Last week nine interns from Youth Take Over Loddon Campaspe hosted an event at Castlemaine Contemporary Art Space (CASPA) to launch the creative outcome of their Youth Take Over project – a new website for local athletics event the Castlemaine Gift.
The Castlemaine Gift has been running for more than 100 years and is an important event on the town calendar but has never had its own website – the challenge of creating one was handed over to nine interns, aged between 15 and 23, who brought a youth lens to the project.
The interns, comprised of a mix of budding graphic designers, historians, artists, audio, and visual producers, and SEO wizards, worked together for eight weeks, under the direction of Rob Jennings and Bradley Dawson from local digital agency ‘We Push Buttons’.
Working with ‘We Push Buttons’ allowed the young people to gain key insights into what it’s like to work in the digital media and design industries and how their individual skill sets and interests could be applied to the wealth of jobs available in the field.
Across the course of their internship, interns gained key employability skills such as teamwork, project management, and organisational skills, alongside industry-specific skills such as graphic design, web design, branding, and marketing skills.
Ryan Hale Coordinator of the program said that’s since Youth Take Over’s inception in 2021 there have been more than 50 young people come through the program.
“We know, from youth-led research, that young people in our region are not getting the local labour market information, work experience, or industry contacts they need to smoothly transition from school to the world of work,” Ryan said.
“Youth Take Over aims to fill this gap, through facilitated, team-based work experience opportunities – or ‘Take Overs’ – that connect young people to jobs in our local industries and build their work-readiness skills.”
Early this year, Ari, Lilly, Nathan, Patrick, Rowany, Sammie, Storm, Wilbur & Zakk all took brave steps on their career adventures by putting their hand up to join the ‘Become a Digital Campaigner’ Take Over team. Their job, over 8 weeks, was to create a new website and digital campaign for local athletics event, Castlemaine Gift, which, despite running for over 100 years and being a key event on the town’s calendar, has never had an online presence.
At the start of their Take Over, the team met with their client, Darryl Nettleton from Castlemaine Gift, who briefed them about the event and his vision for the website and they set about bringing this to life. Darryl met with the group throughout the design process to offer feedback on their progress.
One team member, Lilly McCarthy, a history student, delved into the Gift’s rich history archives and composed several stories that feature on the website, alongside illustrations by another team member, Rowany Mills.
“It was really challenging and a big task,” Lilly told the Express.
“But it was great fun and everyone had different strengths. ‘I think that everyone on the team was just so creative and wonderful to work with. On the outside it might seem like these things that they were doing are easy – they’re not easy! They take so much effort and so much work, and so much creativity, and I think they all did a wonderful job and I’m very proud of them actually!”
Rowany said she found it to be a really invaluable experience and gave her a new perspective on going into the workforce.
“I’ve just finished a diploma in design where most of the work was solo so it was great to be able to work on a real project with a real client,” Rowany said.
At the completion of the eight weeks, the team of young people had successfully created a digital campaign for the Castlemaine Gift, which included a new event logo and marketing materials alongside the website itself.
Youth Take Over is an initiative of North Central Local Learning & Employment Network (LLEN) in partnership with the Loddon Campaspe LLEN and sponsored by the Agnico Eagle Community Partnership Program. Take Overs are happening all over the Loddon Campaspe region. You can find out more at youthtakeover.org.au.
Youth Take Over interns launch new Gift website
Avenue of 83 Anzacs
Newstead resident Lesley Dooley moved to the region six years ago. Her property overlooks the Avenue of Honour which serves as a reminder of the 83 local men who served in the first world war, not just a tribute to those who died, but to those who lived. The trees, which were planted in 1919, were once marked with plaques naming the men, but they were lost a long time ago.
“When I first saw the avenue I was blown away,” Lesley said.
Late last year Lesley decided to take action and ensure the memory of the Anzacs from Newstead lives on, enlisting the help of local council and community to provide funding. The Newstead Rural Transaction Centre have generously offered $1000 towards the cause, Cr Matthew Driscoll has committed his support and the Newstead Men’s Shed have agreed to help with painting the back of the plaques.
Lesley has approached Ian at Tate’s Ironworks who said the whole project will come in at $10,000.
“It will be a simple design using a steel plaque, using laser cutting with the name, rank, service and a simple cross,” Lesley stated.
“There were 83 trees planted initially but at present there are only 79 trees so we will need to do something about that too.”
Lesley has located the names of the 83 in a historical research book and is hoping that the families of those who served might like to place their family plaques once they are made.
“I feel really privileged to live here and I feel as though I’ve sort of become their friend.”
The list of names are published on page 24 in this edition of the Castlemaine. If anyone is interested in finding out more please contact Lesley Dooley on 0419 673 807.
Vintage drag in mint condition with Stan Munro
Legendary performer and former Castlemaine resident Stan Munro will be returning to the Castlemaine stage for Pride Week 2023.
Kevin Markwell will join the conversation with Dame Stan Munro as he gives an honest, and no-holds-barred, discussion about his fabulous six-decade-long career.
Appearing at the Theatre Royal on Saturday, April 29 Stan will entertain the audience with an evening of stories, memories, lip-syncing, and laughter.
“I can’t wait to perform again in Castlemaine, where I have such wonderful memories. I really hope that the audience will come away with a much better understanding of my career – but most importantly that they will have had a great night of entertainment. That’s what my whole career has been about,” said Stan.
Originally hailing from Wales, Stan began his show biz career at the age of 13, moving into drag performance in 1963 when he came to Australia. Arriving in Sydney Stan quickly discovered the emerging drag scene.
Starting out as a male dancer at Les Girls in Kings Cross Stan soon moved into comedy drag, before being promoted to compere. In 1970 Stan moved to Melbourne, bringing Les Girls with him.
“I was the compere at Les Girls in Melbourne for eight years,” said Stan. “And I used to work six nights a week, which is unheard of now.”
A month ago Stan performed in a West End Club in Soho London called Halfway to Heaven, where he received a fantastic reception from audiences.
He has also been working closely with biographer William Brougham on his biography Stan Munro: Queen of the Valley which he is hoping to release later this year.
“Drag has treated me very well and enabled me to do the things I love. I love performing. I love entertaining. I always have. This is my story.”
For more information on Vintage Drag in Mint Condition or other Pride Week events visit: cch.org.au/castlemaine-pride/.
Save Maldon’s Easter Parade
The possible re-routing of Maldon’s 146th Easter parade from its standard path caused considerable uncertainty for organisers.
Just days before the annual event, Regional Roads Victoria gave the all-clear to close Main Street for the duration of the parade. But doubts remain over whether this decision will stand in future years.
An online petition has now begun circulated stating that the 147th parade is under threat due to RRV rules allowing High Street to be used as a route for B-double trucks, which does not allow for closure during the parade.
The petition asks that the parade continues in its current form forever and that RRV should bypass Maldon’s historic precinct as B-double trucks impact the historic aspects and structures of the town.
The petition has received hundreds of signatures with a number of residents and visitors to the area commenting on the importance of continuing the Easter parade in its current format.
One resident from Castlemaine asked why the trucks couldn’t bypass for just one day.
“The Easter parade has been going for as long as I can remember and it’s always been a great family day out. Please, please, please, let it continue!” Karen Gregory said.
David Hutchings from Lockwood South said the parade, our history and heritage were more important than a two-hour closure of a road.
“Compliance, and lack of respect for country communities gone mad,” David said.
The issue of the heavily used truck route through Victoria’s First Notable Town has been an ongoing one. Many residents believe an alternative truck route should be implemented permanently, not just for the Easter Festival.
“I live in Maldon and love the historic aspects of this town, including the Easter parade. Having loud B-double trucks come through our small town is a risk at any time, with a high number of pedestrians crossing High Street and needing to be wary of these large vehicles,” Maldon resident Justine Gale said.
Another Maldon resident said the town was too small to have large trucks driving through and they didn’t adhere to the 40km/h limit.
Long-time resident Dennis Prosser said a permanent bypass should be made for B-double vehicles due to the vibrational damage caused to the historic buildings.
“Recent changes to the town’s streets increase the potential for accidents. NOT a truck-friendly route,” Dennis said.
April Jardine shortlisted for Midwife of the Year
A Dhelkaya Health midwifery clinical coordinator and educator has been shortlisted as a finalist this week ahead of the 2023 HESTA Australian Nursing and Midwifery Awards.
April Jardine has been nominated for her outstanding contribution to improving health outcomes for local women and is one of nine finalists in the national awards.
Dhelkaya Health CEO Sue Race said April was a highly skilled and passionate midwife and nurse whose exceptional leadership had united the midwifery team.
“She works tirelessly and is devoted to her patients,” Ms Race said.
“I am thrilled to see her recognised as a finalist for Midwife of the Year and hope to see her take home the award.”
Ms Jardine has been recognised as the driving force behind the implementation of Dhelkaya Health’s innovative Midwifery Group Practice model. She played a pivotal part in encouraging women to take part in studies evaluating women’s views and experiences of maternity care in Castlemaine. The model was recently evaluated by La Trobe University and has proved to be highly valued by women in the area and improved care outcomes.
Ms Jardine said she felt humbled to be recognised in the 2023 HESTA Australia Nursing and Midwifery Awards.
“To be a part of reshaping a suspended rural service with community input, and successfully re-launching a local maternity service where so many have been closed, has been a very rewarding experience,” she said.
“It has been fulfilling to support the community’s priority to safely birth locally, and feedback surveys are overwhelmingly positive.
“I am proud that Dhelkaya Health’s Maternity Service offers women in the region the gold standard of midwifery-led continuity of care, and enables midwives to work to their full scope and achieve career satisfaction.”
Winners of the 2023 HESTA Australian Nursing and Midwifery Awards will be revealed on Sunday at an awards ceremony in Sydney.
Maldon Bombers host Good Friday clash
Maldon Football Netball Club has hit the ground running with some impressive pre-season training.
The Bombers welcomed a suite of new coaches and players and is off and firing for the club’s 150th year.
The club hosted its Good Friday match and this year welcomed Dunolly over to the Bill Woodfull Reserve.
Despite the weather, the day drew a great crowd to watch some football and netball and join in the celebrations.
The kids enjoyed face painting and Easter eggs and the canteen pumped out lots of hot food to keep everyone warm.
Maldon won seven out of 11 games on the day, which was an amazing result.
The official season start is next week with round one kicking off as Maldon takes on Campbells Creek at home for the Cole Cup Day.
Senior Football
Maldon 57 lost to Dunolly 77.
The Bombers played in patches but have a bit of work to do with skill and fitness. Credit to Dunolly who played very well.
Best: Seb Greene, Brodie Leonard- Shannon, Tanner Bishop, Matt Gray, Billy Johns, Noah Thompson.
Reserves
Maldon 55 def Dunolly 41.
A fantastic win in terrible conditions and against a much-improved opposition. After falling behind on the scoreboard early the Bombers didn’t panic, worked hard and turned the game their way to control things for the remaining three quarters. A great team effort by all players.
Best: X. Noy, S. Burchell, B. Saint, I. Hartley, J. Cox, B. Brow.
17.5s
No game.
14.5s
Maldon 95 def Dunolly 2.
The 14.5s got the 2023 season off to a great start with a strong win. In very wet and cold conditions the team played a great standard of footy and put a very good score on the board.
Best: Tully Rowbottom, Levi Mason, Jack Smith, Riley Davey, Tadgh Cananzi, Aihen Turner.
11.5s
Maldon 73 def Dunolly 13.
The Under 11.5 football team played the first game of the season with eight kids making their debut. Dunolly was short numbers, so plenty of Maldon kids played for Dunolly to help make a contest. Those players played with great spirit when playing for Dunolly. All kids played their hearts out and didn’t seem to notice the rain or cold. It was like they were playing dry weather football! Bombers only kicked one behind, which just nicked the goal post!
Best: Heath Powell, Seth Gross, Chloe Jennings, Zavier Turner, Lucas Pascoe, William Govier.
A Grade Netball
Maldon 27 lost to Dunolly 28.
The game was a game of you score, we score. Despite the weather we played strong and got one, two connections. Bombers will learn from it and take away the finer points that will turn the goal score around. Best: Tessa Fisken.
B Grade
Maldon 49 def Dunolly 15.
Fantastic effort by all players for all four quarters. The team didn’t take the foot off the pedal (or puddles), the players had lots of great connections down the court, and back-up along the way. Best: Jaylea Ford.
C Grade
Maldon 47 def Dunolly 15.
The Bombers went into this game with a completely different lineup to last season’s team and by the second quarter you wouldn’t have even known. The connection this team had down the court was so free flowing and they have an amazing awareness of space. Very excited to see what this team can do for the season. Best: Sophie Zammit.
Under 17s
Maldon 40 def Dunolly 9.
The U17s started the game well and were able to easily capitalise on their opponents right from the first whistle. The Dunolly team was able to put up a good defence, however the Maldon team was much quicker on reaction time and was able to intercept and pressure the Dunolly team causing many turnovers. The tests will come for the team but with the experience and skill, awesome teamwork and support, they will certainly be able to match it with best. Best: MacKenzi Shepherd.
Under 15s
Maldon 20 lost to Dunolly 25.
The U15s game was always going to be tight and the team certainly had to bring all their tactics and athletic ability to the court. The Dunolly team was very defensive and the Bombers were able to come back into the game and put the game right up to their opponents. Best: Eva Gross.
Under 13s
Maldon 11 lost to Dunolly 17.
A very excited and passionate under 13s team took the court for their first game of the season, unfortunately the team couldn’t quite get the win but with their determination, passion, and laughter they showed they’ll be a force this year.
Each and every single player put a 110 per cent out on that court and made their coach extremely proud. Best: Grace Smith.
Under 11s
Maldon 6 def Dunolly 4.
The excitement was high as the U11s had many players debuting for Maldon and those just keen to get their dress back on. The team was able to acknowledge and implement creating of space and not ‘seagulling’ down the court.
The team was able to pass the ball down the court allowing the shooters to do their job. Best: Elsa Curran.
My Castlemaine with community yoga and dance teacher Edna Reinhardt
Hi Edna, how did you came to live in Castlemaine?
I was born in Tiberius Israel in 1953. My parents were European refugees – they were holocaust survivors. We moved to Australia when I was five years old. I’ve lived mostly in Melbourne, then Northern New South Wales. We’ve lived in Castlemaine since 1990. When living in Melbourne we decided to move somewhere out of the city. Fortunately our friends Neil and Heather Barrett convinced us to move to Castlemaine.
You run Over the Moon Yoga and Dance Studios – how did you first become involved in dance?
I was always attracted to dance and drama but soon realised that nonverbal physical expression was more mysterious and therefore compelling. It’s what I continue to find attractive. I’ve been teaching since 1976. I’ve been quite obsessed with teaching dance for most of my adult life. The combination of art and education is endlessly inspiring. I also started creating and publishing yoga resources for kids and young people in 2007. We use them literally every day in classes at the studio.
Has travel been a part of your life? Where have you been?
I’ve travelled a bit because my family is spread out around the world. We’ve travelled to Ireland a few times because my husband’s family is there. I’ve travelled to Europe, Israel, South America, and the US because of my own family connections.
What other interests do you have?
Keeping the organisational aspects of Over the Moon humming smoothly and providing inspiring yoga and dance education occupies most of my time. I love it! When I’m not doing that, I enjoy reading, listening to podcasts, bushwalking, and gazing adoringly at our grandchild for leisure. Spending time with family and friends. Being aware of social and political trends is important to me.
What are you reading at the moment?
The Colony by Audrey Magee
What’s your favorite genre of music?
I listen to a lot of music but probably mostly classical. Within the classical genre, I probably listen mostly to Baroque. Sometimes I go wild and listen to a Tchaikovsky Concerto very loudly. When I have to force myself to do domestic chores I listen to music I listened to when I was a teenager. Joni Mitchell, Leonard Cohen, Nina Simone etc. I have no idea why but it seems to relieve the boredom of sweeping a floor.
Who are your three dream dinner guests?
Apart from the gorgeous people that I have dinner with every night, I’d like to share a meal with Stan Grant (a journalist of steadfast integrity, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (a wonderful author), and Frances Ring (choreographer for Bangarra).
What philosophies do you live life by?
I’m not sure that I have a stated philosophy as such. At nearly 70 years of age, I’m still trying to figure it out. I try to live with integrity and do my best. I try to be aware. I practice yoga because it connects me to a strong sense of gratitude for life. I dance because it connects me to beauty.
Finally, what do you love most about the place you call home?
Family, community and nature are what provide the most joy. We have a number of favourite walks around Mount Alexander Shire. I feel lucky to be surrounded by nature. Because we’ve lived here for so many years, we have witnessed big life events supporting and being supported by friends. In my work, I have been so fortunate to observe many young people evolve from very early childhood to adulthood. It’s an honour. I can’t imagine living anywhere else.
Twenty years of care for MAAW
The passionate team of staff and volunteers who run the Mount Alexander Animal Welfare shelter are excited to celebrate the facility’s 20th anniversary this year.
“We’re still here because the community has supported the shelter for the past 20 years,” senior manager Rosie Skinner said.
The Castlemaine shelter has helped numerous sick, lost or unwanted pets over the past 20 years, thanks largely to a bequest from Pamela Waters who died in 1987.
Pamela’s family, the Hylands, ran a wildlife conservancy in the area and worked with the RSPCA and animal welfare to establish the shelter.
After the RSPCA announced the closure of the facility in 2017, the local community and RSPCA volunteers rallied to form Mount Alexander Animal Welfare Inc. – or MAAW – which kept the facility open.
Thanks to money raised by the op shop, MAAW was able to purchase the facility in 2018 and in 2019, MAAW secured the tender for the operation of the council pound for a period of three years. Being awarded the pound contract guaranteed a yearly income of $180,000 to assist with the operation of the shelter.
In 2020, with money raised at the op shop, a state government grant and three generous donations, MAAW was able to open a new cattery, which has provided a warm and happy environment for cats and kittens.
The team looks forward to continuing to provide love, care and shelter for pets that need it most.
The shelter still requires significant improvements and upgrades to continue to provide a safe and healthy environment for the animals. Anyone wanting to donate can visit: maaw.org.au/products/donate-to-maaw.
Want to play basketball? Join a league or training program!
Castlemaine basketball summer grand finals were played out earlier this month. Registrations for the winter session are now open. Adults (senior) can register their teams and those 17 and under (juniors) who register will be assigned an age-appropriate team.
Winter session runs from term two to term three.
Senior registration (April 24 deadline)
Junior registration (April 18 deadline)
Mini-Hoops registration (skills training for 7-12):
Teen-Hoops registration (skills training for 13-18):
WALKER, Joan
A service will be held for Joan in the Chapel of Mount Alexander Funerals, 12 Campbell Street, Castlemaine on Wednesday 12th April commencing at 11.00am.
Following this service the cortege will leave for the Taradale Cemetery.
For live stream details, please visit Joan’s tribute page on the Mount Alexander Funerals website.
My Castlemaine: John Hannah
Hi John, how long have you lived in Castlemaine for?
I moved to Castlemaine from the western suburbs of Melbourne in 2009. I’d never lived in a country town before. It’s been an amazing journey, living in the country and becoming part of the community. I didn’t have that in Melbourne and I really love it.
What sort of work have you done over the years?
I taught for more than 20 years in various places and roles including at Kensington community school in the early 80s, working with kids from the community flats. I trained as an art teacher, became a media teacher, and in the end, was a person who worked with young people.
I have a masters in creative art therapy and did some volunteer work at Winters Flat for six months.
You organise monthly Jazz Jams on the first Sunday of the month and the 3/4 Club on the third Sunday of each month – can you tell us a little about your music journey?
I started a radio show with MainFM (which was WMA back then). At first, I was playing my own CDs but then I started doing a desert island disc format (where people get to pick the six things they’d take to a desert island). I did that for five years and I really enjoyed it. The radio is a great way to get people to talk about themselves and ask probing questions I wouldn’t ask in real life.
Then I met Ken Turnbull who was keen to start a Jazz Jam and James Evans. I’d met heaps of musicians doing the radio show. Jazz Jam for me is about connecting people and helping people get to know each other – especially in our age group (I’m 78). And just after that, I met two blokes from Melbourne who wanted to start a jazz festival. I was involved in that for three or four years.
Then I started playing more music. I’d always played guitar and sung at parties – plus a few brief adventures with bands. My girlfriend at the time played clarinet and we started busking in Maldon – people seemed to like it, people actually thought we were musicians (we didn’t think so) and we started getting gigs. Plus I was involved in a few country bands, The Dodgy Brothers and Slim Hope – and a few other bands since then.
Have you travelled much?
In 76’ I went backpacking around India for six months – wandering around on $2 a day.
I also worked for a year in Iran teaching English. I’d have to leave every 10 weeks because I didn’t have a visa. I’d go over the border to Afghanistan and come back. I left Iran in late 78’ only a few months before the revolution. When my daughter was in her last year of grade six – in 92’ we went to Europe for a year. We went to Egypt and saw the pyramids and travelled to the Greek Islands. We bought a car in France and ended up traveling around. It was an amazing experience. People always say I’m very adventurous and I tell them it’s because I didn’t know what else to do.
Do you have any other interests?
My partner and I perform a concert at the Maldon Hospital every month – we’ve been doing that for the past six or seven years. They are a great audience and I really enjoy doing that.
You’ve recently had some health concerns – would you like to tell us a bit about that?
Late last year my voice changed. At first, I thought it was natural ageing. I went to a speech therapist at Castlemaine Health and they sent me to the Austin Hospital for a biopsy and it turned out to be cancer of the larynx – it was in very early stages. I got referred to Ballarat and did six weeks of daily radiotherapy.
Let me tell you, it was one of the best times of my life. The treatments were only 15 minutes and I learned to depend on people – I had a list of 20 friends who offered to drive me and I would spend the two hours there and back chatting with friends. I had a fantastic time and it changed my life for the better.
There were four phases for me, each lasting about six to eight weeks: 1. was diagnoses which was easy. 2. was treatment which I found pretty easy although it was confronting. They make a mould of your face, head, and shoulders and then put you in it and bolt you to the table and fire x-rays at the cancer cells. 3. was recovery. That was actually the hardest. I couldn’t speak or swallow and I was quite isolated. 4. Rehabilitation and doing Jazz Jam on Sunday was a great part of that. It was a fantastic day. We had more people than we’ve ever had before.
What are you reading at the moment?
I’m a big reader. I really like non-fiction. At the moment I’m reading Sapiens: A Brief History of Human Kind. It’s fascinating.
What philosophies do you live life by?
Back in the 70s I studied Zazen (Zen meditation). I’m a big believer in the power of the mind. Use your mind to make life as good as you can. Be kind, be generous, and be grateful. Forgive others and yourself.
Finally, what do you love most about the place you call home?
I love the sense of being a part of the community and I feel validated and like I’m doing something worthwhile. I wish I’d moved here much earlier.
Easter fun at Maldon!
The 146th Maldon Easter Fair, Australia’s oldest continuous running fair, will be launching tonight with the annual lighting of the Tower Lights atop Mt Tarrangower followed by The Great Aussie Scone Bake Competition at 7pm in the Maldon Hotel Garden.
Peter Thompson from the Maldon Easter Fair Committee told the Mail that the lighting of the tower initially began to serve as a beacon to light the way home for the holiday.
“The fair began in 1878 as a charity event to raise funds for the Maldon Hospital and included an auction with calves, pigs, sheep, and all sorts of things,” Peter said.
“The minutes from the first meeting said ‘it proved to be a great and gratifying event’.”
On Friday there will be a combined church service at 10.30am at the Beehive Chimney and a family fun day at Bill Woodfull Reserve as Maldon FNC take on Dunolly FNC, with an Easter Egg hunt, face painting, and a jumping castle.
Saturday the Maldon Golf Club will host their annual Hole-in-One Competition (continuing Sunday) with $2000 in prize money available followed by Nearest the Esky later in the evening.
Visit the Maldon Quilt Show at the Community Centre (continuing Sunday and Monday) and head to Vincent Road at 1pm to view the all-important Billycart Race.
The much-loved Torchlight Parade and Dancing in the Street are back on Main Street starting at 7pm- so make sure to put your dancing shoes on!
“We managed to keep the event running even during lockdowns by having an online parade, but it’s great to have the format back to pre-COVID days, with dancing back on Main Street and the addition of a movie night,” Peter said.
If you’re feeling like a quieter day on Sunday, make your way down to the Easter Market at the Maldon Neighbourhood Centre from 9am until 2pm and have wander or make your way to the Vintage Engine Rally at the Maldon Vintage Machinery Museum (open all weekend).
Sit back and relax on Sunday night and watch some good old-fashioned rock ‘n’ roll dancing on Main Street at 6pm followed by a screening of ‘Grease’.
Finish the weekend off with the fabulous Easter Fair Grand Procession on Monday, April 10 from 10.30 am. There will be floats of all shapes plus performances by the Bendigo Lion Dancers, and belly dancers – an event not to be missed!