December 2011 - Wollombi Valley Online

Se Non E Vero, E Molto Ben Trovato 

$2 

Issue 341 - December 2011 

Wollombi Museum Open Day 2011 at the Wollombi Valley Country Fair 

This year was the most exciting, colourful, noisy and 

financially successful Museum Open Day we have had in 

the three years the Wollombi Valley Country Fair has been 

held. 

The Noises – ―KA-BOOM‖ as the cannons fired, ―BANG- 

BANG-BANG‖ as the muskets smoked, chainsaws scream, 

adzes and picks bite, soldiers shout ―FORM RANKS‖, farm 

engines puff away and patrons and visitors chatter – the 

2011 Museum Open Day was alive. 

Our main attraction was the NSW CORPS OF MARINES 

dressed up in NSW Special Corps and Red ‗Pit Helmets‘ 

Corps, convicts, gunners and settlers clothes for the era 

1820 to 1860. Cannons smoked and Wollombi shook, 

musket drills took place, convicts were captured and 

lashed and a tent exhibit explained the army, police and 

living conditions of this period. A special thank you to Peter 

Hutton and his 15 membership group who re-enacted 

events of this era. 

Ian Sternbeck showed us his skills again in preparing a 

wooden trough out of a 5 foot tree billet. The trough will be 

part of our timber/farm display along with a mounted slab 

cut by Steve Spreckley. 

Steve again also showed his skill in cutting slabs with his 

long barred chainsaw. The remaining slabs will be used by 

Steve to construct an early day bench for the Museum. 

Albert Kraan, our local stonemason, showed us his skills in 

chiselling a birdbath out of local sandstone blocks. The 

birdbath was sold and other orders followed. 

And then there was the Cake and Cupcake Competition 

with delicious cakes and decorated cupcakes being 

judged. The Cakes (a very tasty experience for our judges) 

were delicious with Angela Prentice‘s moist chocolate cake 

taking out the winning prize of dinner for 2 at Panino‘s 

Restaurant accompanied by a Noyce bottle of wine. The 

decorated cupcakes were outstanding with Jane Young 

winning 1 st Prize in the over 12 segment. Jane‘s plate of 

cupcakes depicted the Mad Hatters Tea Party. Second 

prize went to Louise Hicks with her High Tea Tray which 

included teapot, cups and cupcakes. 

Continued next page... 

Above: NSW Corps of Marines 

Above and Below: Artisans - Ian Sternbeck (left) and Albert Kraan (right) Steve 

Spreckley, showing their skills 

Community news for Wollombi and surrounding districts 1

Cont/.....Museum Open Day at the Fair 

Charles McLean won 3 rd prize with a single cupcake 

presentation depicting a detailed likeness of a yellow and 

black bee. The under 12 Cupcakes were won by Emily and 

Lachlan with their Ladybird, Spiderman and Animal 

cupcakes. 

All Cakes and Cupcakes entered were excellent. Cupcake 

prizes were $50 for 1 st , $30 for 2 nd and $20 for 3 rd place 

and so with such prizes put forward we look forward to a 

bigger competition next year. 

We raffled Marcia Hoipo‘s famous traditional and ever so 

moist fruit cake which was won by Gwen Landsbury of 

Paynes Crossing Road. Gwen needed a Christmas cake 

and now has one. 

Outside the Museum grounds Denis Brown and Brian 

Sherlock ran their restored vintage farm machines. An old 

3hp Anderson engine, built in the early to mid 1900‘s for 

the milking industry, and an open crank hit & miss engine 

built, for general farm use, putted away. Also on show was 

a Gunsmith tractor driven by a leather belt when in transit 

which, when stationery, was converted to run other farm 

machines. On this day it ran a corn grinder by the same 

belt that drove the tractor when in transit. 

The attached pictures show these above events and 

indicate how great a Museum Open Day it was. 

Thank you to Erica, Loris, Melisa and Fred for all the hard 

work put into making this Museum Open day such a 

success. 

Join us again next year on the first weekend in November, 

2012 for the Wollombi Valley Country Fair and the Museum 

Open Day. The NSW ―Red‖ Corps of Marines will be 

returning to put on an even bigger and better display of 

early colonial history‘ 

Lindsay Self 

Below: Restored Vintage farm machines supplied 

by Denis Brown and Brian Sherlock 

Issue 341 - Our Own News - December 2011 

Please join us for 

Christmas Day Mass 

10:30am At St.Michael `s 


No rain but it sure was hot ! 


The first 2 years of our Fair it rained and rained, but this year it was sunny both days but certainly pretty warm on Sunday. 

Despite the hot weather the Fair was a great success with more stalls, a greater variety of attractions and the wonderful 

Museum Open Day on Sunday with the NSW Corp of Marines. This year there seemed to be more people spread out 

throughout the Village and stall areas, particularly on Sunday, rather than being concentrated in one area. 

Once again the 2 day Fair was a real community event with the woodchop at the Tavern on Saturday and Museum being the 

focus on Sunday. It was great to see the Wollombi Bush Fire Brigade engine turn into Negro St on Saturday with siren 

sounding and the sprinkers spraying water everywhere. And then on Sunday to hear Robert Pankhurst from HOOFS reciting 

some poems of Banjo Paterson in front of the Tennis Club. It was enough to bring Dave Carpenter, tongs in hand and looking 

great in an apron, away from his cooking duties to hear Robert. 

Where else but Wollombi could you hear the Hari Kristnas playing their drums under the big oak tree in front of the St 

Michaels‘ Stall in the St Johns‘ grounds; and at the same time competing with the Laguna Public School marimba band. Yes, 

this happened on Sunday! 

It was wonderful to see all the parents and kids from Laguna Public School involved in their stall and marquee. They had sold 

out of food by early Sunday afternoon and by then the marimbas had performed a number of times on both days to much 

appreciation and applause. 

As in past years the Saturday activities concluded with a sausage sizzle at the Tennis Club and then the wonderful 

Lantern Parade; again led by Father Graham the Town Crier and Michael Young the Town Piper. The very first lantern 

was a big fire engine constructed by Sally Sullivan who we must all thank for her terrific work in putting the lantern 

parade together. 

A special thank you to all those on the organising committee made up of people from many of the numerous groups in 

the Valley. And also the Tennis Club for allowing the markets to operate on the grass area adjacent to the club. 

As I said after the 2009 festivities, I think its ‗fair‘ to say that the two day Fair with the stalls, woodchop, lantern parade, 

Museum open day, and many smaller activities was a wonderful community event. 

Michael Noyce 

WOLLOMBI COUNTRY FAIR 2011 

Right and Below: Some of the many stalls along Negro Street 

Below: It was great to see locals lining up for a bit of 

relaxation with Ian Bawden’s treatments! 



Dispatch from Laguna Public School 

Do you hear the marimbas, Fernando? That immortal line from pop maestros ABBA was at the 

forefront of everyone‘s mind as our marimba ensemble took up residence at the Wollombi Country 

Fair. The children had a great time performing, and they were joined at one point by some audience 

members who quickly picked up on the melodies. Thanks to lots of parent help we enjoyed a 

successful weekend selling corn and musical instruments. On Saturday night our students 

participated in the lantern parade, which had a lovely ethereal quality to it. 

As we head into our last few weeks of school for 2011, there is a lot to organise and do. We are preparing for our annual 

Presentation Night on Tuesday 6 th December commencing at 6.00pm, and we have our annual Carols night on Monday 

12th December, at St Marks church in Laguna from 6.30pm. Children are participating in a 5-day intensive swimming 

program just in time for summer, and we have hosted our 2012 Kindergarten cohort on several occasions as part of our 

school orientation program. 

Our vege garden and cooking programs continue to be a success. Our students really look forward to Fridays where 

they get to prepare, cook and eat produce from our garden. In recent weeks children have enjoyed dips made from 

broad beans and beetroot (separately of course), spinach and ricotta cannelloni and vegetable kebabs. As part of the 

program children also learn about nutrition, food labelling and packaging and recipe writing. Mrs Shaunessy has done a 

great job putting this program together, and we will kick on with it in 2012 with an expanded vegetable garden. Thank 

you also to the parents and school friends who have helped us get to this point – special mention must go to Rose 

whose energy and knowledge, especially around composting, has been a major contributor to our success. 

Craig Howe Laguna Students drew the crowds when they performed on Saturday and Sunday at the Wollombi Valley Country Fair! 


Wollombi Whispers 

A big thank-you to Mandy Davies who is presently working 

with our children on pottery making giving us a chance to 

use our kiln to fire the works which Mandy assures us will 

last for hundreds of years. She has enjoyed working with us 

so much she has now offered classes to adults as well. 

They are held at the school on Tuesday afternoons from 

2pm to 4pm and are only $20 a lesson. If you wish to take 

part in these lessons please just turn up on Tuesday. 

In the recent Tidy Towns Schools Environmental 

Sustainability Awards we were awarded a second place for 

the work we do with the Wollombi Community Gardens 

people. Our community garden is looking great at the 

moment if you like rocket we have plenty, call in and take 

some home, it really does taste good. If you are lucky 

enough to plan your visit BCR (between children raids) you 

may even find some fresh ripe strawberries. Our grounds 

are looking immaculate thanks to our ―Man Friday‖ or 

General Assistant Wayne who cheerfully carries out his 

work at our school. 

Congratulations to two of our students who recently been in 

involved in specialist workshops. Alessandro travelled to 

Milbrodale PS for a Gifted & Talented workshop called 

Wicked Writers. He thoroughly enjoyed his day and learned 

about language, writing conventions and the way we put 

words together to influence our writing. Lochy travelled to 

Cessnock and participated in a photography course for 

gifted artists. His work was later displayed in an exhibition at 

Cessnock library. Well done boys, we are very proud of you 

both. Lochy‘s work is presently on display in the school. 

Early this term our K-3 students had their full day excursion 

and this year we travelled to Newcastle for a wonderful 

adventure at Fort Scratchley and the Newcastle Regional 

Museum. The clunky, bumpy bus and Fiona led sing-a-long 

made for an extra fun day out together. 

Our recent workshop with Sally Sullivan resulted in some 

gorgeous lanterns being paraded down the main drag last 

Saturday evening. It was a beautiful, balmy Saturday 

evening and we thoroughly enjoyed being part of the 

community celebration. Thank you Simone and Sally for all 

your hard work. 


Fire Permits are required for 

burning off in the 

Bush Fire Period 

Sept 2011 - March 2012 

Who do you call? 

Your local BFB Fire Permit Officer: 

Laguna Peter Herborn 4998 8349 

Paul Milgate 4998 8356 

Wollombi Tony Hawkins 0419 597 011 

Ian Bawden 0427 983 226 

Charles Smith 4998 3440 

Millfield Des Kaminsky 4998 1723 

Bucketty Les Stewart 4376 1368 

David Finnie 4998 8191 

If you are uncertain about which area you are in, or 

for other advice, call: 

Cessnock Fire Control on 02 4991 1733 (ask for 

David Allen or Peter Draper, Fire Mitigation Officers 

to arrange an inspection and fire permit. 

Don’t leave it to the last moment to call. 

The Permit issuers are volunteers and 

can take a few days to get issued 

A great big thank you to all those members of the community who supported us by dropping Coles Vouchers and Woolies dockets 

into our school. The response was amazing and our children have chosen some goodies which will arrive early next year. 

Our school end of year presentation night is on Friday 9 December and it will be wonderful. There will be a school concert, with a 

play, some musical items, where the children play musical instruments and there will also be dancing. Next will be the presentations 

to the children, then we will enjoy a great meal followed by a disco in the solar shed. 

During the presentation we will be honouring Deanne Baker who has been at this school as a permanent teacher for 20 years she 

has actually been here for 28 years altogether and we feel this is worth celebrating. If you are a past student or a past parent and 

would like to attend to show your support you will be very welcome. We would like to invite people to share their memories of Mrs 

Baker, both the funny and the sweet. If you will be attending could you please ring the school so we can get an idea of numbers for 

catering purposes. All are welcome!!! 

Daphne Harris 


ARTS NEWS - Wollombi Valley Arts Council's Nov/Dec 

2011 events at the Wollombi Cultural Centre 

PAUL SELWOOD WINS SCULPTURE BY THE SEA 

Congratulations to Paul Selwood, our WVAC President, who 

just won the prestigious 2011 Sculpture By The Sea Award. 

From over 100 international/Australian entrants, Paul brings 

back to Wollombi this Award and significant prize money. 


South India/Allepey Life - DAVID WILLIAMS -Australian 

Artist Exhibition, open 19th-27th November, 10am-4pm, 

features images of daily life in South-West India. 

David,.who studied at the National Art School and St Martin‘s 

School of Art, London, travels and paints local scenes, 

landscapes and portraits. 

His works hang in private collections in Australia, Brazil, USA, 

China, India, France and England. 

Known locally as ―Dave from the Cave‖, having converted a 

cave into a bush retreat and studio, David has resided in 

Watagan Creek Road for over 25 years. 

To see paintings by this artist, go to www.putiton.com 

THE JONAS FAMILY EXHIBITION featuring- National 

NAIDOC 2008 Artist of the Year – LES ELVIN 

Les, artist, art teacher and a descendant of the Wonnaruah 

people (Upper Hunter), has a deep love for his art and is 

committed to teaching the Wonnaruah style/techniques that 

are gradually being lost. 

His paintings feature the ´food chain of the bush tucker´ as he 

calls it. 

Echidna, platypus, turtle, stingray, crab and fish abound but 

also the kangaroo and that other all important ingredient in 

bush tucker – fire. 

Exhibition open 3rd-11th Dec, 10am-4pm. 

JOIE de VIVRE - WVAC Xmas Party 

Saturday 17th Dec, 4pm 

The Arts Council invites local artists for their 

interpretations of "Joie de Vivre' 

A free canvas (70x70 approx) is being offered to artists. The 

WVAC will provide wine and nibbles. 

All works exhibited over the weekend 17th/18th Dec. 

"A composition that emanates an impression of happiness, 'a 

joie de vivre', 'one moment more'." 

Christine Vincendeau's description of Pablo Picasso's "Joie de 

Vivre" - Antibes 1946. 

"Personal reflections on broken beauty, hope, transformation 

and the joys of light, movement and life.' 

Justin Olby - Republic Polytechnic Library- describing the 

RPL's "J de V" exhibition in conjunction with the Singapore 

Biennale 08. 

For your free canvas, email artscouncil@wollombi.org or 

phone Paul (49983346) or Bronnie (49988347) 

2012 WCC Bookings 

Phone Bronnie (49988347) FiFi (49983339) 

Next WVAC Meeting- Sun 4th Dec 2011, 4pm, at the WCC 

FUNGI FINDINGS No. 17 

“THE COFFIN POLYPORE” Polyporus arcularius 

Photo November 09 

In Laguna, I have only found one – thanks to Valerie Milgate. 

So small and blended in with the earth colours of the dry slope 

in an open woodland, I almost missed it. It was only 2.5 cm 

across and sitting low on the soil but I scraped around the 

base and found it was coming from a piece of buried wood, 

perhaps an old root. 

The cap was very thin and yet tough and depressed in the 

centre. Its colour was a brownish ochre, with a slight sheen, 

with bands of brown fibrous scales. Unusual were the small 

hairs around the margin, which was curling under as it was 

drying. But even more interesting was the shape of the 

creamy pores underneath – not round but polygonal or shaped 

like a coffin. This fungus does not have a common name, so 

just for fun I have named it ―The Coffin Polypore‖. I did not 

manage to get a spore print, but my books tell me the spores 

are white. 

I read that it has antibacterial qualities and with further 

research may help inhibit the growth of cancers, This search is 

being applied to other fungi with many possibilities. 

The collecting of a Spore Print. 

If the fungus is fresh, remove the stem from the cap and lay 

the cap lower surface down on a sheet of coloured paper 

(white spores are difficult to see on white paper). Cover with a 

wide glass and leave overnight. In the morning, remove glass 

and lift fungi cap very carefully. Lo and behold, you might 

have a circular pattern of tiny spores. If you wish to keep 

them, allow the paper to dry before labelling and folding and 

placing in an envelope. 

Anna Durkin 49988012 



MEDIA RELEASE 

The Amazing Read – at your library this summer! 

Do you love reading? Want to win prizes just by reading books? You can join in the fun with this year‘s Summer Reading Program at 

Cessnock City Library, kicking off on Monday 6 th December. The Summer Reading Program is a literacy project run by libraries over 

the summer months to keep up the momentum built up during the school year. Its main focus is child literacy, but adults are also 

welcome to take on the challenge! 

All you need to do is to come into Cessnock or Kurri Kurri Libraries anytime on or after Monday 5 th December, register at the front 

counter, pick up your summer reading kit, grab a book, and you‘re on your way! 

The theme for this year is ―The Amazing Read”, exploring the many different places and spaces to read in, and the incredible worlds 

that stories can take you – from the past to outer-space! 

So keep your eye out for lots of great activities at your library over the Christmas break, particularly at the Summer Reading Party at 

the end of the holidays! And, there are some great prizes for our keenest readers this year, thanks to the generosity of our Summer 

Reading sponsors Rover Motors, Millbrook Estate and Lou & Mark Davidson. 

So come on in to the library and be part of this Australia-wide celebration of Summer Reading – amaze yourself with the wonderful 

world of books! 

Wollombi Tidy Valleys 

Wollombi "Tidy Valleys" was pleased to be involved with two recent projects that involved the schools in our Valley. 

On the 21st October 500 native Australian Native Bass fingerlings were transported from Port Stephens freshwater 

hatchery and released into Wollombi Millpond, with pupils from both Wollombi and Laguna Primary schools 

enthusiastically taking part. The tiny fish will not reach maturity for about three years but are strong and bold in their 

efforts to survive in their environment according to the hatchery personnel, who also distributed printed information and 

booklets. 

Les Elvin, indigenous artist and member of the Wanaruah Land Council, opened the ceremony with "Welcome to 

Country" and at the conclusion of this exciting event, presented a striking interpretive pole 

to our Valley community. Les described the significance of the painted motifs to his enthralled audience. 

The photos below are a selection from this Millpond project. 

On the Saturday 5th November, Tidy Valleys attended the Keep Australia Beautiful Awards at Lithgow. Wollombi 

Primary School was not able to send a pupil representative. I was glad to receive this on their behalf, and also meet 

the NSW Governor, Professor Marie Bashir in person, a gracious lady who said Wollombi was a lovely place. 

The overall winning town for 2012 is Kygole. 

Gillian James 


SPIRITUAL DIARY 

They say ―S..t happens‖. What amazes me however is 

the number of times people, including me, happily go 

along with life doing the things they do, then out of a 

clear blue sky the thunderstorm comes belting in. Then 

our whole world turns upside down never to return quite 

to what it was before the storm. 

Kerry‘s sister had a sudden stroke about 6 weeks ago. 

She cares for her husband who now has Alzheimer‘s 

Syndrome. That‘s why we haven‘t seen much of Kerry 

lately. She and her sister are the last of the Lannoys of 

that generation in Queensland. Apart from travelling to 

and from Brisbane, staying in her sister‘s home with her 

nieces and caring for her brother-in-law. the real 

difficulty has been the suddenness of the event. We 

went to her sister‘s 80 th Birthday Party last January. 

Now Kerry has a disabled sister that she didn‘t have 

before. 

How do we manage these things? Counsellors of all 

persuasions tell us that the experience is a form of grief 

and loss. But there is a significant difference. The 

experience keeps going on. 

Most of these sudden events that change our lives force 

us into places we have never gone. Even the positive 

ones do that. Have you ever wondered why someone 

who wins a large Lottery takes very little time to be rid of 

the winnings? Perhaps it is because it is easier to 

return to what is known than to stay with what is 

unknown. 

The fact is that we all face sudden changes in our lives. 

By their very definition we do not know that they are 

coming. But they forge the greatest amount of stress 

that we can face modified only by the intensity of the 

change combined with a series of changes occurring at 

the same time. 

It can help by talking about it and there are a few simple 

strategies that can help us manage the change. The 

most important thing however, is to recognise that it is 

within the range of normal human experience. So let‘s 

accept that and seek some help from friends, family 

and, if necessary, from professionals. 

Graham Jackson 

December 2011 


♫ÿ♪¯♫ÿ♪¯♫ÿ♪¯♫ÿ♪¯♫ÿ♪¯♫ÿ♪¯♫ÿ♪ 

IT’S A CONCERT BY THE KINCUMBER COMMUNITY SINGERS 

ST JOHN’S CHURCH WOLLOMBI 

SUNDAY THE 27 TH OF NOVEMBER AT 2.00 PM 

ADMISSION $5 

♫ÿ♪¯♫ÿ♪¯♫ÿ♪¯♫ÿ♪¯♫ÿ♪¯♫ÿ♪ 

WOLLOMBI 

The monotony of our township life has been agreeably 

enlivened by the holiday sports which came off 

yesterday. An unusually large assemblage gathered 

early, and the Sir George Gipps and its immediate 

vicinity presented a scene of festivity, into which, in 

spite of adverse times, the people seemed to enter with 

spirit. 

Mine host of the Sir George Gipps had, with his usual 

liberality in catering for the public amusement, engaged 

the service " a musician and a jester, in his proper 

costume, who by his drollery drew forth many a hearty 

peal of laughter from his merry auditors. The manly 

games of cricket and foot-racing occupied the forenoon, 

the afternoon being devoted to horse-racing, when 

some excellent matches came off. 

The last match, between Mr. McDougal‘s George, that 

weekly runs in the mail, and a crack gelding of local 

fame, was a splendid affair, the distance being about 

one mile and a quarter, which was passed over in true 

Epsom style, the mail-horse took the lead, which he 

kept throughout, showing powers of speed and bottom 

that surprised some of the knowing ones. 

Altogether it was pleasing to observe the decorum 

which prevailed amidst the rivalry of the competitors in 

these time honoured pastimes, and we shall conclude 

our short report by expressing a hope that at the 

expiration of the ensuing year we shall have the 

pleasure of again recording a similar festival, concluded 

in the same orderly and pleasing manner. 

December 27, 1844 

On the 13th instant there was a meeting of the 

inhabitants of the Wollombi held at the Police Office, 

when it was unanimously resolved, that the Right 

Reverend the Lord Bishop of Australia be solicited to act 

as Sole Trustee of the Episcopalian Church, to be 

erected in the township on the site already chosen. 

Wollombi 16 th December 1845. 

Maitland Mercury from Steve Sullivan 



November Garden Group 

Like Thomas Moore‘s poem, it was ‗the scent of the Roses‘ that lured us into Keith and Robyn‘s garden on Monday. 

When the Dunlops built here in 2003, they had two ‗wants‘ – a Rose garden and a Veggie garden. Both of these have 

been achieved as well as other spectacular features. 

The Rose garden was full of Roses of every colour in full bloom – it was indeed a garden for all the senses. 

Keith‘s garden is his pride and joy. It consists of three sections, a hydroponics system, some tub culture, and an inground 

garden, all within a wallaby-proof enclosure. His problem is not rabbits or wallabies, but frogs that upset the 

valves in his hydroponics. Water consumption has dropped from 100 litres a day to 30 litres per week. In the orchard, 

his citrus trees are planted in huge holes filled with good soil and covered with pavers as mulch because citrus have 

shallow roots that like to be kept moist. As a result he produces more fruit and veggies than they can eat. 

Another feature of this garden is the Australian Dry Creek that continues on from two ponds. This is fed by one eighth 

of his roof rain water diverted into the ponds. The water then flows along the sandy creek bed, under a bridge, over 

gravel, and down through his native garden to the dam. His idea of digging huge holes in the solid clay bed, filling 

them with compost and then planting clumping Bamboo and Grasses has been very successful. Keith calls it his Folly 

but a better name would be his Masterpiece. 

The whole garden with its mix of natives and 

exotics; its courtyard surrounded by 

Geraniums, the ground covers of Arctotis, 

Pigface, Jade, Iris and Mondo Grass, to name 

but a few, are all growing so healthily that it 

justifies Keith‘s idea of building huge swales to 

usefully divert the rainwater. 

This was a garden ‗revisited‘ and the 

development since 2006 amazed and delighted 

us. What an inspiration this garden is. Thank 

you Keith and Robyn, your garden certainly 

gives you great joy. 

The next meeting will be our Christmas event. 

This year the venue is Undercliff Winery at 152 

Yango Creek Road just up from Wollombi 

Village on 5th December at 6:30 pm. Please 

bring a plate of food to share, your own cutlery, 

glass, plate and chair, and maybe a $10 

unwrapped present for the children that the 

Sallies help. 

Maggie Brown 



Wow, what an end to a fabulous Blessing (or should that be 

Christening?!) of the Animals!!!!! 

The thunder rumbled in, the lightning cracked and then the heavens 

opened, sending us all running and trotting for our lives, much to the 

amusement of the spectators at the Tavern!! Thank you to everyone who 

supported this fun annual event, especially to Father Graham Jackson, The Sullivans, 

Jasin Smither, Dianne Hardin, Peter & Mary Migan & Heidi and Grant. It’s great to see so 

much support for the Pony Club, especially from those that don’t have children in the club. 

We would also like to thank Ian Sternbeck for organising the Wollombi Fair Raffle as well 

as Total Irrigation, Wollombi Tavern & Bellbird Butchers for donating the prizes. 

Tanya Hardin 

Above: Animals galore at the Blessing of the Animals with Father Graham! 

Below: Some our local ‘mums’ at the Blessing joining in the fun. 


“Shea’s at Wollombi” 

has just turned three years old. I would like to 

thank 

all the locals and local businesses for their 

support and loyalty during this time. 


We look forward to many more years of healthy 

Valley meals. 

Thank you from 

Shea Thommeny 

(Piggott) 

2011 

Have you been in to try 

“Mrs Piggotts Pies” yet?... 




The following pages contain advertising of local 

businesses and service providers in the Wollombi Valley, 

who without their support, Our Own News would not have 

the funds to be published. 

This new format of the OON will be run on a trial basis and 

your comments and feedback is encouraged and would be 

appreciated. This format may make OON a little more user 

friendly when trying to locate various businesses and 

service providers in Wollombi Valley. 

Giving our support back to these businesses, especially in 

the economic climate we are facing, is vital for the growth 

and sustainability of our Valley. It would be very sad 

indeed if the business owners, tradespeople, and 

providores gradually started moving their business and 

perhaps even their families away from the valley. 

While it may seem, in some way idealistic, lets get behind 

our locals who operate these businesses and use the 

directory as a reference, who knows, you might find a 

business or service that you weren‘t aware operated from 

Wollombi Valley and use the service or recommend them to 

others! 

Jacqui 

TRADES AND BUSINESS 

OON Co-ordinator 

Merry Christmas 

Everyone!!! 

We wish you and 

your families a safe, 

peaceful and happy 

festive season !!! 

Jacqui 

OON Co-ordinator 


Diary & Events 

Crafty Yarns 

10am 3rd & 5th Monday monthly. Shea‘s at Wollombi, 

Wollombi 500 Card Group 

7pm last Monday in the month. Wollombi Tennis Clubhouse 

Wollombi Tennis & Croquet & 500 Card Club 

Tennis Thursdays 5.30pm Sundays 8.30am 

Croquet Wednesdays & Sundays 10am 

500 Card Club—Last Monday each month 7pm Tennis Club 

Garden Group 

1st Monday monthly. Contact Sandy McIntyre 4998 3345 

Laguna Fire Brigade 

4pm in winter: 5pm in summer 1st Saturday even months, 

Laguna Fire Station 

Laguna Market Day 

9.30am-1pm. 3rd Sunday, monthly. Old Northern Trading Post, 

Laguna 

Laguna P&C 

1stThursday of the month at 9:30am. Laguna Public School 

Meditation and spiritual development class 

10am Friday every week. cost $5 Ph:4998 1475 Black Crow 

Playgroup (for all kids 5 and under) 

10am every Tues, during school term, Rec Ground, Wollombi 

Stitch ‘N Bitch 

11am 1st Saturday monthly from Feb at Shea‘s Cafe Wollombi 

St Johns Anglican Church Services 

10am 2nd and 4th Sundays, St Johns, Wollombi 

St Marks Anglican Church Services 

10am 1st and 3rd Sundays, St Marks, Laguna 

St Michaels Church Services Wollombi 

Mass 6pm, on 2nd and 4th Friday of the month, St Michaels, 

Toastmasters 

Every Monday 6.45pm - 9pm. Cessnock Supporters Club 

Contact Black Crow 4998 1475 

Theology in the Pub 

4-6pm Second Sunday monthly during Daylight Saving. 

2-4pm other months. The Trading Post, Laguna 

Wollombi Cattle Sales 

1pm 2nd Saturday monthly, Wollombi Sale Yards Wollombi 

Chamber of Commerce 

6pm 2nd Monday of the month see www.wollombivalley.com for 

venue or T: 4998 3322 

Wollombi Community Garden: 

3rd Thursday of the Month from 11.30 at Wollombi School 

Office 

Wollombi Fire Brigade Training: 

2pm, 3rd Saturday monthly, Wollombi Fire Shed Meetings: 

4pm, following training in even months 

Wollombi Museum 

6pm summer - 5pm winter, 1st Wednesday monthly except 

January, Wollombi Cultural Centre 

Wollombi P&C 

3rd Thursday of the month 9am School Office. No meeting in 

April and AGM in March 

Wollombi Tidy Valleys 

lpm Winter, 4pm Summer, 2nd Tuesday monthly, Wollombi 

Tennis Club rooms. Enquiries 49983227 

Wollombi Valley Arts Council 

2pm, 1st Sunday monthly, Wollombi Cultural Centre 

Wollombi Valley Landcare 

3rd Saturday even months Contact Jane Mowatt 4998 8158 

Wollombi Valley Pre-school 

9.45am-3.15pm, Wed & Thurs at Wollombi Comm. Cottage 

Wollombi Valley Pony Club 

Every 3 weeks contact President Simone 4998 8214 for details 

Wollombi Valley Progress Association 

10am, last Saturday monthly, Wollombi Hall 

Yoga Classes—Tues 6.30pm & Sat 8.30am. Ends Nov 2011 

Wollombi Hall Enquiries: Lee Duncombe ph 4998 8170 


Local accommodation 

Bellbird 

Tabitha Hill Cottage 02 4990 5091 

Laguna 

Apptrak Stud 02 4998 8412 

Arcadian Retreat 02 4998 8085 

Laguna Cottages 02 4998 3219 

Watagan Retreat 0411 195 042 

Wombat Bottoms 02 9498 4372 

Millfield 

Bellbird Cottages 02 4998 1705 

Millbrook Estate 02 4998 1155 

Vicar‘s House 02 4998 1336 

Wollombi 

Avoca House 02 4998 3233 

Capers Guesthouse 02 4998 3211 

Cedar Creek Cottages 02 4998 1576 

Cody‘s Cottages 02 4998 3256 

Grays Inn 02 4998 3483 

Guesthouse Mulla Villa 02 4998 3254 

Mystwood Cabins 02 4998 3234 

Somewhere Unique 02 4998 3257 

The Bungalow 02 4998 3220 

Undercliff Settlers Cottage 02 4998 3322 

Wild Edge Retreat 02 4998 3304 

Wollombi Barn Stay 02 4998 3221 

Wollombi Brook Cottage 02 4998 3209 

Wollombi Cottage 02 4998 3483 

Restaurants, pubs and food stores 

Laguna Old Northern Trading Post 02 4998 8244 

Millfield General Store 02 4998 1263 

Cafe Wollombi 02 4998 3220 

Panino Restaurant 02 49983403 

Shea‘s at Wollombi 02 4998 3137 

Wollombi General Store 02 4998 3230 

Wollombi Tavern 02 4998 3261 



8 ‘til late 7 days! 

Winebar, cafe, general store, fuel 

Weekends: LIVE Sport on Big screen PLUS 

Sun 20th Nov—MARKET AND CAR BOOT SALE 

Winetasting with Murray & Maggie 

KAZAS CURIOS NOW OPEN —SUNDAY FROM 9am 

YOGA CLASSES 

Please note that Yoga classes will finish at 

the end of November and at this stage will 

not be resuming. 

Lee Duncombe 


NOTE TO READERS 

The OON is a Wollombi Valley Progress Association 

(WVPA) initiative, which is Co-ordinated by a Volunteer, 

whose job it is to co-ordinate any articles and 

advertising received to produce the OON each month. 

If you would like to submit an article or advertise in the 

OON all copy must be received by email no later that the 

10 th day of each month. Contributions are only 

accepted in a simple Word file and photos in jpeg or pdf 

file in an email sent to our email address below. 

Please note that articles are NOT edited, but printed 

as received unless otherwise requested or agreed. 

To ensure our printing costs stay within budget, please 

keep your articles to no more than 300 words. Our 

Own News will be published on or close to the 20 th of 

each month to give more notice of events. Our 

advertising rates and booking details are also available 

via email. 

To submit advertisements and contributions please 

email: oon_news@hotmail.com 

Our Own News is written by volunteers and published by 

the Wollombi Valley Progress Association Inc., (WVPA) 

although not to be seen as their official newsletter. 

WVPA and the OON Co-ordinator accept no 

responsibility for statements made or opinions 

expressed, nor are responsible for the veracity of 

advertising material, be it business, community or 

private. 

Opinions expressed in OON are not those of the OON 

Co-ordinator or WVPA, although they have the final word 

on content. If you are mentioning someone in an article 

please check details and facts with them and obtain 

their permission prior to submitting any articles for print. 

All rights reserved: no part of artwork/photography for 

this publication in whole or in part may be reproduced 

without the permission of the OON Co-ordinator. 

All constructive criticism and comments can be sent by 

email to OON. 

We hope you enjoy reading your copy of the OON and 

thank you for supporting our community. 

OON Co-ordinator— Jacqui Aubineau 

Wombat Lawncare 

Eats Grass and Leaves 

Call Glenn on 4998 8150 or 0419 195 501 

� Ride-on mowing for large areas 

� Lawnmowing 

� Brushcutting 

� Weed poisoning 

� Owner operated 

� Fully insured 

� 12 years local experience 

In and out, no mucking about! 



PH: (02) 4998 1829 

Mob: 0407 067 567 

Fax: (02) 4998 8789 


Stonework 

WOllOMBI STONEMASONRY SERVICES 

www.kenfletcher.com.au 

49981664 0418 456245 

Martin Tansley 

Lic.no.217793c 

Carpenter Joiner, Owner Builder Projects 

Additions, New work, Timber decks 

Safety Inspections 

Repairs & Replacements, Re-staining 

30 years experience 

Ph.4998 8786 

www.alltimberrepairs.com.au 


CONCRETOR 

TONY O’DONOHUE - Lic: R93306 

SHEDS, CARPORTS, DRIVEWAYS ETC 

NO JOB TOO SMALL 

3 TONNE TIPPER TRUCK HIRE 

PH: 4998 3307 

Mob: 0417 983307 


Proudly offering a full range of real estate 

services to our local community for over 

25 years. Our friendly team have the 

knowledge, expertise and experience to help 

you achieve the best results with the sale or 

purchase of your next property. 

PH: 4998 3219 

www.contactus@wollombirealestate.com.au 

Local Agent for 

Bushman’s Water Tanks 

OON Subscription form 


I would like a 12month Subscription to OON via □ Email ($12) or □ Post ($35) Renewal ? □ Yes □ No 

Name: PH: 

Postal address: 

Rural Property Specialists 

“For a Unique Lifestyle Opportunity” 

Wollombi Real Estate 

Email address: DATE: 

Post this form and a cheque payable to WVPA Inc./OON to OON Subscription C/- Wollombi General Store NSW 2325 or enclose 

this form and cash in an envelope and pop into the OON box at the Laguna or Wollombi General Stores. 


. 

Bryony’s Every 

Dog GroomING 

A hot Summer ahead, treat your dog to a cool clip at 

Every Dog Grooming! . 

I am a qualified member of the Pet Industry 

Association of Australia and I offer new expertise, 

skills and products to my clients in Wollombi. 

Special for Summer 

� Bathing , drying and de-shedding treatments 

� Flea baths, grooming our of long haired coats 

� Clips for all sizes and breeds, canine colouring 

Dog of the 

Month 

Chief 

Please book Saturday appointments by 

Wednesday to avoid disappointment! 

Appointments in evenings during the week by request 

Call Bryony 

4998 3129 or 0413 673 475 


CHRISTMAS BUBBLES! 

20% discount on 6 bottle case 

Red, White or Pink bubbles 

- straight or mixed cases 

2006 Champagne (tiraged 5 years) $29.50 $23.60 

Spritzig (Sparkling Rosé) $20.00 $16.00 

2006 Sparkling Chambourcin $20.00 $16.00 

Happy Christmas and thank you 

for your support in 2011 

Remember your locals discount 

-10% on single bottles and 20% by the case 


Rural Products & Services 

Activate the natural and 

beneficial biology in your soils 

� TM Agricultural - Soil Activator 

� TM Lawn & Garden - Soil Enhancement 

(from Best Environmental Technologies Pty Ltd) 

Soil & Water Testing 

(through the accredited laboratories of Hortus Technical Services Pty Ltd) 

Water Tanks & Farm Products 

(Clark Tanks - Australian Water Systems Pty Ltd t/as) 

Price includes free delivery, plumbing fittings & 

installation of fittings 

Planwise Pty Ltd 

(ABN 41 053 512 146) 

Wollombi NSW 2325 

Contact: John Marchant 

Phone: (02) 9999 6212 Fax: (02) 9999 6312 

Mobile: 0428 428 666 

Email: consult@planwise.com.au

December 2011 - Wollombi Valley Online

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