Resonance String Orchestra is set to present a special concert event ‘You’re the Voice’ at the Castlemaine Town Hall this Saturday November 26.
The latest performance comes a month after the orchestra’s sold out show at the same venue.
One of the Resonance String Orchestra Artistic Directors Heather Cummins said Saturday’s offering will showcase talented local singers and choirs from across the region.
The soloists and choir members are local residents of different ages who reside in Castlemaine, Malmsbury, Kyneton, Hesket, Woodend, Gisborne and Sunbury.
“The program provides a unique opportunity for the singers to perform with the Resonance String Orchestra which has expanded to include a band and rhythm section for this concert,” Heather said.
Starting with Brazilian drums, traversing some pop songs, some jazz standards and finishing with Verdi’s ‘Va pensiero’ chorus from Nabucco, it will be an entertaining program full of variety and wonderful performances.
“We are fortunate to be joined by special guests Adam Przewlocki (Bendigo) and Joseph Bromley (Woodend). There will be performances by Rainbow Voices (Kyneton), the Divine Divas Show Choir (Sunbury) and the Castlemaine Secondary College vocal ensemble.
“Join us for a joyful celebration of making music together!” Heather said.
Resonance String orchestra is currently accepting enrolments for its 2023 program, which will include an inaugural Junior String Orchestra for the Castlemaine Branch. Enquiries can be made via the Resonance website.
The concert will commence at 3pm. Tickets are $25/$15/$60 and can be purchased via Trybooking.com/CCZXX
For more information about the concert check out the Resonance String Orchestra Facebook page.
Resonance presents ‘You’re the Voice’
Lots to celebrate at Castlemaine Parkrun
As we have frequently reported, parkrun is a wholly volunteer run and managed event, and without that steady stream of people willing to forego their own fun, in what is after all a ‘fun run’ (or walk), we’d be quite unable to manage.
Here at Castlemaine Parkrun, we enjoy the dedication of a small group of people who act as Run Directors, essentially forming a committee of people overseen by Karina Taylor and with Jane Harding serving as chief wrangler of the volunteer contingent which changes from week to week.
Chris Timewell, was one such volunteer on Saturday and he clocked up his 100th stint as a volunteer.
An incredible effort and one which the whole parkrun community is proud of. It is worth pointing out that Chris’ 100 volunteer milestone doesn’t include his years of service writing this parkrun report – which in his day was not acknowledged.
Making it an even more incredible effort: ‘Well Done.’ Chris – and ‘Thanks!’
Chris was joined on the day by Ronder Clayton, Robyn Dimopoulos, Geoff Faircloth, Jane Harding, Jacqui Knee, Glen Taylor, and Karina Taylor as Run Director.
Glen Taylor doubled up on his volunteer duties, completing the mandatory track inspection, with a first place finish at 20:55, a tremendous effort. He was followed across by Matthew Lorenz and Ben Priest on 21:37 and 22:06 respectively.
Claire Brien was the first female runner over the line at 22:53. Erica Weatherlake and Piper Marshall were the next females to finish on 24:10 and 25:00 even.
These were among the 74 runners, and strollers, who completed the three laps of the botanical gardens on our 5km event – if we add the volunteer contingent that number swells to 85, a really good turnout which included lots of visitors.
We also saw a decent crop of Personal Best times, always a highlight, and these were bookended by Dean Podger on 23:57 and Fiona Craigen on 49:38. Filling in between these two we had Kate Freston on 26:31, Nick Gibbons 27:10, Celia Wenban-Smith 27:23, Ben Thomson 44:40 and Marlene Hubber, in only her 3rd parkrun, who got around our lovely course in 44:45.
As mentioned we had lots of visitors, and that shows up in the results as lots of ‘first timers’, but we should mention Rachel Dale and Pinar Maher who both completed their first ever parkruns. Rachel in the excellent time of 25:04 and Pinar not far behind in 26:40. Hopefully we’ll get to welcome them both to many more events.
Parkrun is free. There are no joining fees, no registration fees, and no costs to participate at all. If you’d like to join us at Castlemaine Parkrun all you need to do is register online to obtain your barcode and come along to the botanical gardens a bit before our 8AM briefing. Getting that
barcode is easy, but you will require it in order to get your results. We’d love to welcome you to our running, walking, strolling community.
Triples tournament contested at Harcourt
Harcourt Bowling Club held a successful annual Ladies’ Triples Tournament last Wednesday November 16 with teams from Castlemaine (2), White Hills, Eaglehawk, Kyneton, Golden Square, Campbells Creek, South Bendigo and Inglewood attending.
In perfect bowling weather the afternoon commenced with Ditch to Ditch which was won by Kaye Tranter Eaglehawk (Lead); Jenni Holborn Golden Square (Second), Maureen Harris Castlemaine (Skip).
The winners were presented with a beautiful potted Kangaroo Paw plant.
Bowlers then played three games of eight ends before returning to the clubhouse for the usual sumptuous afternoon tea.
Di Selwood from Property Plus, our generous sponsor of the day over several years, attended to present the prizes. Winners were: Third place Harcourt 1 combination team of Wendy Kays (Gisborne), Libby Harris, Kaye Grant; Runners-up Inglewood team of Merilyn Chamberlain, Bev Taige, Chris McEwan and overall Winners of the day Golden Square Team of Lorraine Clarkson, Sue Flint, Jenni Holborn.
Pennant
No results to report this week as there was no pennant played last Saturday and Monday because of the State Championships.
In Weekend Pennant Round 5 tomorrow Division 2 will host Eaglehawk and a win would be handy to progress from 6th ladder position;
Division 6 will travel to Kangaroo Flat and a win there should keep them in top spot; Division 7 will travel to South Bendigo and in this higher Division will need a good win to get off the bottom rung.
In Midweek Pennant Round 7 on Monday Division 2 will host Heathcote and Division 4 will host South Bendigo. Both divisions are
holding their own so far for the first season in higher grades with Division 2 in 4th position and Division 4 in 6th place.
Sponsors’ Challenge
Last Tuesday evening round one of the annual Sponsors’ Challenge was to be conducted with teams competing for a mention on the coveted Chappy’s Shield. Unfortunately, due to the weather the evening had to be postponed. The future date has yet to be determined.
My Campbells Creek: Denis Cox
Hi Denis. With the surname Cox you must be related to a few people in Maldon?
Although I have lived in Castlemaine and Campbells Creek for most of my life I consider myself a Maldonite, having been born at the Maldon Hospital in 1947 moving when I was 20.
My grandparents moved from Tarnagulla to Maldon and had 14 children. My dad was the youngest. If he was still alive he’d be 101. Maldon used to be nearly all Cox’s back in the day.
Tell us a bit about your life in Maldon?
I joined the Maldon Brass Band as an eight-year-old following in the footsteps of my father who played trombone in the band until he was in his 90s. I started on a cornet and later played euphonium. I later became bandmaster, a position I held for over 25 years, retiring in 2010, after 55 years.
Over the years I played with other bands but my biggest thrill was being a part of a Maldon brass band quartet, led by renowned musician Stan Doran, who won a Victorian Championship.
When I was about 13 I was offered a weekend job at the Ampol Servo on the corner of Main and High Streets, which started an interest in cars. This involved serving petrol, washing taxis, and repairing punctures (which I believed were saved up for my Saturday duties). I worked there until well in my 20s, servicing vehicles as I became more experienced, and then also driving taxis.
After I finished work at 1pm on Saturday I was off to play football for Maldon. My football career started as a 13-year-old when then President, Jim Taylor was driving around looking for players to play in the U18’s one Saturday. I played my first senior game at the age of 15 in a final against Talbot at Maryborough. I played in the first Maldon team in the Castlemaine Junior League at the age of 15, and because of my experience expected to be a star, however, Campbells Creek’s “Mooka” Beer made me look like a novice.
At around 14 I worked from 10pm until 7am on the manual night exchange at the Maldon Post Office for a few years. This included sleeping beside the switchboard and answering calls as they came in. At 7am it was pack up the bed, head home and prepare for high school, which at times was hard if we had a stormy night and the phone shutters kept falling, and no sleep.
You’d already worked a number of jobs when you were young. What led you to work in newspapers?
My full-time working career commenced at the Tarrangower Times in Maldon as a 15-year-old. The proprietor (Mr Smith) saw a painting of mine at the Maldon Show. They felt I had an eye for design and approached my father to see if I wanted a job, and there commenced my newspaper career as an apprentice hand and machine compositor, which included melting lead for the linotype (it was all hot metal in the printing industry those days) and I also operated the printing press.
Mr Smith was unwell and passed away later in that year which led to me joining the Castlemaine Mail to complete my apprenticeship under the management of Charlie Almond and the start of a 51-year career with the Elliot Group of Newspapers, a family company, still operating today.
I later moved to Kyneton as foreman, back to Castlemaine as branch manager, and then became general manager of Kyneton and Castlemaine in 1989. It was a fulfilling career, working with some brilliant people, and very supportive bosses and our papers were recognised for journalism, photography, and newspaper presentation awards from Victorian Country Press Association.
What other interests do you have?
When I retired I joined the Castlemaine group of Bendigo Legacy, a group of people I was always in awe of for their care of the widows of returned soldiers and their children. I am the current chairman and get enormous pleasure working with this group of dedicated people. My wife Gail keeps close contact with the five ladies in the group to ensure they are not forgotten.
These days I am trying to live a relaxing life around the house and love to spend time playing with my cars. In my retirement I joined Castlemaine Historic Car Club, attending classic car events, and going on coffee cruises with Castlemaine Hot Rod Club.
Who are your three dream dinner guests?
My son Brendan. He died when he was 25. I’d give anything to just have five minutes with him. Peta Credlin, a policy adviser to the Howard government, and my primary school teacher, Jack Daniher.
What are your pet peeves?
I hate spelling errors in newspapers.
Favourite musician
Eric Clapton.
What are you reading at the moment?
I like reading car magazines.
Finally Denis, what do you enjoy most about the place you call home?
We just love the outdoor areas and sitting out the front looking over the hills and having an ale.
Council appoints young female mayor
Councillor Rosie Annear, a representative of Castlemaine Ward, was unanimously voted in as the new mayor of Mount Alexander Shire Council (MASC) during Tuesday evening’s council meeting.
The 31-year-old is the youngest mayor to be appointed since the amalgamation of the shires. She is following in the footsteps of the departing mayor, Cr Bill Maltby who, at the age of just 26, was the youngest mayor of Castlemaine.
Elected to the council only two years earlier Mayor Annear has earnt the trust and respect of her fellow councillors with her dedicated and earnest approach.
“It’s such a huge honour to be the mayor of Mount Alexander Shire,” she said.
“I ran for council two years ago for two reasons. One; because I wanted people to know that anyone could do it, that you don’t need to be anything other than what you are to have your voice heard. And two; because I wanted to give back to the community, that held me at my best and worst, in the place I’ve called home almost my entire life,” Mayor Annear said.
“I’m excited and ready for the next year. Thank you for putting your faith in me and giving me the chance to be mayor in our premiership quarter. Let’s kick some goals together.”
Cr Gary McClure expressed his confidence that Mayor Annear would do a great job, with her youth bringing a lot to the table.
Cr Stephen Gardner wiped tears from his eyes as he congratulated Mayor Annear, stating that she will be a great role model.
“It’s really good to see you in the chair,” Cr Christine Henderson said. “It’s terrific that we’ve got someone under the age of 50, never mind 40. We’re really lucky to have you, especially with your life experience. It’s good to have a woman in the seat again. I look forward to your leadership.”
Representative of the Loddon River Ward, Cr Matthew Driscoll, was appointed as deputy mayor after a unanimous vote and a motion was passed for a one-year Mayoral and Deputy Mayoral term.
“I want to say thanks to the people that voted for me a few years ago. I’m doing the best I can,” Cr Driscoll said.
MASC CEO Darren Fuzzard told the Mail that he wants to encourage more young people to join the council, and with an election in two years’ time, he suggests people start thinking about it now.
“You don’t need to be retired to join the council; people of all ages can join,” Mr Fuzzard said.
During her speech Mayor Annear said the council can get a bad rap at times, but that she had only seen amazing, passionate people doing their best for the community.
“I’m going to continue to work hard to be the best mayor that I can be. It might look a little different on me, but I am a little different, so that’s okay. Now, more than ever, diversity and representation matter and I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to that diversity, even a bit.”
Buda Historic Home & Garden celebrates the Traditional Arts
It’s back! Buda Historic Home and Garden brings the Traditional Arts Fair to Castlemaine this Sunday November 20.
Buda will showcase traditional arts, cooking and gardening in as many and varied forms as possible, in the spirit of the Leviny daughters.
Embroidery, book binding, tinsmithing, weaving, knitting, knife making, lacemaking, felting, painting, metalwork, jewellery, cooking,
handmade body products, basket weaving and much more! Handcrafted icecream, coffee, Buda special gourmet BBQ, Devonshire teas, light lunches, Shedshaker bar, music and children’s activities will all make for a fantastic day. Three stages will be running with free demonstrations all
day, along with individual demonstrations on each stall and a special guest artist in residence.
New this year is Gold Panning! Adults and kids can come and learn to pan for gold from experts from Miner’s Den Bendigo. The panning dirt is guaranteed to have gold in it. Will you find it?
Honouring our European connection, the Belly Dance Goddess troupe will be showcasing gypsy tribal dance at various times during the day. Don’t miss their colourful, fun dance display.
The fair will be hosting a make and take table on the day. Sit down with Andrea and learn to make some very funky jewellery, or Christmas decorations. There are a few sessions to choose from and you will take home a completed item. Book at the booking table on the day.
There are also magnificent items up for raffle including a basket of artist made goodies, a Catherine Pilgrim lithograph and a basket of Buda’s famous home made produce.
To top it all off, Buda’s tour guides will be conducting guided tours at a discounted price for one day only.
Please visit Buda’s website for further information. The fair at Buda Historic Home & Garden, 42 Hunter St Castlemaine will run from 10am till 4pm.
Hannah honoured by CDNA
The Castlemaine District Netball Association (CDNA) held its annual Cystic Fibrosis fundraising event in honour of former CDNA junior member Hannah Thompson last week.
The main feature match was played between two 11 & Under teams, Go-ers v Steaders. It was a great game with Steaders coming away with the win. Best on court was awarded to Aika Crossman from Steaders. It was wonderful to have Hannah’s younger sister Abby play in this round with Go-ers and to see everyone who came out in support. Donations can be made in honour of Hannah to Bendigo Cystic Fibrosis Support Group.
Parkrun participation pays off
The Castlemaine locals seem to have adjusted to the still slightly wet track in the Botanical Gardens, as Parkrun #329 on Saturday November 12, saw 10 PBs recorded – all by local runners – out of a field of 90. Most notable was the Morgan family, who all ran PBs for the second week in a row, young Imogen also celebrating her 10-run milestone with a sprint through the tunnel of love at the beginning of the event.
Congratulations on an impressive set of personal best times logged by Samuel Scott (23:33), Terry Willis (26:09), Mitch Nivalis (27:41), Sonny Willis (34:26), Heather Drysdale (36:25), Imogen, Lachlan and Chris Morgan (36:29), James Mack (36:55) and Emma Morgan (45:23). It is great to see so many new parkrunners and junior runners in this list.
There were visitors from near and far, including various parts of Melbourne, Canberra, Western Australia and the U.K. All received a warm Castlemaine welcome, both in terms of the ambient temperature and the friendliness.
Although ‘parkwalk’ month was officially October we encourage people to come and walk with us at any time. In fact, everyone is always welcome at parkrun, no matter what your level of fitness or pace. You will never be last; that’s the tailwalker’s job!
So why don’t you come along and see what this friendly, fun community is all about. You can find us at the BBQ shelter in the Botanical Gardens every Saturday morning just before 8am. If you don’t want to run or walk 5kms there are always plenty of enjoyable volunteer positions to be filled, so whether you are young, old or something in between; a parkrun newby or a parkrun veteran, we have something to offer you.
Register at https://www.parkrun.com.au/register and bring your barcode, if you want to walk or run the 5km loop with us, or just turn up with a willingness to help out, if you think volunteering is for you. The event can’t go ahead without people like, Jane Harding, Jason Hull, Ross Jarvis, Colin Moore, Jodi Oakman, Freya Readsmith, Raewyn Rice, Tyrone Rice, Warwick Smith and Robin Walls, who made up the volunteer team this week.
Cricket returns
Castlemaine United Blue and North Castlemaine/Guildford were among the local C Grade (Under 16) cricket sides to return to the pitch for the start of a two day fixture at the Western Reserve last Saturday. North made a bright start making 5-214 with Max Matheson top scoring with 50 (retired), Rainz Webster 34 and Zachery Hinck 33. Photo: Max Lesser.
Circus Mania hits Castlemaine as festival opens!
Circus Mania has struck Castlemaine with the inaugural circus festival kicking off with a massive opening night extravaganza last night and continuing through until this Sunday November 20.With ‘Big Tops and Tiny Tots’ for the youngsters, ‘Suitcase Circus’ for families and international offering ‘Rouge’ for the adults.
Circus Mania co-organiser and Suitcase Circus member Caz Walsh, Rouge performers Paul Westbrook and Jessie McKibbin and Suitcase Circus performer Maddy Burleigh urge the community to get along to enjoy the festivities which will feature local, national and international talent. For tickets visit circusmania.com.au
Locals scoop Music Victoria nominations
Nominations for the public-voted categories of the Music Victoria Awards were announced last week with talent from Castlemaine and surrounds featuring heavily.
The Taproom and the Theatre Royal were both nominated in the Best Established Regional Venue/Presenter category, with local musicians DEAD and Jess Parker nominated for Best Regional Act.
The Theatre Royal Castlemaine has won three Music Victoria Awards in the past, but this has not dampened their excitement.
“It’s a great feeling to be recognised by the wider music community in Victoria for our efforts,” said Felicity Cripps, co-owner of the Theatre Royal.
“Coming out of Covid has been the hardest battle of them all, so this nomination is a reminder that we’re doing great and how lucky we are to be hosting such world-class artists in our little corner of the world,” she said.
Jess Parker, who celebrated the release of her most recent album Bread & Butter last month, was bowled away by the nomination.
“It is such an honour to be nominated. I got the email and then cried for about an hour,” Jess said.
“It was a big, big moment for this humble picker from Campbells Creek.”
Jem Moloney, from Castlemaine two-piece band DEAD, felt equally honoured.
“Castlemaine and Central Victoria has a really strong representation in these nominations, which is a reflection of how much talent we have in our community,” Jem said.
“On a personal level it’s nice for us, because we have a huge amount of respect and admiration for Jess, The Taproom and the Theatre Royal. Given the sort of music we play, we’re usually consigned to the ‘heavy’ category, so it’s really great to be sitting in amongst such a diverse group of artists,” he said.
Doug Falconer from The Taproom said that it felt great to be in such fine company.
“Supporting live music is the integral to what we do here at The Taproom. It’s part of the lifeblood of our town.”
The Music Victoria Awards are an annual awards program celebrating Victorian music, established in 2005. The Public-Voted categories include Best Album, Best Song, Best Group, Best Solo Artist, Best Metro and Regional Festivals and much more.
Other local nominees include CresFest (Best Regional Festival) and the Palais-Hepburn (Best Established Regional Venue/Presenter), along with the Golden Vine Hotel in Bendigo and The Daylesford Hotel (Best Regional Venue/Presenter, Under 50 gigs).
Voting for the awards is open until November 21 so be sure to cast your vote for your local faves at www.musicvictoria.com.au
Lions Club to celebrate 50 years
Castlemaine Lions Club will celebrate its 50th Anniversary this Sunday November 20 at a gathering at the Lions clubhouse in Kennedy Street, Castlemaine.
All past and present members and partners are invited to attend the afternoon tea which begins at 2pm, have a tour of the present facility, view the club’s collected history and celebrate 50 years of service to Castlemaine and district.
Lion Ken McKimmie said they are delighted to be welcoming five of their original 21 Charter Members to Sunday’s celebration.
“It should be a really special event as we look back at all we have achieved in Castlemaine and district over the last 50 years,” he said.
The Lions Club of Castlemaine was officially chartered on March 4, 1972. Members of the Kyneton Club assisted in sponsoring the move. The first president was Tom Dunne manager of the ANZ Bank.
In 1973 the Lions hosted their first exchange student from Japan,
In 1975 the club held their first major appeal and raised $1000 for an intensive care bed for Castlemaine Hospital.
In 1977 a colour television was donated to Kaliana School in Bendigo.
In 1978 the club assisted with the emergency alarm and light system at Castlemaine and Chewton.
In 1979 the club helped with the formation of the Newstead Lions and in 1984 the Harcourt Lions Club.
In the 80s the club also installed coin operated barbecues in Victory Park, conducted free hearing tests for local children, welcomed a visit from aspiring Prime Minister Bob Hawke, hosted a snooker championship, and purchased a set of jaws of life for the local SES just to name a few milestones.
One of the biggest achievements of the Lions Club has been the establishment of its major fundraiser the Castlemaine Swap Meet which has now been running for 36 years and attracts visitors from across Victoria and beyond to the annual April fixture.
Funds raised have supported countless community projects in the intervening years including more exchange student visits, the Lions Youth of the Year’ initiative and of course their vital support in the establishment of the Mount Alexander Accommodation and Respite Group’s (MASARG) Lions McDonald Hill Respite House at McKenzie Hill.
In the last few months the Lions donated a dishwasher to the Castlemaine RSL and have also been busy assisting to complete the training for the first local Australian Lions Hearing Dog presented to local resident Helen Williams – ‘Buster’ – to assist Helen to lead a full and happy life both at home and when out and about in our local community and further afield.
The Lions will also be lending their friends at the Rotary Club of Castlemaine a hand at next weekend’s Truck Show.
Congratulations to the Castlemaine Lions Club on 50 wonderful years of community service and best wishes to the club on the next 50. We can’t wait to see what they will achieve!
To RSVP for the event or to learn more about becoming a Lions member please contact Ken on 0428 721 809.