1

CHEWTON CHATCHEWTON DOMAIN SOCIETY (INCORPORATED)

Reg. No. A0034364LP.O. Box 85, Chewton, 3451.

Published on the 1st of each month Issue 199 September, 2015.

www.chewton.net

Golden Point Landcare’s AGM co-incided with its 21st celebrations and it all took place in the Chewton Town Hall on Sunday morning.

AGMs are always a good time to reflect over the year just gone - and then look at what you are wanting to do for the coming year. The president’s report on Sunday included the Golden Pointers “bush” meetings where members practised the weed killing method of cutting and then painting stumps with herbicide whilst all the while walk-ing through historic sites. The funding from state and federal govern-ments to improve both the management of weeds through the valley and the Forest Creek Track from Chewton through to Expedition Pass Reservoir shows how great partnerships can work - Golden Pointers, the community and Parks Victoria.

The executive members for 2015/16 were installed, and are Fritz Hammersley as president, Marie Jones as vice-president, Jennifer Pryce as secretary/treasurer and Julie Trumble as assistant secretary.

The story of Golden Point Landcare over the last 21 years was told through a Powerpoint presentation - and like all good 21sts the pictures show the changes not only to the area that we work in but the way we have all “matured” over 21 years - lots of laughs, lots of good memories and reminders there is still lots more to do.

This piece was posted on chewton.net FaceBook page, and in-cluded several of the archive photos of times past..

21 years of memories...

Chewton Landcare AGM (see back page!)Thursday 17th September 7.30 p.m., Chewton Town Hall

Everyone welcome! Ph: 0422 759 661

2

Chewton Domain Society AGMThe Chewton Domain Society held its nineteenth AGM in the Chewton Town Hall on Sunday 23rd of August. President Helen McGeachin welcomed everyone and after apologies and the minutes of the 2014 meeting had been accepted gave her report of the year’s happenings.

2014/15 President’s report It is with the greatest of pleasure that I present the 2014/15 Presi-dent’s report of the Chewton Domain Society to you.

It has been a busy year but marked by the completion, or near completion, of some of the Society’s major projects.

Of course the main focus has again been on the restora-tion of the Chewton Town Hall. The official opening took place late last year and a second oc-casion saw many members of the town enjoy the “unofficial” community launch. I’m very pleased to say that although there are still many details to be attended to, the Chewton Town Hall is back being used and once again a central point in the life of our community.

The various sub-commit-tees of the Chewton Domain Society have been kept very busy.

A big thank you to the Chewton Primary school for the use of the school as a home for People and Places while the Town Hall was out of ac-tion. People and Places are now back in the Town Hall again and have been occupied setting up their display and research items again.

Chewton Chat – what can I say? The trusty team deliver this amazing snap shot of our community every

month without fail. It’s sobering to think of the commit-ment that is behind the Chat and incredible to think that another two issues will mark the 200th anniversary of this community newspaper.

The Monster Meeting continues to weave its magic over the town. Another busy commemoration last December and work is well under way for this coming year. We look for-ward to see what the committee comes up with this year!

Chewton Domain Society has also taken on the role to aus-pice the Chewton Community Plan. Whilst final preparations are still underway and consulta-tion between community groups is still taking place, it won’t be long before some of the ideas to come out of the community planning process become real-ity. Another exciting step for Chewton!

Finally I would like to thank all members of the Chew-ton Domain Society for their commitment and work over the past year. Sadly we see some members depart, but fortunately others are stepping up to take their place and we welcome them on to the team.

A lot has been achieved, much remains to be done, but out little town should be so proud of what it manages. We look forward to another success-ful year ahead and thank you all again for your support.

Helen McGeachin.2014/15 Financial report

The books have been au-dited and the CDS GST registration has been cancelled as of the beginning of this financial year. Finances include

CHEWTON SERVICE STATION37 Pyrenees Highway, Chewton, 3451.

Phone: (03) 5470 5444eastendservo@outlook.com* Trading hours 6am - 7pm every day* Winter diesel additive available on request* Premium 98 available* BULK FUEL DELIVERIES* Firewood, Ice, Swap N Go gas bottles, Grocery items* $1 SOFT DRINK CANS* Photocopy services* Like us on Facebook for a chance to win monthly fuel vouchers

3

committed funds for the Chewton Community Plan and the banker’s undertaking for the follow up works on the town hall on the completion of the restoration project.

Increased membership and generous donations have made a huge difference in help-ing to manage the restoration and the annual costs including rates and insurance. The Chew-ton Chat continues to be cost neutral with thanks to Ewen and Linda McDonald who cover the purchase of the paper.

The report on the CDS fi-nances showed that the restora-tion of the Chewton Town Hall is well on the way to comple-tion. The inspection by the Her-itage Architect, the contractor and our heritage project man-ager, indicated that some of the issues involving the discoloura-tion in the exterior of the bricks and the minor wall cracks will be monitored over the next few months before any remedial works will be done. The hall floor will have a section treated to determine the method to be used to improve the finish of the timber. The access path to the rear door is planned to be done by the end of August and hand rails for the front door are being designed.

The use of the hall as a community facility is increasing - as well as People and Places there are bookings for birth-days, an engagement, commu-nity meetings and a local map making project helping to pay for its maintenance.

An updated Conservation Management Plan for the Chewton Post Office property will be the next large cost item and will help guide future maintenance works there.

Marie Jones.Under the updated consti-

tution of the CDS, the election of the committee for 2015/16 took place. Nominations had been received by the secretary for the positions of president, vice-president. secretary and treasurer and as there were no other nominations the secretary declared these members elected unopposed - president Helen McGeachin, vice-president Judy Cobb, secretary Bettie Exon and treasurer Marie Jones. The constitution also says that the annual general meeting must by resolution decide the number of “ordinary” members of the committee it wishes to hold office for the next year. A motion was passed that the ordinary committee member numbers be reduced from 9 to 6. The secretary had already re-ceived nominations from Elaine Appleton, Glen Harrison, Joan Maher and Marion Landy and nominations from Margot Ryan and Pat Healy were accepted at the meeting. Helen congratu-lated the new committee. An-nual membership subscriptions remain at $10 per person and acknowledgement was made of the work done by Glen Harrison in managing the membership portfolio.

The official part of the meeting closed and Helen in-troduced John Ellis speaking on behalf of subcommittee members Susan Morgan, Glen Harrison and Bettie Exon, who have been working on updating The Welcome to Chewton kit.

A Powerpoint presentation told the story of the kit from when it first started in 2005, how it had been updated

Specialising in Brick, Stone, Granite and Slate

www.marcushoustonbricklaying.com

4

a couple of times but then with both the community and technology changing so quickly the task became too big to do it again in the existing format. The Chewton Com-munity Plan began with a survey to discover needs and priorities, and the Welcome Kit was rated number one in the Vibrant and Healthy Community section! Susan Mor-gan made an invaluablke contribution in progressing the update during 2015 bringing the Kit to a point where fi-nalisation is possible. It was pointed out that the Kit will be in CD form this time, the digital format making updates quicker and easier. It will be developed in conjunction with the transformation of the www.chewton.net website.

Tom Taft had generously donated a hand crafted mu-sical jewellery box to be raffled to support the work that the CDS does. A $50 voucher for the Chewton PO Red Box gift shop and a beautiful scarf were added to the list of prizes that Judy and Barbara had organised. The Chew-ton Shop and PO had tickets on their counters and more were sold at the AGM. Ian O’Halloran drew the tickets with Locka McMillan winning the prized jewellery box, Brian Stant the PO voucher and Dot Johnson the scarf. The raffle raised $109 and our thanks go to Tom Taft for suggesting this idea as well as his donation.

A traditional Chewton Town Hall afternoon tea was served with something for everyone - to be able to share a sponge, cream cakes, slices and sandwiches was just de-lightful - and thanks to those who took the time and the ef-fort to provide this spread. While afternoon tea was being enjoyed Glen ran the Powerpoint presentation from that morning’s event when Golden Point Landcare celebrated 21 years of working in the Forest Creek valley along with the one of the Chewton Town Hall restoration project showing how far we’d come in the last few years. Tomor-row’s history being created!

There will be services at St. John’s each Saturday at 6pm during September.

Everyone welcome. There will be concert on Sunday 13th September at 2pm.

Come and enjoy.

40 Lyttleton Street (P.O. Box 632) Castlemaine 3450Ph: (03) 5472 4622 Fax: (03) 5472 4315

Email: shop@castlemaineofficesupplies.com.auProps: Andrew & Sue Thomas

STATIONERY IS OUR BUSINESS

Call in and see Andrew, Sue and Lindafor that “special” service

PROUD TO SUPPORT THE CHEWTON CHAT

Castlemaine OffiCe supplies

ABN 99 464 754 995

A busy life?Work - Open 9.00 Mon-Fri 9.30 SatRest - Close 5.15 Mon-Fri 12.00 SatPlay - Closed Sunday and P/Holidays

We’d love to see you to put a face to your purchase!

5

A phone call from the Bendigo Advertiser to POHAG’s president Ian O’Halloran led to reporter Jason Walls and photographer Glenn Daniels visiting Chewton for an in-troduction to Post Office Hill. The Addy article began, “From the water-filled holes ground into the rock by indig-enous people sharpening their tools over the centuries to the scars left in the earth by gold rush prospectors, central Victoria’s early history is deeply embedded in the land-scape of Chewton’s Post Office Hill.

In 2008 custodianship of that history was entrusted to the local community when the then Department of Sus-tainability and Environment handed responsibility for the site’s upkeep to the Post Office Hill Action Group.

Since then the volunteer group has worked tirelessly, weeding, revegetating and preserving the history of the area.”What had interested them in coming to check out Chew-ton’s Post Office Hill? It was the July 20th post on this FaceBook site about the rubbish dumping on Post Office Hill. The power of social media!

The story of Post Office Hill’s management being taken over by community management has been recorded in the pages of the Chewton Chat – especially the Decem-ber 08 and July 09 editions.

The story that developed from Jason and Glenn’s visit last Friday appeared in Saturday’s Bendigo Advertis-er. The Chewton community’s ownership of the Chewton Domain (the central domain of Chewton that comprises the Post Office, Town Hall and Ellery Park) and the Chew-ton community management of the large area of Post Of-fice Hill is very unusual (to say the very least!) for a small community and continues to attract outside interest as a result. And the story needs continual re-telling to continue to attract Chewton residents to assist in the management of these fabulous community assets.

http://www.bendigoadvertiser.com.au/story/3249544/chewtons-history-in-safe-hands/?cs=80

Chewton in the wider world...1. Post Office Hill 2. Rocket roast coffee

The Chat has just been made aware of a video on You Tube that’s promoting one of Chewton’s premier busi-nesses - Rocket Roast.

Locally, the coffee is available at IGA Maxi, Castle-maine Fresh in Mostyn Street, Green Goes The Grocer in Templeton Street and at the Wesley Hill Market each Sat-urday morning.

A great promotion for a great coffee!https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=naQOoW0LtdY&fea

ture=share

3. In the Weekly Times

Carnivore of Chewton thinks the town we live in has become gentri-fied! Chewton gentri-fied? And what can he/she put on the table now all the butchers’ shops in Chewton have had the chop?

neilb1@tpg.com.au

www.goldfieldelectronics.com.au

6

Turn out numbers have been lower over the previous month but in the meantime our members have been kept busy training the next generation. Junior brigade training is now in full swing with our newest members eager to learn new skills.

Junior members participated in their second training session in Au-gust and went through a session on search and rescue. The exercise was designed to help our juniors start working as a team and improve their communication skills. At the same time the training also showed our ju-niors what is involved when our volunteers have to enter a burning house in order to rescue anyone still inside.

At the moment Junior Brigade training is running on Wednesday nights at 6pm every three – four weeks. The next training session planned is to take the juniors out to a bonfire and teach them about radiant heat.

Our junior members have now received their blue CFA overalls to wear during all training sessions, as well as a t-shirt and cap which they were able to take home with them.

Currently the Chewton CFA Junior Brigade only has three members and we would love to have a few more kids sign up. If you have a child aged 11-15 who may be interested please contact the brigade.

In other brigade news, you may have noticed that Chewton CFA recently installed a sign at the Chewton Post Office. The purpose of the sign is to raise awareness in the community by showing how regularly our volunteers attend incidents.

Chewton CFA would also like to issue a friendly, but important, re-minder to everyone to please ring the Burn Off Notifications line before lighting burn offs on your property. In recent months our volunteers have rushed to the fire station to turn out to fires which have been false alarms due to people in the community not registering their burns. With the weather starting to warm up please do call the Burn Off Notification line on 1800 668 511 and register your burn. It only takes a few minutes and it will mean that local brigades are not incorrectly called out to your house.

Finally, stay tuned for details about Chewton CFA’s Second Commu-nity Bonfire Night which should be included in next month’s CFA Update!

Paige Mounsey, Chewton CFA Communications Officer.Photos: Junior Members doing some hose rolling courtesy of Paige

Mounsey, and the new Junior Brigade Overalls courtesy of Jo Willen.

CFA Update – September 2015

Seen the new sign on the Post Office gate? The one that went up in July? The one with a scoreboard that keeps going up? The one that had 42 by the end of July? 42 not out! Or 42 outs if you look at it another way. Let’s hope that the Chewton CFA vol-unteer numbers are going up at a commensurate rate!

Last month Chewton CFA said: “Our brigade prides itself on being able to help our local communities and we strive to always respond to calls for help. In order to meet our demand we re-quire at least nine more firefighters and three more non-operational members who can provide support to our crews. THAT IS WHY WE NEED YOU!

We are currently seeking new members for the fol-lowing roles:

* Firefighters * Catering* Fundraising * Event Management * Graphic Designer* Grounds Maintenance * Non-operational Members

All these roles are open to anyone in the community aged 16 and over. Anyone who is interested in joining the brigade should contact our Captain Steve on 0418 996 734.

Alternatively, you can come down to the station, in Mount Street, any Sunday morning at around 10 am and talk to the brigade or you can speak to any member of the brigade who you may know personally.”

THIS IS WHY WE NEED YOU!

7

Know Your NeighbourHave you met Jenny Walker?

Born at Ultima in the Mallee, Jenny Walker was the oldest of ten children.’ I came from a very big extended fam-ily. I had approximately 70 cousins who we spent a lot of time with. We grew up on a farm with animals, pet lambs, ponies, etc. We lived in a very basic house, no electricity, no hot water.’

When she was in Grade Six her life changed drasti-cally. ‘I was sent to boarding school in Bendigo, a com-plete change of life. Prior to that I had only been involved with family, now I had to get used to a whole lot of new people. When I finished my schooling I went back home and this I found difficult as this was a big change again.’ Jenny worked on and off with Telstra for most of her work-ing life, ‘until we came to live in Chewton.’

She met her husband Jon at a local dance in Swan Hill. After they married they lived in Melbourne, where John had his own furniture removal business. They have four children and six grand-children.

When they moved to Chewton about eight years ago they bought the shop, Appletown Party Hire, in Castle-maine, ‘thinking this was going to be our semi-retirement, but it hasn’t worked out that way. We are busy working still.’

Why Chewton? ‘We had visited friends in Chew-ton and decided we liked the place, so we bought a house in the bushlands. When we first bought the house people would say to us, how did you find it? This was because it

seems fairly remote. Friends wondered if we would stick it out, but we’d say, we’re both coun-try people. We’re not city people. We love it there and the family love coming there to visit. The grandchildren love the freedom. What I particularly like about living there is the solitude. We don’t have any near neighbours. It’s so scenic and peace-ful up in the bush, lovely to see the wedge-tailed eagles and the echidnas. The veggies are hard to grow because of the kangaroos, possums and the wallabies. They try to eat everything you grow.’

Jenny says she loves living in Chewton. ‘The people are very friendly. I’ve been fortunate to be able to get to know quite a few people, including many Chewton peo-ple, through business. Because of the nature of our busi-ness we get involved in people’s lives and celebrations. Our main business is weddings.

Over the years we’ve travelled quite a bit, through Europe and Asia. Life after permanent retirement will I hope involve a lot more travel.’ Gloria Meltzer.

Excavators 5 &13 tonne Backhoe Grader Tip Trucks 6 & 10 metrePost Hole Auger Rock Grab Roller

Trenches Site Cuts Drainage Foundations Driveways RetainingWalls Septic Land Clearing Erosion Control Explosives

We also supply & deliver a variety of large rocks, crushed rock & gravels

Jai Baker 0419 364 815 Sharon Baker 0417 347 372Email store@vaultselfstorage.com.au

PO Box 410, Maryborough 3465949 Newstead Road, Guildford

8

FryerstownIt is still very cold but with quite a lot of rain and some glorious wattle. Walking in the bush it is a delight to see the first of the wattle appear and quite quickly spread to whole trees of golden blossom, brilliant in the sun against grey skies. There are lots of kangaroos around, many with joeys nibbling at the new grass just appearing in the pad-docks. The almond blossom is also just out springing from the fallen old stumps in among ruins of old settlements. It brings back to us the busy lives that once filled our neigh-borhoods now quiet and peaceful amid the grazing sheep and kangaroos and birds.

We are coming around to that time again! The 41st Annual Fryerstown Antique Fair is on between Friday the 22nd and Sunday 24th of January 2016 inclusive, to raise money for the maintenance and restoration of the historic Burke and Wills Mechanics Institute Hall. Put the dates in your diary!

As I wrote in the last Chat, some years ago Lesley J Morton, the great grand daughter of James Rowe pub-lished a small booklet on the Duke of Cornwall Mine. It contains much valuable information on the Kitto and the Rowe families that are so crucial to the understanding of the mine’s history and the Cornish Engine House which is a feature of the Fryerstown landscape. So I decided to reproduce over the last issue of the Chat and this one, the stories of the two families as Leslie told them, with only minimal editing by me to fit the available space. I fully acknowledge the work of Lesley that went into com-piling and writing the family stories and her publication: The Duke of Cornwall Mine. Here is her story of the Rowe Family:

“All through the history of the mines at Fryerstown and the saga of the ‘Duke of Cornwall’ we hear of the Rowe brothers mines - who were these Rowe brothers?

There is always strength in numbers, they say, and I expect that was partly the reason for the family’s success over the years - maybe they were lucky in their choice of mining claims and leases but maybe they also knew what they were looking for and showed greater skill in reading the geological signs around them. Certainly they had a strong Cornish background in practical mining of the hard

rock variety which was particularly relevant to the Fry-erstown area, and certainly they had great perseverance, concentrating entirely on this one area while many miners moved from place to place, perhaps hoping for the lucky break rather than working for it. Early records show them working steadily and consistently and I think this was part of their nature - they did not appear as public figures, at least in early times, in the same way as R.L.M. Kitto did.

In many ways they seemed a different family from the Kittos - by nature and by background. Whereas the Kittos had come from at least several generations of successful mine managers and professional men, the Rowes had been working miners for a generation, but before that had been involved with farming life in the vicinity of the Pendarves Estate. Although their homes and the Kittos were only a few miles apart it is unlikely they would have met - unless it was in conjunction with their Methodist Church activi-ties which were part of the lives of both families in common with a large percentage of nineteenth century Cornish. The five brothers were sons of a miner and, later Engine-Man, James Rowe, who had left Camborne as a young man to work on the bleak Goonhilly Downs on the Lizard Penin-sula and there met his future wife, Jane Orchard, the mar-

riage taking place in 1821 in the Church of St.Mawgan-in-Meneage. They lived in this area for a short time then returned to Camborne where their family grew up but it appears that James moved away for some years with his work in the eigh-teen fifties and his whereabouts are not known until his death is recorded in 1863 at Ilsington, high on the Devon moors, where presumably he had worked in the quarries or mines together with his son Edward William Hitchins Rowe.

The brothers had not emigrated at the same time but had come out over a period of six years, the first to arrive be-ing Philip and his wife Mary who had

married in Ireland where presumably Philip had been working, they arrived in South Australia in late 1853 as assisted passengers but by February 1854 Philip was sending a consignment of gold from Fryer’s Creek to Mel-bourne. This same year he was joined by brothers John and Hannibal Orchard Rowe, the latter being delayed in his arrival on the goldfields by an attack of colonial fever

9

caught while employed unloading timber from a ship at Port Phillip. However, he must have had a strong consti-tution for he was soon at Fryer’s Creek and at work with the others. These three worked together in their claims being joined in 1858 by brother Edward William Hitchens Rowe his wife and child - they came from Ilsington, Devon, where Edward had been working for some time, with his father. The following year the eldest brother James with his wife and family of eight children arrived according to family lore, having been summoned for advice on mining activities. He had years of experience working at Dalcoath mine, Camborne, one of the largest and deepest of the Cor-nish mines and one that produced both tin and copper at varying periods. This was probably the crucial point in their prospering business.

From 1858 on the brothers worked Emu Reef Spring Gully, Ferrons Reef, Golden Gully, Cattle’s Reef, Commis-sioner’s Flat and Clark’s Reef and their names appeared frequently in the local Castlemaine paper in reference to their mining activities and the increasing yield from their mines. They are first men-tioned as quartz crushers about 1858, their machinery being used to crush for other miners as well as themselves and their gradual progress into deep mining can be traced from 1859 onwards where they are listed in Grants, Leases and Claims Registers for the Fry-er’s Creek Mining Division. Ferrons Reef (Fryer’s Creek) and Emu Reef (Spring Gully) were the first, Clark’s Reef, (Fryer’s Creek) followed the next year then came Golden Gully in 1862, Cattle’s Reef in 1863 and Commissioner’s Flat in 1866. The names of all the brothers make their appearance in the applications – sometimes alone some-times in combinations and in the 1867 District Directory Rowe and Co. are listed as ‘Reefing Claim and Crushing Machine’. A few years later that were dubbed the ‘Quartz Kings of Fryerstown’ and classed as mine owners.

In 1871 an article by J.N Macartney, Mining Corre-spondent for the ‘Melbourne Argus’ was published in the ‘Bendigo Advertiser’ reporting on a visit made by a Ben-digo group to the Rowe Bros. claim at Fryerstown. He described how Cattle’s Reef was discovered accidentally and has now been worked for 10 years by the Rowe’s with splendid results and never having been run into debt by the operations, except for two months. It was a “crown

claim”, thus being one the few, situated on great lines of reef which seem to be just where the reef has risen highest and made the most gold. It meant that the claims each side of it would have to sink a great deal deeper to cut the same reef.

The writer’s description of the mine underground gives us a glimpse of a scene that will not be witnessed again, “On descending the mine, we were first led to a huge cave, as large as that in the north portion of the 500ft level of the Extended Hustler’s. So firm is the ground there

that it was not secured. The idea of vast-ness was at once conveyed, and we did not wonder when the worthy proprietor, ‘Captain Jem’, told us that the lode here was 60 ft wide, all of which was crushed, and that below it was in places 100 ft wide, all being taken”.

Mining involved various opera-tions and this report also describes the ‘Carpenter’s Patent Concentrators’ which turned out the pyrites, the tailings being pumped directly into them and the pyrites then ground and dried, put into neat bags and made ready for shipment to England for treatment. Twenty years had seen enormous development in the

mining industry.To this busy mining scene James brought his ex-

perience working at Dolcoath, one of the deepest mines Cornwall, Edward contributed his from the granite ar-eas of Devon and Philip his from the copper mines of Co. Cork, Southern Ireland. John was a journeyman carpenter by trade and undoubtedly had particular skills to bring to the business, as did Hannibal who in later years be-came quite a public figure and was Mayor of Castlemaine in 1885 when the Duke of Wales visited the goldfields. In 1881 Rowe Bros. had won awards for their gold at the International Exhibition staged in Melbourne. Without doubt the varied practical mining experience of the broth-ers was an asset when dealing with unfamiliar conditions in a new land and this combined with their other skills and talents made for a successful partnership. Unlike R.L.M. Kitto, they did not have capital to expend on lavish build-ings at their mines and so today nothing remains of their mines except a little rubble and some mullock heaps. They reflected the common attitude of Australian mine owners that money should only be spent where necessary and ex-pensive buildings did not come into this category. There

10

is also the practical aspect that the climate here is much drier than in Cornwall and substantial protection from the elements not such a vital factor - as long as the building served the function for which it was needed, that was all that was required. Critics from Bendigo once wrote scath-ingly about this aspect of Rowe mines, comparing their simple buildings to the grandeur of the ‘Duke of Cornwall’ but maybe the Rowe’s had the last laugh, anyhow!

The Rowes probably typified the ‘Australian’ spirit which came with the gold rush - whereby the ordinary man had the opportunity to rise to whatever heights he wished, untrammelled by the ties and customs of the homeland. Like so many other migrants they seized the freedom and opportunities a new land offered and never showed any desire to return to the ‘old country’ as Britain was known for many years. They did however, involve themselves in the community around them, in Roads Boards, Councils, Sporting groups and Church life as well as with their homes, families and gardens. Their families married and moved away from the area so that by the turn of the cen-tury few were actually left in Fryerstown.

Horticulture was the great interest of Edward and Hannibal and resulted in notable gardens at ‘Lambruk’ in Fryerstown (Edward’s) and Rosebank in North Castle-maine (Hannibal’s). Both apparently imported plants from overseas and the Fryerstown property was landscaped and planted with the same kinds of shrubs and trees which appeared in the large gardens of Cornwall. Hannibal’s property was noted for its fruit trees of innumerable vari-eties, vines and house garden - it was known as ‘Windsor Gardens’ later in the century and opened to the public for refreshments and the sale of produce.

Except for Edward who had married a Devonshire girl, and Philip whose wife was born in Staffordshire but possibly of a Cornish family, the others all married Cor-nish girls whose families settled in Victoria. Their lives were in many ways a reflection of life in Cornwall, only the setting was different. In 1874 a wedding took place which united the Rowe and Kitto families, the wedding of James and Lavinia Rowe’s daughter Lavinia to Francis Kitto, the brother of R.L.M. Kitto. A generation later, in 1908, there was a wedding which brought the families close to-gether again - that of Frank and Lavinia Kitto’s daughter Elizabeth to Edward Rowe’s son, Arthur, and ‘Lambruk’ became a joint Rowe-Kitto heritage.

Throughout the stories of the two families it always strikes me that the Rowes with their very practical hands-on approach always knew when to stop. Following the death of Phillip and James in 1858 the other three Rowe brothers moved to realise some of their dreams. After James died the family company was wound up, John the third brother had settled on a grazing property at Metcalfe in 1867 apparently not participating actively in the mining business of the family. His wife died in 1875 and is bur-ied in Fryerstown. John Rowe remarried and had another child. He died 17th February 1887, killed by a bull that he had reared himself and trusted. The youngest brother Hannibal Orchard Rowe (Orchard was his mother’s fam-ily name) had moved to Castlemaine and increasingly be-

come involved in fruit growing. He is listed in the 1869 Castlemaine rate book as a nurseryman. He retained his mining and other business interests however, and when the Fryerstown mines peaked in the mid seventies, he de-scribed himself in the rate book as “gentleman”. He died on 13th August 1889 from choking on a plum stone, when he was alone in the fruit house on his property in North Castlemaine. Edward William Hitchens Rowe died in Fryerstown on 13th December 1910 in the house he had built in 1868 from local sandstone on the top of the hill with a large English style garden and English gentleman’s lifestyle with servants – the last of the quartz kings of Fry-erstown.

On Saturday 19th September between 6.30 pm and 9 pm the Fryerstown community will be celebrating at its Farewell to Winter which has become a well known and successful family occasion with a bonfire, good food and fun. All welcome! $5 per head for adults and accompa-nied children free. BYO drinks. Come and join us and share the marshmallows cooked on the bonfire in good company!

The next film night will be on September 26th in the Burke and Wills Mechanics Institute Hall at 7.30 pm and the Film will be IT HAPPENED ONE NIGHT with Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert. An effortless romantic com-edy of a spoiled heiress running away from her family, who is helped by a man who’s actually a reporter looking for a story. All welcome! Price $5 per person which in-cludes tea and coffee and nibbles if someone brings them.

Kay Thorne.Photos courtesy Tim Todhunter: Edward and

Elizabeth Rowe, James and Lavinia Rowe and Welcome to Spring in September 2012.

11

The kangaroos are often pretty relaxed along Golden Point Road. It’s very easy to get a photo of a mob of kangaroos as there are plenty around, and they aren’t too fussed about moving on until they are ready.

Unfortunately there are deaths along Golden Point road though, kangaroos and cars do meet unexpectedly.

It’s been pointed out that, locally, an appliance known as the SHU ROO is available at $550.00 (supply only) through CAE Performance products. CAE can in-stall for extra if required.

http://www.caenterprises.com.au/

Food @ Christmas

Mt Alexander Community Enter-prise Inc has launched an annual Christmas food appeal to support the Salvation Army.

The group will be holding a street stall in Mostyn St Castlemaine on the last Saturday of November (28th) with a BBQ and items for sale. The stall is being supported by Castlemaine Men’s Shed and U3A Castlemaine. More donations for the stall will help make it a great success.

All money raised on the day will be used to fund the Salvation Army food hampers for local families at Christ-mas. In addition the Bendigo Bank will be accepting do-nations of non-perishable food items in the last two weeks of November. A collection basket will be placed in the foyer of the Castlemaine branch in Mostyn Street. This food will be distributed through the Salvation Army.

The community is asked to consider providing small craft items and jams or preserves for the stall. Items will be collected in November so start planning and making your contributions in readiness for the Food @ Christmas project.

Mt Alexander Community Enterprise raises funds for local projects through their partnership with Bendigo Bank and Bendigo Telco. Full details of their projects are available on their websites www.communitygrants.com.au

Kangaroos...

• Chainsaws-salesandservice

•Buy2chains,getthethirdfree.

• Pumps-sales,installationandservice

maine@statewideirrigation.com.auMon - Fri: 8.00 am - 5.00 pm

Sat: 8.30 am - 12 noon

84ForestStreet,Castlemaine

54721135

CAE PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS7 Main Road Chewton

WWW.CAENTERPRISES.COM.AU

CAE is the leader in electrical system technology. For quality advice on your vehicle’s electrical

issues we’re here to help.Alternator Repairs/ReplacementStarter Motor Repairs/ReplacementHi-Torque Starters for Cars and TrucksCustom & Specialist Replacement StartersAir Conditioning ServicingWiper Motor UpgradesElectrical System Fault AnalysisBattery Servicing and Replacement

Call today for an obligation free discussion

5472 1442YOUR CAR’S ELECTRICAL SYSTEM MATTERS!

12

Logo designed

by Morgan

Williamson.

It seems like winter has given everybody a bug of some sort. If there is anyone who still feels like reading, good luck to you… Properties for sale around Chewton are listed as fol-lows:Cantwell Real Estate:• 14 Church Street, elevated 1050 sqm lot with north-

ern views to Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park, services to front boundary, $160,000.00;

• 562 Pyrenees Highway, 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms with multiple indoor and outdoor living areas. Multiple shedding on 2 hectares. $695,000.00;

• 1/72 Steele Street, north facing vacant allotment of ap-proximately 2234sqm. Backing onto state forest but with services available. $190,000.00;

• 4 Prior Street, 5 bedrooms & 3 bathrooms, 2 storey sandstone and weatherboard set amid huge garden, $848,000.00;

• 225 Sparks Road, 58 hectares on the edge of the Bush-land for sale at $579,000.00.

Cassidy Real Estate:• 28 Eureka Street, 3 bedroom, 1 bathroom brick house

packed with features, set within landscaped gardens in a quiet position, for $410,000.00;

• 15 Dishpan Gully Road, craftsman built 3 bedroom stone cottage on 6 acres of bushland. No connection to services. $275,000.00;

• 97 Pyrenees Highway, 2 bedroom, 2 living areas and plenty of period features. Large allotment of 1500sqm with workshops and room for several cars. For sale at $515,000.00;

• 29 Mount View Road, 2 bedroom stone home nestled in 6 acres of the Bushlands, offering views over Chew-ton itself, $359,000.00.

Castlemaine Property Group:• 77 Pioneers Road, single bedroom log cabin set high

in the Bushlands with views over Chewton and onto Castlemaine, $295,000.00.

Keogh Real Estate:• 4 Pitman Street, 2 bedroom weatherboard with de-

tached bungalow set on 1200sqm. Plenty of shedding, land to spare and attractive views towards Golden Point. For sale at $345,00.00 (UNDER CONTRACT);

• 576 Pyrenees Highway, 2 bedroom weatherboard with character, set on 3½ acres of land with a meandering seasonal creek, plenty of outbuildings, $315,000.00.

Waller Realty: • 21 Main Road, elevated north facing block of 924

sqm, adjoining Castlemaine Diggings National Heri-tage Park and Forest Street, sewerage connected, other services available, for sale $129,000.00;

• 218 Golden Point Road, extended miner’s cottage which has retained the heritage character, 3 bedrooms, 3 living areas, adjacent to Castlemaine Diggings, For-est Creek and The Res, for sale at $495,000.00.

For sale by owner:• 50A Fryers Road, vacant lot of a 982 sqm with ser-

vices, $129,000.00.Lindsay Hill Real Estate:• Lot 1 Bush Sanctuary Road, 4 hectares with planning

permit to build, $170,000.00 (UNDER CONTRACT).Lynne Williamson.

Real Estate Gossip

NICK HASLAM

167 BARKER STREET, CASTLEMAINE 5470 5811

Thinking of selling? Want to know what your property is worth?

Call Nick for an obligation free market appraisal. www.wallerrealty.com.au

M: 0418 322 789 E: nick@wallerrealty.com.au

FOR ALL YOUR BUYING & SELLING NEEDS

• LicensedBuildingPractioner• Bathroom&KitchenRenovations• AllPlumbingrequirements• Heating,cooling&Installation• Wesellwood,gas,electric,hydronicand

ductedheating• SplitSystems,stovesandwallovens• Hotwaterservicessolargas&electric• SamedaychangeoverHWS• NaturalGasandLPG

Show us a cheaper price...... and we’ll beat it!

12 Johnston St, CastlemainePh : 54722533 Fax: 5470 6362Email: admin@printzplumbing.com.auWebsite: www.printzplumbing.com.au

13

Nurturing the whole child

in every child

As the school’s newsletters show, August was a jam-packed month at Chewton School!

We have been lucky to have Greg Gebhart speak with the Year 2-6 students about Cyber Safety. The students found both the topic and content interesting. Staff also spent time with Greg. He spoke about a range of interesting top-ics to support our students in their safe use of the internet and to raise our awareness of what was cur-rently trending in the world of internet and communication use for young people. Thank you to those parents who attended the Cyber Safety session that Greg ran on Monday evening. Technology has a great deal to offer and can be used safely by our students to pro-tect their privacy. And a big thank you to John Thomas for attending both Cyber Safety sessions – John is contributing expertise, as both parent and teacher, in how we are teaching technology and opening up access for our students. John ran a parents’ session on Blogging the following week.

Our Year 5-6 students at-tended Castlemaine Secondary School dress rehearsal of their per-formance of Grease. All students appreciated the opportunity to at-tend a live performance and to see the possibilities for their future involvement when in secondary school.

School camps are in full swing. The Somers camp brings grade 5 and 6 children from many schools together. It is a wonder-ful opportunity to meet other stu-dents and to participate in a range of specialist activities. Families had an opportunity to make a Sunday visit to the children at the camp. The Swan Hill camp will involve Year 3 and 4 students. I will be attending this one, we will be travelling by train and staying at the Pioneer Settle-ment. This is a great opportunity for students to be part of a larger group and enjoy stepping back in time at the Pioneer Settlement.

Book Week was celebrated in August too. We had Stoneman’s Bookroom visit us, and we also had a second hand book sale where students could purchase books for

50 cents each. We also had a book character parade with the children dressing up as favourite book char-acters. A free trip for the Year Prep to 3 students to the Castlemaine Library also took place, the library covering the cost of the bus. This was a great opportunity for the children to experience some Book Week theatre.

A cluster day held at Tarad-ale school was another success. It was a great opportunity for our students to mix with children from other schools and enjoy a range of activities. They participated in drumming, cooking, circus skills, drama and a performance of vari-ous musical instruments.

Julie popped in to say hello this week, including coming to the Science Week dinner (see the sepa-rate article about this occasion on the next page.) She is looking very brown after her travels up north and has enjoyed her break so far.

During the last week of term, on Tuesday 15th between 3.00 and 4.00pm, students and classroom teachers will be opening their doors to families to come in and look at what students have been working on throughout the term. Your child will be able to talk with you about their achievements and interests from Term Three. It would be lovely to see as many of you as possible.

Prep enrolments are most welcome! If you know of any-one thinking of sending their child to Chewton PS, can you please urge them to make contact with the school as soon as possible?

Knowledge of our expected enrolments helps with plan-ning for next year. A number of people have already en-rolled, but please remind any of your friends or neighbours that now is the time! Thanks for your support in this, our families are our best means of publicity. Kate Ballantyne.

Photos from the cluster day at Taradale P.S.

Considering advertising in the Chat?Call: 5472 2892

or email: goldenpoint2@bigpond.com

14

For the past four years Chewton Primary School has held a Sci-ence Week dinner to give com-munity representatives the op-portunity to share in the week’s work the school has been doing. In 2012 the topic was bats, in 2013 it was bugs and last year it was Trace Balla and her book Rivertime that was the focus. So, this year, the sky had to be the limit! And that’s how an as-trophysicist came to be at Chewton School. Orsola De Marco is an astrophysicist from Macquarie University who was invited to spend science week at Chewton School.

For this special dinner, School Council invites a range of parents and community members - along with a couple of students to assist with cooking. Jess was on duty again this year, with the gnocchis and the dessert served by Kirsty and Zeke. Between the courses we were invited to ask questions of Orsola. And in responding to our ques-tions Orsola proved to be a most engaging personality – as well as impressively knowledgeable!

What was the most interesting question the children asked during the week? What’s the difference between an astrophysicist and an astronomer? Are there health risks with living on a space station? Would you like to travel to the moon? What are your PhD students’ topics of interest? Solar flares, naming of planets and comets, interplanetary travel, and even how do you turn off were among the ques-tions asked. Even being asked to explain the Theory of Relativity in a few sentences didn’t faze Orsola – but we won’t attempt to precis that answer here!

And during the answers, anecdotes from her time with the Chewton children kept recurring. What someone had said, what someone had drawn, or what someone had asked. The children had obviously made an impression on Orsola, just as she did to us at the dinner.

In the last school newsletter, Acting Principal Kate

Science Week at Chewton School

FREE ENTRY AGE 8 TO ADULT

6PM SATURDAY 15th AUGUST 2015CASTLEMAINE PHEE BROADWAY

Plus view the night sky from telescopes on the footpath outside the venue with the Bendigo and District Astronomical Society

30 mins before the talk

7PM FRIDAY 21st AUGUST 2015DAYLESFORD TOWN HALL

- Does life exist on other planets?- Should we go to Mars?- Is the Death Star real??- How will the next supernova explosion matter to you?

Professor Orsola De Marco reveals the fascinating world of Astrophysics in a talk that will enthral both children and adults alike. Expand your horizons to the edge of the Universe!

15

Ballantyne included some of the children’s impressions formed during Science week…• I have loved working with Orsola because I learnt the

universe is the biggest thing that is out there. It has been a lot of fun. Julian

• I liked working on space and it was fun talking about the moon with Orsola. I have learnt some new things. Isaiah

• This week I have enjoyed the maths we used when we were doing our Inquiry unit on Space. I enjoyed work-ing in the small group with Orsola, we chose different things to work on. Oktavius

• Science week was fun because Orsola came and helped us learn about Space. Orsola was fun to have come to our school. Flynn

• Orsola taught us mainly about stars. I learnt that there is a star called Megrez, it is a very interesting star. Max

• It was a lot of fun having Orsola here at school. I learnt that my star was hot and blue. People think blue is cold but red is cold in stars. Raffaella

Science Week 2015 was yet another exciting educa-tional experience at Chewton Primary School – for the par-ents and community as well as the children.

Golden Point LandcareWalk and weed on Forest Creek

Sunday 27th September10 a.m. meet @ the Monster Meeting

Walk along the Forest Creek track to Chinamans Point and return on a loop track

past Trapps Gully and Horseshoe Bend.

Come and find out more about the local history and learn how to help the native plants and animals in the Forest Creek valley.

For more details contact:Jennifer on 0423 900 590 or Marie on 5472 2892

BYO Secateurs

16

There’s nothing like a brisk Saturday night warmed by a brazier burning brightly and cordial community conversa-tion. “If barbecue did not exist, it would be necessary to invent it,” is some wisdom supposedly attributed to Vol-taire. But Chewton’s community barbecue already exists on a monthly basis, and Saturday’s August get-together was another great MoBQ. Layers upon layers was the

“Using words to describe a barbecue is like using a screwdriver to cut roast beef.” – Tom Robbins

Trenches ExcavationsLandscaping

Posthole Digger Rubbish Removal

Driveway Construction

Phone Colin on 5470 5975 or 0417 509 699

common fashion statement as due regard was paid to the prevailing temperature.

And this is the season for birthdays in Chewton ap-parently. Amazing to find out how many had just put an-other click on life’s odometer – and how many will in the next few weeks.

As the weather warms from now on (and September is Spring!) it can be expected there’ll be an increase in numbers and a corresponding decrease in layers. Philoso-phising is barbeque tradition and as Aristotle is reported to have said, “We are what we repeatedly do. Barbecue, then, is not an act, but a habit.” The habit is due to con-tinue on September 5th at 6 p.m.

September MoBQSaturday September the 5th

6 p.m.Ellery Park

BYO everything...

Newstead Live!The 2016 festival will be on January 22nd to 25th. Tickets will be on sale

from August 1st.

2016 performers are not confirmed yet, but are expected to include .... internationals Vin Garbutt and Scott

Cook .... Australians Paul Wookey & Philomena Carroll, Martin Pearson, Joe Dolce, The Ugly Uncles, Cat Canteri,

Danny Spooner, Michael Waugh and a hundred others of vari-ous ages, shapes and styles! ....

More detail on www.newsteadlive.com

17

Poe try

Corner

GriefEmpty this glass that you drank from Empty your desk and your chair Empty my world since you left me Empty this bed that we shared

Empty my eyes from the weeping Empty the words they all said Empty the flowers of mourning Empty the thoughts in my head

Empty the cards of condolence Empty my mind of belief Empty the pomp at the funeral Empty my heart from the grief

Empty the love that we promised Empty the vows that we gave Empty my soul from the yearning Love has not conquered The grave.

David Watson.

Wind ChimesOn satin nights when summer breezes sighAnd hang like lovers’ vows upon the airThe sea-wrack chimes stir gently as a prayerOf peace to light my spirit ‘ere I die.When winter’s cruel fingers rip the skyAnd rain-tired clouds droop sickly overheadThe lonely sea-voice echoes ‘round my bedIts song of love a wind borne lullaby.When spring and autumn tempests scour the streetAnd sterilise my mind of futile thoughtI marvel at the loving gift you wroughtUpon that shore where sky and ocean meet. Who could conceive that such a simple toy Would stir my soul with memories of joy?

David Watson, January 1988.

TRADING HOURS FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY MONDAY

10am – 4.00 pm Laksa on Sundays and Mondays

A curry every day Monk Dish on Friday & Saturday

Vegetarian & Gluten free selections 146 Duke Street, Castlemaine

Telephone: 54 706 038 Your Host: Onn Ho

Buda Historic Home and GardenA property of national significance.

Home of the noted Gold and Silversmith ERNEST LEVINY and his family from 1863 to 1981, featuring authentic furnishings, arts and crafts collection, significant heritage garden and grounds.

Nursery selling drought-hardy plants, many propagated from the garden. Open hours Wed - Sat 12noon to 5pm, Sunday 10am to 5pm. Groups by appointment.

42 Hunter Street, Castlemaine 3450, T/F: (03) 5472 1032 E: admin@budacastlemaine.org

Coffee, Teas, Milk, Newspapers, Magazines, Fresh Bread, Soft Drinks, Groceries, DVDs and more...

You name it we’ve probably got it. At your convenience...

Sprout bread now availableWednesdays, Fridays and weekends!

Hours 7:30 - 5:30 Mon-Fri 8:00 - 4:00 Sat-Sun

...it’s your store Chewton!

YOUR TURN NOW?The Chewton Chat welcomes contributions

to Poetry Corner each month; just as news, articles, letters, photographs

and ideas are welcomed. Email to goldenpoint2@bigpond.com

or leave in the Chat box at the Chewton General Store.

18

Landcare Camp Out again on The Mount in 2015

The Landcare Camp Out on The Mount will be back for its third year in 2015. The date for this year’s Camp Out is Saturday 17th October.

People come from all over the Shire to enjoy the unique feeling of satisfaction you get from working with so many other people towards the same goal, and in such a beautiful place.

Last year’s Camp Out was a huge success with over 150 people attending the big working bee to remove introduced pine trees from Mount Alexander. The working bee was followed by a special activity for the kids, talk on the history of Mount Alexander by George Milford, BBQ dinner cooked by the Harcourt Lions Club and wildlife spotlighting walk with a Parks Victoria Ranger. It finished with the incredibly popular Campfire Dessert Banquet!

One of the great things about the Camp Out is how many families come along. Kids get right into the activities and have a lot of fun. They’re also doing something really good for the local area by helping to remove the pines which are invading the beautiful native forest on Mount Alexander.

Camp Out is a project of Harcourt Valley Landcare Group and is supported by Parks Victoria and Connecting Country. It is organised by a group of volunteers from Harcourt and surrounding areas.

If you would like to attend this year’s Camp Out please register with Max Schlachter at Connecting Country

max@connectingcountry.org.au or 0422 130 055.

POHAGPost Office Hill Action Group

During the past month action by a work party from Loddon Prison has seen a substantial amount of recyclable mate-rial extracted and piled ready for removal by a scrap metal contractor. POHAG is indebted to Loddon Prison and the manpower involved with this project. Also, some of the nesting boxes adjacent to the school were adjusted and ad-ditional nesting boxes were installed in Block 2 and Block 3. When the work party is able to return, ground prepara-tion for planting near the decommissioned tip will be done.

Further weed control is planned to occur during the next few weeks by contractor “Bushco”. This will include application of herbicide to heavy gorse and extending grooming along the western perimeter.

Several members have met with Jase Haysom, a car-tographer who has produced a number of topographical maps of neighbouring areas, to create an accurate map of Post Office Hill Reserve which will be available for visi-tors. A series of “overlays” will also be produced for dif-ferent purposes - eg. management, places of interest, ex-traction of gold etc.

A submission has been forwarded to DELWP in re-lation to the department’s fire operation plan. The next meeting on Sunday 13th September in the Chewton Town Hall at 10:00am will be the Annual Meeting. All welcome!

Ian O’Halloran (for POHAG).

Check the CCM website, cartography.id.au

during the first week of September for a Post Office Hill Reserve map!

19

Mount Alexander is the site of the remains of a once fa-mous enterprise. The Victorian Heritage Register (VHR) lists it as Number H1348 and in answer to the question “What is significant?” answers:

In 1872 Mrs Bladen Neill and the Victorian Ladies Sericultural Company established a silk worm farm on land at Mount Alexander, obtained through a grant from the Minister of Lands. The farm comprised plantings of mulberry trees with a number of associated structures, in-cluding a magnannerie (for breeding worms), a leaf room, a cottage, additional residential quarters, and a building used for educational purposes. The business failed in 1878. The site today consists of a series of ruined struc-tural and archaeological features including the remains of at least two structures, exotic plantings and drainage/water supply elements.

The Former Mount Alexander Silk Worm Farm is of historical, archaeological and social importance to the State of Victoria. The Former Mount Alexander Silk Worm Farm is historically important for its association with a rel-atively obscure nineteenth century industry and with the role of women in nineteenth century industry. The farm was one of the first sericulture ventures established by a co-operative group rather than a single individual and it is one of only a small number of archaeologically document-ed businesses run by women in the nineteenth century.

The Former Mount Alexander Silk Worm Farm is important for its general association with the role of wom-en in industry, business, and philanthropy in the second half of the nineteenth century and for its specific associa-tion with Mrs Bladen Neill and the women’s co-operative - the Victorian Ladies Sericultural Association - set up to promote sericulture and to educate poorer women in rural areas, indicating an awareness and understanding of the contribution the could be made by women and children to the economic and social spheres of nineteenth century Australia.

When it first opened the Mount Alexander Mail re-ported:THE SILK FARM AT MOUNT ALEXANDER. (FROM

THE MOUNT ALEXANDER MAIL, NOV. 17, 1874)Some months since a plot of ground on the eastern

slope of Mount Alexander was selected by Mrs. Bladen

Neill and Mrs. Gro-ver, as the site for a sericultural farm, where, undisturbed by the busy turmoil of the world, and seclud-ed from too prying obtrusive observation, the business of rearing silkworms could be carried on in peace. The plot of land embraces an area of about 50 acres, but a small portion of which (some 10 acres) has been fenced in and brought under cultiva-tion, and although the enterprising ladies have met with serious drawbacks in the prosecution of their labours, still sufficient is now in progress to merit an inspection and in-terest the visitor. A very pretty cottage has been erected for the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Grover, the lady manageress of the establishment and the pupils; this is situated at the extreme southern end of the allotment, and is surrounded by out-houses suitable for a farm. About 100 yards west of this is erected a very commodious building, called a magnanerie, and in this the feeding and rearing of the silk-worms is carried on. So numerous are the insects in the magnanerie that it takes from 30lb. to 40lb. of leaves per day to feed them.

The magnanerie is a rather extensive building, be-ing 92ft. long by a breadth of 29ft., and is fitted up with all requisite appliances. The windows, of which there are five on each side, are not glazed, but consist merely of large openings, covered with fine crinoline muslin, which freely admit the air and light, but exclude all intruding in-sects. The space between the wall plates and rafters is also covered with a lining of the same material. The frames for the trays hang suspended from the crossbeams by means of wires attached to hooks. These hooks are fixed below cups containing water, thus preventing the encroachment of ants, which might attempt to crawl down.

At the side of the room is a table where the leaves are cut fine, and when thus prepared the insects are fed with it six times a day, the first meal being at 5 o’clock in the morning, and the last about 6 o’clock. From this it will be seen those employed at the establishment are rather early risers.

This Mount Alexander Mail article is available on Trove http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/5882891

Silkworms were on the Mount too!

20

LIC 24063

We have Green Plumbing Qualifications* GAS DUCTED HEATING * TREATMENT PLANTS

* SEWERS AND BLOCKAGES * GAS FITTING* HOT/COLD WATER SYSTEMS INCLUDING SOLAR

* NEW HOMES AND RENOVATIONS * ROOFING AND SPOUTING

* GENERAL HOME MAINTENANCE

Simon Whatley 0419 836 423(03) 5472 4573 P.O. Box 47 Castlemaine

A solid group of FOBIF walkers led by Richard Piesse dropped in to the Tarilta Valley from Porcupine Ridge in brisk but fine August winter weather. There was good bird watching and plenty of fungi on show, and the valley is showing fair but patchy recovery from DSE’s disastrous 2012 fire exercise. The group left the valley via the im-pressive rock cleft and waterfall ridge (which, unfortu-nately, rarely sees much water – see first photo below), and wound its way through an isolated subsidiary valley to the Great Dividing Trail.

Photographers are Bernard Slattery and Noel Young.

Taking a break by the Tarilta Creek.

Left: Walkers navigating some difficult ground.

Above: Brain fungus (Tremella)

After the walk Noel Young sent us the following ob-servations:

The bird life was fairly active in the area, and I was able to identify the following either by site or call: Thorn-bill flocks, White throated Treecreeper, Golden Whistler, White eared Honeyeater, Grey Shrike-thrush, Spotted Par-

Walking with FOBIFdalote, Long billed Corella, Sulphur crested Cockatoo, Crimson Rosella and Horsfield’s Bronze Cuckoo.

Two Black Wallabies crossed the Porcupine ridge road on the way in.

I didn’t attempt a plant list, but there were several species of wattle flowering, including an unusually com-mon occurrence of A gunni. (Ploughshare), a number of flowering Sundews, and an occasional Hovea and white or pink heath flowers. No flowering orchids were found as far as I know.

Next FOBIF walkThe next FOBIF walk is on the 20th of September in

the Fryers Ridge area. It is c.6-8km and the leader is Alex Panelli 5423 2041.

This will be a walk in the on the eastern side of Fry-ers Ridge in the Wattle Track, Telecom track area through some perhaps fairly typical/unspectacular bushland. We will find out together what it will be like in September. For most of the way we will be on reasonably smooth tracks but we may also follow some minor trails for part of the way and may pass directly through bushland for some short sections.

Taken from the FOBIF website.

LICENSED FOR ROADWORTHY

VEHICLE TESTINGPetrol and Gas

Ring 5472 3469Main Road, Chewton

CHEWTON GARAGE

21

Much of the correspondence received by the August management committee meeting involved nominations received for executive and committee positions to be de-cided at the AGM. Outward correspondence included a quote confirmation and acceptance, an agreement to block out the word Museum on the road sign opposite the town hall and a statement to Wallers (the CDS rental agency) authorising them to bring PO into current legal safety stan-dards

The treasurer’s report showed a balance of $28,245.19 with accounts for payment totalling $3,703.40. These ac-counts included payments for the audit and a deposit for the handrails to be manufactured and installed at the town hall’s front door. A further $1,620 is committed for work ordered but not invoiced yet, a further $8,170 is commit-ted for approved projects. These commitments bring the available balance down to $14,751.78.

A Banker’s Undertaking of $4,453.27 that was a le-gal requirement of the Chewton Town Hall Restoration has been deposited but does not appear in this statement – this money is to be only used to repair the cracks in rear wall, re-render the wall stains and re-seal the hall floor as per the Heritage Architect’s report.

Membership is now 78, with 5 more new members. Property Management discussion revolved around

structural limitations imposed by the town hall restoration and OH&S issues that must be taken into account due to the height of the walls and associated display spaces. It was decided to seek advice from the Heritage Architect and the contractor about this issue, with this issue to be discussed at the next meeting.

The current Chewton Chat is no longer available on the www.chewton.net website but can be seen on the IS-SUU website www.issuu.com This ISSUU site gives an analysis of the number of viewers, where they are from, what pages get the most hits and for how long people spend reading the Chat.

CDS members were asked to bring a plate to sup-plement Judy and Barbara’s afternoon tea at the AGM, a raffle has been organised, an update of the Welcome to Chewton Kit is to be presented, and Glen to Harrison is going to manage the IT presentations.

The next CDS Management Committee Meeting is on Monday September 14th 2015 at 7.15 p.m. in the Chew-ton Town Hall.

Chewton Domain Society

Some ISSUUs for the ChatChewton Chats have been posted on the www.issuu.com website since November 2013.

The 3 most engaging editions have been the May 2015 edition with an average reading time of 9 minutes 19 seconds, the April 2015 edition with an 8.48 read-ing time, and the August 2015 edition with 61 readers spending an average 5 minutes 36 seconds reading it.

www.ISSUU.com

Walking around the Res.A great area to wander around is the reserve behind Ex-pidition Pass Reservoir. Bewtween the gold of the wattles and the purple of the hardenbergias the colour is brillant.

And behind Expedition Pass Reservoir there is an illegal camp and camp fire that someone has recently used.

Membership forms available at Chewton’s Shop and Post Office.

22

The teamwork behind each and every Chat 200 editions are within sight... so maybe it’s time to look at the production of what you read each month.

Each edition starts with a deadline that sees articles, poems, photos and advertising arrive. Most by email, occasionally via post and sometimes via the “Chat Box” that Chris and Brett have in the Chewton Shop.

Photos are collated and Glen Harrison weaves his magic producing a set of black and white images for printing, and a set of colour images for a later colour version. Editing and layout follows - basically a jigsaw puzzle that has to have some logic in it - occasionally! After a black and white ver-

sion is produced it is loaded on a flashdrive and taken to the Castlemaine Copy Centre along with the required number of reams of A3 paper sup-plied by Castlemaine Office Supplies and donated by Ewen and Linda from Moroolbark Excavations..

A fantastic new team then takes over - Peter West often takes re-sponsibility for sending the Chat file through to the photocopier. The stapled and folded Chats are packaged up into tubs. Kristen and Melissa were sharing this task when the photo was taken. These Chats are des-tined to be in circulation on the first of each month.

The flashdrive then goes to the Civic Centre where yet another fantastic team produce even more Chats, the Chats that will be used to supplement the initial distribution as stocks run low. Some of these are the half-size Chats that some people with great eyesight love. Or perhaps it is the favourite size for those who like just a little read!

The next step is aworking bee at the Chewton Town Hall for collation and distribution. This happens on the last day of every month at 2.30. Here a terrific team adds any inserts that are needed, does any folding any that is neces-sary and packages them for distribution. Subscribers have their Chats enveloped and stamped ready for mailing from the Chewton Post Office.

The working bee over, the circulation begins. Allan to the Market Building and Chirp, Bettie to the library, and the

medical waiting rooms, Jillian to the hospital and to the Chat’s advertis-ers and subscribers in Castlemaine and Glen with the big load to distrubu-tion points in Chewton, Castlemaine and Campbells Creek. Bettie also takes a bundle to keep at home so she can drip-feed the box at Chewton’s Tourist Information Board where the constant stream of visitors stopping keep taking copies of the Chat and the Chewton Heritage Map and Visi-tor’s Guide. Bettie keeps saying it is amazing how many go from that little box!

23

These activities take place each and every month so the Chat is available in businesses around the district. And in the rack in the library - and, of course, the colour version is then produced and made available worldwide on

www.ISSUU.comThanks to many, many people the Chat gets out and about each

month - and can pop up in the most unex-pected places! Even

on stage at a Chewton Folk Festival...

29 September is International Coffee DayApart from recognising the enjoyment of coffee right around the globe, World Coffee Day is also used to promote fair trade coffee and to raise awareness for

the plight of the coffee growers.

Chewton Town HallAre you looking for a place for an afternoon tea,

a celebration, an exhibition, a meeting, a conference, a concert, a food preparation space?

The Chewton Town Hall offers a beautifully restored space available for a variety of events and uses.

(Because of the age of the building universal access is limited)

To discuss what you might need, what we can offer and the costs of hiring all or part of the hall...

contact Bettie on 5472 3892 or goldenpoint2@bigpond.com

24

A visit to photograph the old hut at Fryerstown’s Heron’s Reef led to a referencing of photos taken on earlier visits. Heron’s Reef is an intriguing area that graphically illus-trates the intensity of the search for gold.

Situated on the famous Fryers Creek Goldfield visi-tors can see many of the methods of gold extraction used during the early Australian gold mining on this one site. Herons Reef is on the State Heritage Register, has Nation-al Trust classification, and is a previous award winner as a regional tourist attraction. It was run by Les Simmons for many years and its current historic authenticity is due in part to his management. A few years ago the site acquired by the state government and has now been included in the Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park.

The remnants of the hut photographed provide a re-markably intact example of a miner’s residential area, sur-rounded by a stone fence. The site has remnants of old

fruit trees and is believed to be last occupied by “a fos-sicker nicknamed ‘Foxy’ who had a horse called Maude.”

The Herons Reef Historic Gold Diggings takes in a tangle of gullies at the head of Golden Gully and possesses a comprehensive range of gold mining relics, habitation sites and blacksmith forges. The area was first important for alluvial gold, with Golden Gully rushed in early 1852. From 1859 the mining focus shifted to the various reefs that crossed the gully. The main quartz mine was operated by the Anglo Australian Company (later known as Fryers Creek Gold Mining Company) from 1869-90. Golden Gully was hydraulically sluiced at the turn of the century, and appears to have been a favoured ground sluicing local-ity during the 1930s.

On the property there is a considerable variety of mining remains that include small vertical and underlay shafts, adits, open cut mines, quarries, bank sluicing, sur-facing, dams, water races, a miner’s cottage, blacksmiths shop foundations, house and battery sites which display many of the facets of small to medium scale mining.

The Herons Reef Historic Gold Diggings is of his-torical, archaeological and scientific importance to Victo-ria. These gold diggings are historically and scientifically important as a characteristic and well preserved mining landscape which possesses examples of many forms of gold mining. Gold mining sites are of crucial importance for the pivotal role they have played since 1851 in the de-velopment of Victoria. The mining relics at the Herons Reef Historic Gold Diggings are important in illustrating the ongoing and changing nature of gold mining, and how the gold miners lived and repaired their mining equipment.

discovering Heron’s Reef http://vhd.heritagecouncil.vic.gov.au/places/11555#sthash.o8PaobVO.dpuf

25

Chewton.net FaceBook rolls along – but the post on Her-on’s Reef and its miner’s cottage on the 4th of August (on previous page) took off! 23.8K reached – they’re big numbers when they’re expressed in Ks. 23,800 people looking into our backyard!

When the tally was 23,783 for that one post, it was showing the people reached by the whole page in the previous 28 days came from: Australia, United Kingdom, United States of America, Canada, New Zea-land, Germany, France, Philippines, Netherlands, Tai-wan, Russia, Denmark, Japan, Malaysia, Poland, Croa-tia, Italy, Singapore, Hong Kong, India, Czech Republic, Indonesia, Greece, Thailand, Serbia, Ireland, Spain, Switzerland, Sweden, South Africa, Brazil, Belgium, Finland, Portugal, United Arab Emirates, Austria, Chile, Colombia, Israel, Venezuela, Montenegro, Bulgaria, Ar-gentina, Iran and Mexico.

Within Australia, Chewton with only 57 people reached came in well down the field - behind Mel-bourne (12,058), Castlemaine (989), Bendigo (865), Geelong, Sydney, Ballarat, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Warrnambool, Shepparton, Canberra, Traralgon, Paken-

Social media stretches Chewton’s reachham, Gold Coast, Wodonga, Hobart, Campbells Creek, Werribee, Albury, Frankston, Harcourt, Sale, Warragul, Horsham, Bairnsdale, Sunbury, Cranbourne, Darwin, Newcastle, Mildura and Wangaratta.

Languages of the people reached were English (US) 17,467 and English (UK) 8,957; followed by Ger-man, French (France), Dutch, Spanish, Russian, Tradi-tional Chinese (Taiwan), Danish, Polish, Italian, Croa-tian, Serbian, Japanese, Greek, Czech, Thai, Portuguese (Portugal), Portuguese (Brazil), Indonesian, Simplified Chinese (China), Finnish, Traditional Chinese (Hong Kong), French (Canada), Korean, Swedish, Arabic, Turkish, Bulgarian, Slovak, Vietnamese, Hungarian, Slovenian, English (India), Persian, Romanian, Leet Speak, Norwegian (Bokmal), Hebrew, Lithuanian, Cata-lan and Ukrainian.

Add to this the statistics from www.issuu.com where the Chat now appears each month (and you can actually turn the pages!) which shows that we have Chat readers in the USA, Canada, United Kingdom and Ire-land. An amazing reach around the world thanks to the web and social media!

Five Flags Hotel

155 Main RdCampbells Creek

54721010

* Open 7 days for Lunch and Dinner

* Monday to Friday $15.00 lunch menu available

*Sunday Roast

*Warm cosy fires

*Tab and Keno

*Drive through bottleshop

The share out of every $100 of our rates as explained with the rates notice...

26

A new pup in town! And getting out and about introducing himself to neighbours, lying around, attending meetings, sleeping, going to work – the sorts of things a young pup should do. And looking at the photos brings back memo-ries…

Remember back in 2006 when Libby Hogg had a business in Chewton called Black and White Photogra-phy? And the business was featured in the Chewton Chat? And a plan was hatched to create a calendar for 2007? Featuring Chewton dogs and their owners? Mates! And Mates was the name given to the calendar as Libby set off to get 12 photos to fill the 12 months. Inspired by a sad time in Chewton.

As the calendar acknowledged “When Randall Percy returned to Ireland for his last weeks, Chewton lost a much loved son and character. Amongst other things, Randall was widely known for his remarkable relationship with his little dog Pogue and so frantic efforts were made to send Pogue to Ireland to join Randall. Unfortunately time ran out before this could be achieved. Pogue is now a wel-come addition to Helen McGeachin’s household which he shares with Dan and Milly, and has thus remained a cher-ished Chewton identity.

It was Randall’s unique relationship with Pogue that sparked the idea of a calendar featuring some of our lo-cal characters and their relationship with their dogs. The selection process was a difficult and controversial one.”

Fortunately Mike Grinter had a photo of Randall and Pogue that we were allowed to use in the calendar.

Only 12 months was the first problem. There were more than 12 dogs in Chewton and the selection made did create some controversy. And then there was a 25 year old dog – it just had to be January for obvious reasons. “Pippy is probably Chewton’s oldest canine citizen. He resides in what Wally describes as the ‘Paris end of Chewton’, and celebrated his 25th birthday at the Red Hill Hotel in 2005. Wally and Judy looked after Pippy for a neighbour many years ago, and as Chihuahuas are wont to do, Pippy select-ed his new home and has been pampered there ever since.” Sadly, Pippy, Wally and Judy are no longer with us.

At the end of 2006 the calendar was launched at the school – with CV Week covering it.

Some recent history - do you remember......

Some of the calendar’s photos. A snapshot of Chewton’s mates immortalised in the

2007 calendar inspired by (left)

Randall and Pogue!

Wesley HillCommunity Market

Every Saturday7.30am – 1.00pm

An old fashioned Country MarketOpposite the Albion Hotel

New stallholders always welcome.Call the Market Manager

0418 117 953September the 1st is Wattle Day... things are looking up!

27

Bendigonian - Thursday 2 September 1915CHEWTON BOROUGH. For the three seats in the Chew-ton Borough Council there were only two nominations, the retiring members, Crs. Penney and McMillan being re-elected. An extra ordinary election will have to be held to fill the seat of the late Cr. H. D. Smith, but there appears to be no aspirant for the vacant position.

Mount Alexander Mail - Friday 3 September 1915Lost. - Buggy rug between Fryers town and Chewton, on Monday. Reward, on returning to A. Norris, Fryerstown.

Mount Alexander Mail - Friday 17 September 1915ACCIDENT AT CHEWTON CR. SALATHIEL INJURED.

HORSE SHIES AND OVERTURNS BUGGY.The residents of Sutton Grange and district (writes our Sutton Grange correspondent) deeply regret the accident which happened to Cr. Salathiel, on Wednesday, while driving to a sale at Chewton. Mr Salathiel and his son, Raymond, were driving a young and valuable horse, and when within a short distance of their destination the ani-mal shied at another buggy, and ran the buggy against a stump on the road side, with the result that both shafts were broken, and Mr Salathiel and his son were thrown out on the roadway. The horse bolted, and the buggy, which was a costly one, rolled over an embankment seven or eight feet, with the result that it was very much smashed. In the meantime, the horse got clear of the harness, and galloped along the creek, and finished up in a slum dam, in the creek near the Golden Point Road. A plucky young man went into the dam, and slipped a rope round its neck, and with the help of five other men managed to haul it on to terra firma. The marvel was that the horse after such an experi-ence was none the worse.

In the meantime, Mr H. Moon picked up Mr Sala-thiel and took him to a doctor, who found him much bruised, although no bones were broken. Mr H. MacRae then brought him home in his car, while his son, who was practically unhurt, rode the horse home. Glen Harrison.

Chewton - 100 years ago...

We need friendly people with an appreciation of Chew-ton’s history, who are prepared to give 3 hours one Satur-day or Sunday each month. Please ring Allan Dry 54723385 or Elaine Appleton 54722498 if you would like to be part of the team.

TOWN HALL EXHIBITION ROSTERSATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS (& most Public Holidays) 1pm to 4pm SCHOOL HOLIDAYS WEEKDAYS BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

PLEASE ARRANgE yOuR OWN SWAP If THESE dATES dON’T SuIT.

September 2015Saturday 5 JoanSunday 6 Allan Saturday 12 ElaineSunday 13 PRIVATE fuNCTION – CLOSEd Saturday 19 GlenSunday 20 IreneSaturday 26 KenSunday 27 Frank

......that dog calendar?

28

Maldon battery vandalised

A significant part of Maldon’s irreplaceable history has been vandalised.

“Between Friday 14 and Sunday 16 August, the Mal-don Battery in the Maldon Historic Area was broken into and damaged in several ways,” said Parks Victoria Ranger Team Leader Noel Muller.

The Maldon Battery site includes the remains of one of Victoria’s most significant State batteries used for gold mining. It is of historical, scientific and archaeological importance to Victoria.

The site includes buildings and machinery, the Alli-ance shaft and associated mining machinery foundations, several large heaps of battery sand, and the site of the Joe Jenkins (the Welsh Swagman) house.

“Door locks were cut, windows and light fittings broken and the chimney was partly destroyed,” said Noel. “Victoria Police is investigating the incident. Maldon Historic Areas offers some of the most intact reminders of the gold rush era so it is incredibly disappointing to see this historic building being damaged. The building is 100 years old this year and gives us a glimpse of times gone by and the technology used.”

People who have seen or heard anything that could be relevant should contact Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000. Taken from a Press Release.

Remember the Garfield damage in the July Chat?Significant gold-fields relics are constantly at risk when some people don’t see them as significant. Dam-age in the proxim-ity of the Garfield has been reported – apparently caused

by vehicles being driven across the battery site and up an earthen embankment. Many times over by the appearance of the damage.

A lack of respect? A lack of appreciation of the his-tory? A lack of awareness? Who knows, but an irrespon-sible set of actions has left scarring for all to see and reflect on. And now it has happened in Maldon...

Illegal off-roading damages the forest

Members of the community are reminded that it is illegal to ride motorbikes and drive 4WD vehicles off-road in all Victorian state forests, parks and reserves.

Department of Environment, Land, Water and Plan-ning (DELWP) Murray Goldfields District Manager Paul Bates said: “Illegal off-road motorbike and 4WD activity has been increasing in Central Victorian state forests and parks with recent hotspots in Carapooee State Forest near St Arnaud and Greater Bendigo National Park.”

“Motorcyclists and drivers can be fined for driving off-road, including driving or riding on walking, cycling or informal tracks as well as roads not open to the pub-lic.” Mr Bates said. “These riders also pose a danger to other road users as they come out from the off-road tracks straight onto the main roads at high speeds.

A penalty of $152 applies to those found illegally riding off-road in state forests under the Land Conserva-tion (Vehicle Control) Regulations 2013. Anyone riding a motorbike or driving a 4WD on any area of public land must be licensed and the vehicle must be registered. With-out both of these things, riders are only permitted to ride on private land.

“Driving off-road is also detrimental to the environ-ment because it causes soil erosion and damage to na-tive vegetation,” Parks Victoria Area Chief Ranger Karen Doyle said.

DELWP officers and Parks Victoria rangers regularly patrol forests to ensure people are considerate of other for-est users and the environment and adhere to the regula-tions.

If you see any suspicious behaviour in public land ar-eas, please report it to DELWP on 136 186 or your nearest DELWP or Parks Victoria office or police station.

Taken from a Press Release.

Chewton Playgroup – not just for the kids!

Babies, toddlers and preschool aged children who go to playgroup can make new friends, have new experiences, gain self-confidence and develop physically, socially, emotionally and intellectually. And that’s just some of the benefits for the kids! But what’s in it for you?

Adults stay with their children at playgroup. This gives them the chance to meet other people going through similar experiences that can come with caring for young children. You get to have adult conversations, develop new social networks and friendships, share experiences, interests and ideas. It’s time to spend playing with your child, without the guilt of needing to do something else.

Come join us in the multi-purpose room at Chewton Primary School. 9.15am to 11am, Monday mornings during term, or contact the Chewton Primary School on 5472 2557.

29

Marion Wilson is a life long resident of Chewton. She celebrated her birth-day with family at The New China restaurant on the 1st of August although she didn’t turn 70 until the fourth. During the eve-ning’s celebrations Marion donned a sparkling wig, to the amusement of her fam-ily.

Marion saves each week’s Castlemaine Mail for me to cut up and place

in Chewton year books. Sometimes 2 or 3 Mails are need-ed because some articles can be on the reverse side of each other. Marion thank you for doing your bit for Chewton so keep that sparkle up. Elaine Appleton.

Photos courtesy of the Wilson family

Happy 70th birthday

MAINfm is the Castlemaine-based community radio sta-tion that covers Mount Alexander Shire. One of the many programs is The Breakfast Club.

Frank the Fishman Forster and Sharon Soldatos welcome a variety of guests through this program - an as-trophysicist one moment, community news the next. Joe Park (Pollinate Energy project) is pictured with Frank and Sharon.

Giving voices to communities and community groups is an important role for community radio. As their website explains: “Community radio is all about local pre-senters and producers learning to create programs using local voices. The programmes on community radio not only cover news and topics that are important to people living in the local area, but also cater to the diversity of interests throughout the community.”

The MAIN voice

MAINfm can be heard on 94.9 MHz on the FM band

or with the TuneInRadio app on your smartphone, or use the Listen Live page to stream over the internet.

www. http://mainfm.net/

We have been hosting casual concerts in St John’s Chew-ton regularly for four months now. They provide time for more local residents to sit in the lovely old church with refreshments and music provided.

Spring Sessions are booked for Sunday’s Septem-ber 13 and October 18. More wonderful performers have volunteered: Ange Mitten, Doc Henry, Rohan Suitor, all guitar playing singers, The Blenders, Arad and Janet present and translate Persian Poetry, White Rabbit duo and Vanessa Case to dance.

To be more involved by presenting an act, provid-ing food or setting up the space, please contact Julie 0497 231 209.

Thanks to all who have helped this effort to use, care for and maintain Chewtons’ last functioning church. Jill and John, Pam, Tom C., Alex and Tom and especially Gary. These are simply concerts, with services held on each Saturday evening 6pm at St John’s.

Concerts at St. John’s

Please support our advertisersWithout them there would be no Chat!

30

Are you interested in

PLAYING THE BLUES?

You are invited to a monthly Jam Session at Elphinstone

This is a non-professional, informal get-together

of people who want to make some noise and have some fun!

If you are into blues music and sing or play an instrument

you are welcome!

For more information: Email: cpatrick@impulse.net.au

Castlemaine’s Town Hall will be buzzing on Saturday Sep-tember 26th. Former Austra-lian of the Year and leading advocate for action on climate change, Professor Tim Flan-nery, will be speaking and an-swering questions, local band, the Seducaphones will be en-tertaining and Growing Abun-dance will be providing a tasty dinner.

There will also be a buzz of a different kind. The speech and Q&A will be broadcast live over the internet, via popular websites.

Tim Flannery, who is Chief Councillor at the Climate Council, will argue that Australia is ideally positioned to transition towards a decarbonised economy, aided by the growth of Australia’s renewable energy sector. He will provide an update on the latest climate science, as well as outlining the current impacts of climate change in Austra-lia.

Before and after Professor Flannery’s talk, there will be live music – with a Balkan funk vibe – from lo-cal sensation, the Seduceaphones. For those purchasing tickets downstairs, there will also be a light evening meal using locally-sourced produce prepared by Castlemaine’s, Growing Abundance.

“We are thrilled that Tim Flannery has agreed to come to Castlemaine. He is arguably Australia’s leading protagonist for action on climate change. This event is sure to provoke, stimulate and inspire,” said Jo Kaptein,

An evening with

Tim FlanneryProject Officer at the Hub Foundation, the not-for-profit organisers of the event. “We have tried to keep ticket prices affordable so as many people as possible can come. Prices start at $22 for concession ticket in the balcony with the top price of $45 for adults in the downstairs area which includes a delicious, light meal. To keep ticket prices rea-sonable, we are seeking sponsorship and support from pri-vate individuals. To find out more, please contact me for details,” said Jo.

Profits from the evening will go to local organisations involved in tackling climate change as well as the Climate Council. Tickets can be purchased online at www.mash.org.au and at Castlemaine Central Wine Store, 36 Lyttle-ton Street, Castlemaine. The Hub Foundation is pleased to have the following partners supporting this event: Mount Alexander Shire Council, Mount Alexander Sustainability Group and Universal Power and Light.

Taken from a Press Release.

Whata

waste!Disposable nappies take 550 years to

break down!

I wish someone hadn’t dumped one at the Res.

last week!

It could be there till 2065!

YUK!

31

FIELD NATSVISITORS ARE WELCOME AT CLUB

MEETINGS AND EXCURSIONSFri Sep 11th: Meeting:

Jason Edwards, wildlife photographerSat Sept 12th: Field trip to

Whipstick State ParkOrdinary membership: Single $30, Family $40, Pensioner or student: Single $25, Family $30. Subscription includes postage of the monthly

newsletter, Castlemaine Naturalist.General meetings - (second Friday of each month, except January) are held in the Uniting Church (UCA) Hall (enter from Lyttleton St.) at 7.30 pm. Field Trips - (Saturday following the general meeting) leave from the car park opposite Cas-tle Motel, Duke Street at 1.30pm sharp unless stated otherwise. BYO afternoon tea. Outdoor excursions are likely to be cancelled in extreme weather conditions. There are NO excursions on total fire ban days.CASTLEMAINE FIELD NATURALISTS,

PO BOX 324, CASTLEMAINE 3450http://castlemainefnc.wordpress.com/

Vocal Nosh!A good sing & good food

in convivial company

Sunday 6th September at 6pmAt Newstead Community CentreLed this month by Polly Christie

Theme: Global Spiritual Songs and Mantras•6:00 - 7:00pm Vocal entrée - warm up and easy stuff•7:00 - 7:30pm Food - Hearty soup, crusty bread, fresh fruit•7:30 - 8:30 pm Musical main course - delicious harmonies

Songs in the folk style, mostly a cappellaNo prior musical experience necessary. No need to read music.

Singing for the pleasure of it.Whole session including food $15, concession $12, children

$5, first hour only $5.Bookings by email: faywhite.music@westnet.com.au

or phone Fay 5461 5471

The Chewton Chat is published by the Chewton Domain Society. A subcommittee of John Ellis (Ed.),Bettie Exon, Gloria Meltzer, Debbie Hall, Phil Hall and Glen Harrison is responsible for the publication. Many volunteers help with production and circulation. It is circulated on the first of each month, necessitating a deadline of about the 22nd of the month before. Material can be left at the Chewton General Store, with any of the sub-committee members, sent by e-mail to goldenpoint2@bigpond.com or by calling 5472 2892.

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 General Store, Chewton Pet Supplies, Chewton Post Office, East End Servo, Red Hill Hotel, Castle Automotive Enterprises and Tourist Information Board, as well as the Bold Cafe, Castlemaine Library, Market Building, CHIRP, CIC, Castlemaine Copy Cen-tre and Castlemaine Office Supplies. Mt. Alexander Hospital Residential receives monthly copies too. Whilst copies are free, there are donation tins at many collection points and donations can be mailed to the CDS address below. Subscriptions for mailed copies can be arranged. Circula-tion is now 700. A full colour Chewton Chat can also be downloaded each month from www.chewton.net - as can earlier issues. The CDS can be contacted through PO Box 85, Chewton, 3451; or the Chewton Town Hall 5470 6131 (when open). The Chewton Chat wishes to advise that the views or remarks expressed in this publication are not necessarily the views of the editor, the management team or the Chewton Domain Society and no endorsement of service is implied by the listing of advertisers, sponsors or contributors.

WHEEL CACTUS FIELD DAY

Sunday 27 September

The Tarrengower Cactus Control Group will be meeting at 10.00 a.m. on the last Sunday of the month for a sociable couple of hours killing wheel cactus.

We will start at 10.00 a.m. with a demo of ways to deal with this noxious weed. The morning will end with a free BBQ lunch (sausages/vegie burgers) and a cuppa at 12.00.

Equipment will be provided for the day. Wear outdoor boots and a hat plus waterproofs and woollies as needed.

The location will be announced on the TCCG website (www.cactuswarriors.org) nearer to the date or ring Ian Grenda on 0412 015 807.

Walking Tours

Walks with expert, local guides Gentle, fun walk, all ages and abilities welcome

Historical and Botanical tours Bring your hat and water bottle

www.cdchcastlemaine.com.au

Chewton History Walk When: Wednesday 26th August, 10.00 - 11.00am Where: Meet outside Chewton Senior Citizen’s Centre, Main Rd, Chewton. Who: Led by local resident Ian O’Halloran Cost: Free

North Muckleford Native Orchid Walk When: Wednesday 23rd September, 10.15am – 11.30am Where: Meet at the Gower School Ruins, Castlemaine- Maldon Rd. Who: Led by Dot Henshall, U3A Bush Ramblers Cost: Free

For more information call Castlemaine District Community Health on:

Phone: 5479 1000 Cancelled in the event of heavy rain

No RSVP required

Walking Tours

Walks with expert, local guides Gentle, fun walk, all ages and abilities welcome

Historical and Botanical tours Bring your hat and water bottle

www.cdchcastlemaine.com.au

Chewton History Walk When: Wednesday 26th August, 10.00 - 11.00am Where: Meet outside Chewton Senior Citizen’s Centre, Main Rd, Chewton. Who: Led by local resident Ian O’Halloran Cost: Free

North Muckleford Native Orchid Walk When: Wednesday 23rd September, 10.15am – 11.30am Where: Meet at the Gower School Ruins, Castlemaine- Maldon Rd. Who: Led by Dot Henshall, U3A Bush Ramblers Cost: Free

For more information call Castlemaine District Community Health on:

Phone: 5479 1000 Cancelled in the event of heavy rain

No RSVP required

32

Couldn’t help noticing that more than just the early wattles are opening an eye. Jonquils were around early in the month, and some deciduous buds are brave enough to make a bit of a show. Daffodils are appearing just opposite the pub, and those ubiquitous daisies are actually up and about again in front of the community centre. On a trip to Echuca the roadside scrub north of Bendigo was one sea of waving yellow.

A quick peek at the almanac (nautical, of course), shows that the sun is tracking south again. By the end of August, the sun’s declination is around 9 degrees north of the equator and well south of the Tropic of Cancer, from which it started south two months ago. Doesn’t feel much warmer, but it sounds better. It will be over the equator by the end of next month, and spring will be in view.

For the month that normally brings our highest monthly rainfall of something greater than 60 millimetres, we have received just 20 millimetres this last month of August. Not a good sign for things to come. Time to make sure all the tanks are full. Twenty mils. might be a little of an under statement; I have also recorded four occasions of Not Suficient to Register (NSR). This is really a drizzle day, possibly all day, without actually troubling the rain gauge. The rain is either blown away, or evaporates before enough accumulates in the gauge

More than just the wattle is floweringto see or read. The rain took place over some ten days.

Our highest temperature for the month was 18 degrees Celsius. This occurred on the 18th of the month, and I recall it being a rather nice day. The average daytime temperature was 12.4 degrees C., with a mode of just 12 degrees. The twelve and a half degrees C average is just two degrees higher than last month at a little over ten degrees C. A quick look back shows this to be pretty much normal for August. Seems to have been rather overcast for much of the month.

The overnight low temperatures have been rather variable. We have had a few overnight lows of 8 and 9 degrees Celsius; yet my lowest recording was just one (1) degree C. There were a couple of mornings when the paddocks down by the creek were distinctly white-looking, so I expect some of us have had at least one sub-zero overnight temperature. The overnight average temperature was 4 degrees celsius, and the lowest recorded was 1 degree C. The average has crept up by 3 degrees from last month – (whether it felt like it or not).

The “Chat” month has just concluded with two days of howling gale force winds (blowy enough to have been a miserable two days at sea). It has brought down two largish branches in my place, plus lots of debris (shades of summer fire clear-up again).

John Leavesley.

Calendar of EventsSept 5th MoBQ (Community BBQ), 6 p.m., Ellery Park.Sept 5th Service, 6 p.m., St. John’s Anglican Church, Chewton.Sept 6th Vocal Nosh, 6 p.m., Newstead Community Centre.Sept 8th MAS Council Meeting, 7.30 p.m., Newstead Community Centre.Sept 12th Service, 6 p.m., St. John’s Anglican Church, Chewton.Sept 13th POHAG AGM, 10 a.m., Chewton Town Hall.Sept 13th Acoustic Concert, 2 p.m., St. John’s Chewton (see page 29).Sept 14th Chewton Domain Society Man. Comm. Meeting, 7.15 p.m., Chewton Town Hall.Sept 17th Chewton Landcare AGM, 7.30 p.m., Chewton Town Hall.Sept 18th End of school Term 3.Sept 19th Service, 6 p.m., St. John’s Anglican Church, Chewton.Sept 19th Farewell to Winter, 6.30 p.m., Old Fryerstown School.Sept 20th FOBIF walk in the Fryers Ranges, 9.30 a.m. (see page 20).Sept 22nd MAS Council Meeting, 7.30 p.m., Civic Centre Castlemaine.Sept 24th Deadline for October Chewton Chat.Sept 26th Service, 6 p.m., St. John’s Anglican Church, Chewton.Sept 26th Fryerstown Films (It happened one night), 7.30 p.m., Burke and Wills Mechanics Inst.Sept 27th Golden Pointers Walk and weed on Forest Creek, 10 a.m., Monster Meeting site (see p. 15).Sept 30th Folding Chewton Chat, 2.30 p.m., Chewton Town Hall (Wednesday).

Chewton Landcare’s AGM7.30 p.m. Thursday 17th September @ Chewton Town Hall

A brief AGM first to formalise the group and then the fun part - come and join the discussion about what needs to be done and how best to do it over some maps and a tea/coffee. 0422 759 661 for further details.