open mine. In the distance 

are the Chewton Ranges, and also shown are the Welsh 

Chapel and the Mt. Alexander Hotel before it lost its top 

storey in a fire. 

The other picture is the exact spot today, in front of the 

pine plantation looking east toward the Chewton Ranges. 

Glenn Braybrook. 

DANCING... 

... IN THE RED HILL ASSEMBLY HALL IN 

THE 40’S AND 50’S 

Chewton’s Assembly Hall was very popular but the floor 

had a few waves in it. These came about when two of 

the local men thought the floor could do with a light wash. 

To get a little water they turned on the fire hose. The 

hoses hadn’t been turned on in years and decided they 

didn’t want to turn off. The floor was flooded by the time 

they eventually got the hoses turned off, and the floor took 

weeks to dry out. The boards swelled as a result, and the 

surface remained wavy afterwards. 

The dances and balls were always well supported, with 

euchre (a card game) in the Town Hall and supper in the 

Rechabite Hall (now Ranters). People at the dance would 

walk down when their number was called to say their 

sitting was ready. A couple of us young ones would always 

be out the back where the copper and the carbide tank 

were housed, carbide being used for the hall’s lighting. 

We were having a puff when Mr. Bill Snell, the coffee 

maker, got word the ladies were almost ready for the 

coffee. In those days the coffee was made in a copper. 

Half milk if it was available, and half water; with the coffee 

grounds wrapped in a cotton bag to be added at the right 

time. This night poor old Bill went fishing for the bag only 

to extract a rat! Panic! 

“What will I do?” asked Bill. 

“It’s too late Bill. Let it go!” 

Which is what Bill did because there was no option. Not 

a word was said about it, but after the suppers were all 

over two of the town’s leading ladies came out to 

congratulate Bill on his excellent coffee! It just goes to 

show you will drink anything in the bush. DD. 

RED HILL ASSEMBLY HALL 

MAS Planning Unit has forwarded notification and 

plans submitted to all adjacent neighbours of the historic 

icon. Plans can be viewed at the MAS Planning Unit, 

Halford Street, Castlemaine. 

CHEWTON CHEWTON PET PET FOOD 

FOOD 

77 77 Pyrenees Pyrenees Highway Highway Chewton 

Chewton 

Phone/fax Phone/fax 5472 5472 4983 

4983 

Open Open Tuesday Tuesday to to Friday Friday 8.30 8.30 - - 5.30 5.30 5.30 pm 

pm 

and and Saturday Saturday 8 8 8 - - 12.30 12.30 pm 

pm 

Wide Wide Wide selection selection selection of of fresh fresh fresh pet pet pet meats, 

meats, 

Variety Variety Variety of of of dried dried dried foods foods foods and and and smoked smoked smoked goodies. goodies. 

goodies. 

Thinking of advertising in the Chewton Chat? 

Only $5 a month ($60 a year) for bus. card size 

Ads. help keep the Chat going! Call 5472 2892. 

It is advertising and the donation tins that fund 

the Chewton Chat and ensure its continuation.

COUNCIL NEWS 

FREE CHEMICAL COLLECTION 

EcoRecycle Victoria and Mount Alexander Shire Council 

are offering a free opportunity to rid homes of unwanted 

chemicals. On Saturday 21 st August between 2pm and 

5pm, the Castlemaine Landfill will accept unwanted 

household chemicals. All householders are urged to check 

cupboards under the sink, the bathroom, garden shed and 

garage to locate chemical wastes and bring them to the 

collection day. 

Among the types of unwanted household chemicals 

accepted for safe disposal on the day are household 

chemicals such as aerosol cans, insect sprays, pest poisons, 

household cleaners, pharmaceuticals, mothballs and old 

smoke detectors. Garden chemicals such as fertilisers, 

fungicides, herbicides and insecticides will also be 

accepted. You can bring in automotive chemicals such as 

transmission fluids, batteries and battery acid, brake fluid, 

car wax solvent, fuels such as petrol, diesel and kerosene 

and oils, including motor and sump oils. Workshop 

chemicals including paint strippers, solvent-based glues, 

water and oil-based paints, paint thinner, acetone, 

turpentine, varnish and wood preservation will also be 

disposed of safely. 

Farm chemicals are collected under a separate service 

called ChemCollect and empty chemical drums are 

collected under the drumMUSTER program. If you want 

more information, contact the Shire Offices or call 

EcoRecyle’s toll-free information line on 1800 35 32 33 or 

check their website, www.ecorecyle.vic.gov.au 

INCREASE IN DOG ATTACKS 

Local Laws Officers with Mount Alexander Shire have 

reported an alarming increase in dog attacks over the last 

few weeks. Residents are reminded that it is an offence 

to allow a dog to roam and owners are required to keep 

dogs confined to their property at all times. Fines range 

from $150 for a dog at large during the daytime to $200 

for a dog roaming at night. Council officers regularly patrol 

the Shire on the lookout for offending dogs. Owners face 

prosecution if their dog attacks or chases livestock. Such 

actions can result in the destruction of the dog involved 

and hefty fines may be imposed on owners. If you want 

to report a dog roaming or attacking livestock, please 

contact the Local Laws Officers at the Shire on 54711764. 

ROAD GRADING PROGRAM 

The recent rain has enabled Council to resume its road 

grading program. This service had to be temporarily 

withdrawn for some months because the lack of rain meant 

there was no residual moisture left in the ground. Moisture 

is required to grade gravel roads and the regular program 

of maintenance therefore had to be discontinued. Only 

urgent work, particularly where there were safety issues 

involved, was carried out during this period. As promised, 

a catchup process has begun and approximately half the 

backlog of grading work accumulated over the past few 

months, has now been completed. Council workers hope 

to complete the catchup work by the end of July. A regular 

maintenance schedule will then be resumed, as long as 

there is sufficient moisture in the roads to allow this to 

occur. 

MICROCHIPPING DAY SUCCESS 

A total of eighty-eight pets were microchipped when Mount 

Alexander Shire held its regular pet microchipping day. 

Those who attended were entertained by an exhibition of 

dog obedience by the German Shepherd Dog Club of 

Bendigo. An obstacle course for dogs was set up by the 

Club for canine visitors to try their skills. 

Responsible Dog and Cat Owners Awards were 

announced and presented by Mayor, Jim Norris. The 

winning dog owner was Trevor Youngman with his dog, 

Jessie. Trevor is often seen around town driving a blue 

truck (which he says belongs to Jessie), with Jessie tied 

on the back under her purpose built sunshade. Beverley 

Hill won the award for responsible cat owners. Beverley 

owns twelve cats and she is a dedicated rescuer of stray 

and unwanted cats, which she houses in a purpose built 

cattery. She ensures they are desexed, registered, loved 

and kept in a responsible and safe manner. 

All winners received prizes sponsored by Natures Gift, 

Mount Alexander Shire, Merial Australia, Vets All Natural, 

Taylor Brothers and Purdys Pet Hotel. 

FREE BOOKLET 

NOW AVAILABLE

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 

8 9 10 

11 12 13 14 15 

16 17 

18 19 

20 21 22 23 24 

25 26 27 

28 29 30 

31 32 33 34 

35 36 

37 38 

Across 

1 Fire Prevention Stategy (9) 

8 Rowing tool (3) 

9 Legendary monster (4) 

11 Autism Outreach Program 

(Abbr) (3) 

13 Else (2) 

CHEWTON CHAT CROSSWORD 4 

15 Elphinstone Community 

(Abbr) (2) 

16 — Whiz (3) 

17 Red Hill dart expert (7) 

18 Sausage Sizzle (Abbr) (2) 

19 Icecream Cone (Abbr) (2) 

20 Our favourite animal (3) 

22 Came first (3) 

24 Castlemaine Library (Abbr) 

(2) 

25 Top room or garret (5) 

27 Fruit, seed (or famous 

Chewton cyclist) (3) 

28 Blackbird (5) 

30 Close, near (2) 

31 Stinging insect (3) 

33 Chanting melodiously (7) 

35 Pain, sore (4) 

36 Little Corella (Abbr) (2) 

37 Shepherds — (3) 

38 ——— Hill Market (6) 

Down 

1 Cloths of symbolism (5) 

2 Cord of twisted fibre (4) 

3 Elaine Appleton (Abbr) (2) 

4 Develops, enlarges (5) 

5 Popular Fryerstown event (9) 

6 Destructive Galah (Abbr) (2) 

7 Repeat usage of food packaging 

(9) 

10 Something outmoded (5) 

12 Open Examination (Abbr) (2) 

14 Rosalie Wilkinson (Abbr) (2) 

18 Agitate, annoy (4) 

20 Phone Tree (Abbr) (2) 

21 Entity Tours (Abbr) (2) 

23 Ajar (4) 

25 Chewton face painter (5) 

26 Money, moolah (4) 

29 —— Club (4) 

30 One time only (4) 

32 Consume (3) 

34 Unwell (3) 

VIEW CLUB 

The Castlemaine Evening VIEW 

Club meets at the Chewton 

Community Centre each 4 th 

Tuesday of the month for a dinner 

meeting, guest speaker and 

sometimes entertainment. 

Meetings are 6.30pm arrival for a 

7pm start. 

Betty Johnson – Publicity Officer 

(5472 4345 - not available in the 

afternoons). 

SOLUTION TO 

CROSSWORD 3 

Apologies to the crossword fans, and to 

Lisa and Muffin, for the mistake in 

Crossword 3. The 1 Down clue should 

have been "Our community's backbone". 

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 

V A N Z A C S A 

8 9 10 11 12 

O H W O C A M E L 

13 14 15 16 

L U A R G U S G P 

17 18 

U G L Y O T O G A 

19 20 21 22 

N O O R A L S C 

23 24 

T M O N S T E R A 

25 26 27 28 

E T U E M A R 

29 30 31 32 

E E L S H A P P Y 

33 34 35 

R A C E O I T O 

36 37 38 39 

S H E A V E N B G 

40 41 

P L A C E G A 

Chewton Chat Crosswords courtesy 

of Lisa Sargent (and Muffin)

Oh-oh!!! 

Oh-oh!!! 

The shortest day has been and gone, and what a 

bumper month for rain it’s been, with the wettest June 

this century. And what does that mean? Not a lot! 

Just take a drive one day and have a look at a lake or a 

reservoir. We drove up to Eppalock and all we saw 

was a puddle of muddy water in the far distance. From 

the train the Coliban at Malmsbury looks great but don’t 

get too excited…the reservoir levels for Coliban Water 

are only at 21% full. 

In an ‘average’ year the Chewton/Castlemaine district 

gets about 218mm by this time of the year We are still 

way behind and the spring rains (our heaviest) are still 

to come … if we are lucky. 

More rain dances please!! 

Keith Richardson. 

HERE are the numbers up to 9am on the 27 th 

June. 

RAINFALL MAY JUN 

Total 36mm 95mm 

Total days rain 15 18 

Heaviest fall 7.5mm 18mm 

(24 th ) (10 th ) 

Jan – Jun 04 175mm 

Jan – Jun 03 230.5mm 



Jan - Jun 00 419mm 

TEMPERATURE MAY JUN 

Average maximum 15.4 11.9 

Average Minimum 3 4.6 

Highest daytime 19 17 

(15 th ) (8 th ) 

The Chewton Chat is a newsletter published by the Chewton Domain 

Society. A subcommittee of Glenn Braybrook, John Ellis (Ed.),Bettie 

Exon, Stan Munro, Audrey Richardson and Keith Richardson is responsible 

for the publication. Regular volunteers, Wendy and Ian O'Halloran, Barbara 

and Allan Dry, Richard Piesse and Don Hawkins amongst others, also help 

with production. It is circulated on the first of each month, necessitating 

a deadline of the 25th of the month before. Material can be left at the 

Chewton Post Office, with any of the sub-committee members, call 5472 

2892 or e-mail goldenpt@castlemaine.net.au Contributions of ideas, 

news items, articles, and letters are always welcome; as are advertisements 

that help meet monthly production costs. Circulation is via the Chewton 

Post Office, Chewton General Store, Chewton Pet Supplies and the Red 

Hill Hotel. Whilst copies are free, there are donation tins at each collection 

point. Subscriptions for mailed copies can be arranged. 

The Chewton Chat can also be downloaded each month from 

www.chewton.net 

Circulation is now 500. 

Chewton Domain Society can be contacted through PO Box 85, Chewton, 

3451; or the Chewton Town Hall on 5470 6131 or chewton@gcom.net.au 

CALENDAR OF EVENTS 

Jul 2nd Senior Citizens (SC) Band to Ballan SC. 

Jul 2nd Welcome/Farewell Chewton P. O. Managers reception 5 p.m., Chewton Town Hall. 

Jul 3rd (SC) Dance 8 p.m., Chewton Community Centre. 

Jul 5th Submissions close for the MAS Strategic Plan (Happy Valley). 

Jul 8th (SC) Bowls and Bingo 1.30 p.m., Chewton Community Centre. 

Jul 11th Eucharist Service 9.15 a.m., St John’s Anglican Church, Chewton 

Jul 13th (SC) Pokie Trip 8.30 a.m., Castlemaine Market Building. 

Jul 13th Recycling Day. 

Jul 14th (SC) Christmas in July Campbells Creek Community Centre. 

Jul 14th CSMP AGM 7.30 p.m., George Archer Pavilion (followed by Comm. Mtg.). 

Jul 18th FOBIF Walk Geology Tour of Castlemaine. Details Clive Willman 5472 2878. 

Jul 18th National Tree Day 9.30 a.m., Golden Point/Llewellyn Rd. corner. 

Jul 19th CDS Man.Com.Mtg 7.30 p.m. Chewton Town Hall. 

Jul 20th (SC) Hoy Afternoon 1.30 p.m., Church Hall. 

Jul 20th MAS Agenda Briefing (Open Meeting) 7.30 p.m., Senior Citizens C’maine. 

Jul 21st Chewton Landcare Meeting 7.30 p.m., Chewton Town Hall. 

Jul 22nd (SC) AGM 1.30 p.m., Chewton Community Centre. 

Jul 24th Fryerstown Film Night 7.30 p.m., Fryerstown Hall, Captain Blood. 

Jul 25th Eucharist Service 9.15 a.m., St John’s Anglican Church, Chewton 

Jul 27th MAS Council Meeting, 7.30 p.m., Senior Citizens C’maine. 

Jul 28th (SC) Caribbean Gardens Trip. 

Jul 30th Folding Chewton Chat 2.30 p.m., Chewton Town Hall. N.B. Friday NOT Saturday

July 2004 - Chewton.net

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