 |
 |
|
Sharing a champagne and winding down following the final performance of Thoroughly Modern Millie at Bonney Theatre on Sunday were cast members Natalie VanderHaak, Amanda Murfitt and Mary Eglinton. PHOTO: Craig Treloar
|
|
Millie cast take their final bow at Bonney Theatre
By EMMA WALTER
The Riverland Musical Society finished on a high note with the final performance of Thoroughly Modern Millie at Barmera's Bonney Theatre on Sunday afternoon.
Playing to a “packed out” venue for the last show, the cast celebrated their hard work at a party afterwards.
Riverland Musical Society committee member Alison Martin said the group would be holding a debriefing session in the coming weeks to discuss the production.
“Apart from a few hiccups on opening night, the performances ran smoothly and by reports were received well by audiences,” she said.
“The audience numbers reflect the current economic times, and were slightly down on last year's numbers.
“The matinee performances were by far the most popular, and the committee will be assessing ways to possibly utilise this audience.”
Miss Martin said there were many highlights to come from this year's show.
“The jazz music performed by musical director Karyn Skewes and her band was brilliant,” she said.
“Members thoroughly enjoyed playing in the band, and plan to be involved again next year.
“Choreographer Rosie Clark worked tirelessly with her dancers and the cast to bring the show to life.
“The 1920s costumes, made by costume designer Lorraine Marter, were full of colour and were a crucial element to the production.
“The cast and crew enjoyed the production, and will no doubt have trouble getting the tunes out of their heads.”
Thoroughly Modern Millie was directed by Josie Nelsson.
The society has already started planning for its 2009 production, The Mikado, to be directed by John Dawes.
An information night will be held in early February for anyone interested in being part of the Gilbert and Sullivan creation. 
More fish deaths
Up to 1500 dead fish have been washed up at Lake Bonney over the past week.
PIRSA (Primary Industries and Resources SA) issued a press release on Thursday estimating the number of dead bony bream to be 700, however PIRSA spokesman Vic Neverauskas admitted yesterday he was unaware that Berri Barmera Council had collected hundreds of fish earlier in the week.
PIRSA is still investigating the cause of the mortalities in Lake Bonney, which has been receding since it was disconnected from the River Murray last September.
However, in last week's press release Mr Neverauskas said the deaths were “likely to be a seasonal natural occurrence, due to the current cold weather conditions”.
His opinion was backed up in last Friday's Pioneer by local professional fisherman Shane Warrick and ex-fisherman and SARDI volunteer Malcolm Wilksch.
Mr Neverauskas said yesterday initial tests on the dead fish, carried out by Gribbles, had revealed little.
“(As) far as the pathology was concerned it was fairly inconclusive,” he said.
Mr Neverauskas said bacteriology tests were expected back later this week.
“Without having seen the mortality event, it's difficult to know (the cause),” he said.
“The mortality of bony breams that happened around this time last year at Walker's Flat - that was in the thousands.”
In a letter to the editor in today's Murray Pioneer, Barmera man Steve Thomas says the Riverland has experienced its warmest June for at least 10 years.
Another fuel theft
Around $300 worth of fuel and tools was stolen from a Chowilla Street fruit property in Renmark late last week.
Meanwhile a 17-year-old Renmark male was arrested for the alleged theft of a DVD from a Renmark business last week.
The stolen property was recovered.
Investigations are continuing with the assistance of CCTV footage identifying the youth.
Renmark bike theft spike
A spate of recent bicycle thefts in the Renmark area has prompted safety warnings from Riverland police.
Two adult sized mountain bikes and one children's bike were stolen from a Kurrajong Avenue residence last week.
The bikes were left under the back verandah.
In addition, a men's mountain bike was stolen from Wattle Street and a red/maroon mountain bike was stolen from a shed at a Seventeenth Street home.
Police have urged people to keep up-to-date descriptive records of their bicycles - including serial numbers - to assist with recovery and identification.
Riverland drink drivers caught
A 23-year-old Renmark man was reported for drink driving with a blood alcohol reading of 0.104 early Saturday morning.
The man's license was disqualified immediately for a period of six months.
Police also reported a 53-year-old Renmark woman for allegedly refusing to submit to a breath analysis test early Saturday morning.
Her licence was disqualified immediately for a period of 12 months.
Council acts fast on crossover trial
By EMMA WALTER
Loxton's Drabsch Street crossover trial closure was taken down on Friday, less than three hours after the Loxton Waikerie Council voted to re-open the section of road at its monthly meeting.
The decision came after the Loxton Chamber of Commerce approached the council to withdraw the trial closure.
The chamber - which initially suggested the idea - said its members had expressed concern regarding a downturn in sales since the closure was erected on June 16 and subsequent negative public reaction.
A petition against the closure, listing 1663 signatures, was also submitted to the council on Friday.
“Council was very mindful of the issues raised by the community, and the fact that the trial had caused such unintended and significant divisions in the community weighed heavy on members' final decision,” acting mayor Leon Stasinowsky said.
“In initially agreeing to the trial closure, council was strongly motivated by its duty and obligation to bring forward ideas and possibilities for continued enhancement and viability (of the town).”
Councillor Michael Vowles, originally supportive of the closure, agreed that public reaction to the trail closure was an influencing factor in council's decision.
“In view of the public angst I ask the council to remove the closure today, as soon as possible,” Mr Vowles said during Friday's meeting.
“We currently have a divided community because of the closure…”
Councillor George Clark supported the decision to re-open the trial crossover, however he was critical about the Loxton Chamber of Commerce's actions.
“We have had a recommendation put forward (by the Loxton Chamber of Commerce) and now we have a total back-flip,” Mr Clark said during the meeting.
“Any future request from the chamber will be viewed hard by me.”
The original trial closure was set to last three months.
Lucky Loxton $1.3m lotto winner
A mystery lotto player who purchased a ticket at the Loxton Newsagency is set to collect $1.3 million.
The lucky punter purchased the winning 14-game Easi-pick for Saturday's Lotto draw, but was not registered on an Easiplay Club card and was still to be identified yesterday.
“We are really excited, it's fantastic,” said Loxton News-
agency owner Lesley Golding.
“We have people coming in left, right and centre, checking tickets…”
Mrs Golding said division one lotto victories are not uncommon at her newsagency.
“It was about three and a half years since we have had a Saturday winner,” she said.
“It was around $675,000.”
Mrs Golding said the big win had given both locals and newsagency staff a boost in spirits.
“It shows people that it can be done, you can win,” Mrs Golding said.
All people who bought a lotto ticket for last Saturday night's draw from the newsagency were urged to check their numbers.
Mrs Golding said the win was likely to spark more lotto entries, particularly for tonight's $50 million Oz Lotto jackpot.
“Last time we had a winner, certainly we noticed an increase in people coming in and buying tickets,” she added.
Meanwhile a visiting participant in the weekend's Berri Resort Hotel Open Eightball Singles Championship collected $10,000 from playing Keno.
Sonia Mevris, of Para Hills, got nine out of 10 'spots' while playing at the Lyrup Club during qualifying play on Saturday.
Renmark rape arrest
A Renmark male was arrested by Riverland Police at 1am last Friday for rape and indecent assault.
Police told The Murray Pioneer that investigations into the matter are continuing.
More details about the matter were unable to be released at this point in time.
'Hot rocks' project still in sight for Riverland
A prospecting geothermal energy company has recorded “encouraging” results following its first round of drilling in the Riverland.
Eden Energy executive chairman Gregory Solomon said heat flow results from its prospecting drill hole, 'Chowilla-1', were “positive”.
“Eden's first geothermal exploration hole Chowilla-1 was drilled and completed to 512 metres,” he said.
“Thermal conductivity measurements were taken on core samples and temperature data obtained from well surveys.
“The aim of the hole was to measure the geothermal gradient and measure thermal conductivity to estimate heat flows.
“The heat flows of 51Mw/m² calculated from Chowilla-1 well data unfortunately do not indicate an exploitable heat resource.”
However, Mr Solomon said more positive results were recorded at a site in close proximity to the Riverland.
“An existing abandoned oil exploration well, 'Nulla Nulla-1', approximately 40 kilometres to the north east of the Chowilla well, was re-entered in May and a temperature survey was successfully conducted to a depth of 399 metres,” he said.
“The well is located in Eden's NSW geothermal exploration licence, immediately adjacent the Chowilla licence.
“Initial calculations suggest higher heat flows than the Chowilla well.”
Mr Solomon said he remained hopeful a viable resource would be found in the near future.
“Eden holds two South Australian geothermal licences in the Riverland, located 40 kilometres north-east of Renmark and adjacent to their NSW licence, which are part of the Renmark-Tararra trough,” he said.
“These are located close to infrastructure and grid powerlines, including the main transmission lines running to Adelaide and Broken Hill - factors which enhance the area's commercial potential for geothermal energy.
“Eden intends to follow up these results with further exploration activity to assess the area for potentially exploitable geothermal resources.”
919 pick of the crop
By CRAIG TRELOAR
After just two years of operation Glossop petite winery, 919 Wines, has received rave reviews on the national stage.
The local company was awarded best fortified port at the recent National Winewise Small Vignerons Awards in Canberra.
919 Wines manager Eric Semmler said the competition was restricted to wineries that produce less than 300 tonnes per year.
“I just sent the entries in, and then on Friday (week) I was told we had won,” he said.
“It was surprising because we were up against some wineries from Rutherglen, which is known for its fortifieds and usually sets the benchmark.
“The award is great because it shows that the Riverland can produce exceptional quality wine.”
Crushing less than 20 tonne per year, 919 Wines uses specially chosen varieties that resonate from Portugal and Spain.
Mr Semmler said the varieties were selected for their close relationship with the local environment.
“We grow alternate varieties like touriga, tempranillo, tintra cao, durif, and some shiraz, tokay and palamino for our fortifieds,” he said.
“We chose those varieties because they perform well in hot climates like in the Riverland and also because we can't compete with the major wineries with chardonnay or shiraz.
“Our production is small and hand crafted and will probably always stay that way.
“We crop barely 2 tonnes per acre for fruit concentration and intensity in the wine.”
919 Wines received their production licence in 2006, and Mr Semmler said he remained positive about the upcoming season.
“We have low water needs and haven't had any bud burst yet (to base crop size on),” he said.
“It is shaping up as a difficult season for many growers, possibly more difficult than last year.
“Growers need to use water efficiently and constantly re-assess when to water.”
Riverland restaurant awards
Judging for the Banrock Station Riverland Restaurant and Dining Awards is all but complete.
The awards aim to promote the reputation of the Riverland as a premier food and wine region containing dining establishments recognised for outstanding service.
A spokesperson for the awards said judges would be making their final deliberations “very shortly and finalists will be informed soon there after”.
“The awards have attracted a lot of interest this year, with a good number of venues displaying a competitive spirit and pride in their offerings and service in striving to be a finalist with the aim to win,” the spokesperson said.
Finalists will be acknowledged in three categories:
- Best Regional Menu.
- Best Regional Wine List.
- Best Customer Service, which is divided into two sections, 50 to 99 seats, and over 100 seats.
One venue will be awarded the Best Overall Dining Experience.
The presentation night will be held on Friday, August 22, at Banrock Station.
The general public and industry workers are welcome, with bookings to be made directly with Banrock Station.
MFS burns into second place
By DALE FLETCHER
Renmark has been awarded the Chief Officer's Shield in this year's regional Metropolitan Fire Service (MFS) operations competition.
The win has ranked Renmark second among the 17 MFS crews throughout regional South Australia.
“I am happy with our effort,” Renmark station officer John Schloithe said.
“Most of the time we are around the top five.”
The result was Renmark's highest place finish since the early 1990s.
This 2008 competition fire drill was based at a manufacturing business.
Competitions can include dealing with chemical spills, flammable fluids and substances, shed fires or house fires.
“The drill involved the senior officer making contact with the person in charge of the building to see whether there are any people inside,” Renmark MFS senior fireman Jamie Milne said.
“Once it was determined that one person was in the building, two fire-fighters with breathing apparatus were ordered to head up the ladder and back down again, then complete a search and rescue of the building, find the person and bring them out safely.”
Renmark's competition assessment was held in April, with the assistant chief officer randomly selecting personnel to make up a single crew to represent the station.
“Usually it is the rookies that get chosen,” Mr Schloithe said.
“The chief will walk along and say, 'You, you and you.'
“Four persons were on the appliance: an officer or senior in charge, a pump operator and two fire-fighters.”
This year's team included Mr Milne and fire-fighters Ervin Martinez, Brendan Gittos and Stephen Lynch.
“Assistant station officer McNaughton, who was the safety officer in the competition drill, was a big reason why we got second place,” Mr Schloithe said.
Officers know the regional operations competition drill - which is part of a number of safety drills the crews train for each week - well in advance.
“I hope next year we can go one better,” Mr Schloithe said.
“The guys have a taste for it now.”
String of property damage in Berri
Several instances of property damage along Derrick Street and Kaye Avenue, in Berri, were reported late Saturday night and early Sunday morning.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Riverland police.
Meanwhile a 15-year-old Berri male was arrested on Sunday evening for allegedly behaving in a disorderly manner and breaching bail conditions.
The youth is bailed to appear in the Berri youth Court at a later date.
$41 million hospital redevelopment: Libs 'against Berri upgrade'
The State Liberals are against a planned $41 million upgrade to the Berri Hospital, according to State Health Minister John Hill.
The Liberals have been vocal critics of the State Government's controversial Country Health Care Plan, which includes the proposed redevelopment at Berri.
Mr Hill has pointed to a media release issued by Shadow Health Minister Vickie Chapman as confirmation the Liberals do not want the upgrade.
In the release Ms Chapman says one of the reasons why the plan should be scrapped is that it “proposes general hospitals (like Berri) in ridiculous locations”.
“It will be closer for most people to go to Adelaide than the sites identified,” Ms Chapman says in the release.
Mr Hill says Ms Chapman's comment “shows a complete misunderstanding of the health and transport needs of people in the Riverland.
“The Liberals have now confirmed that they do not want the upgrade to the Riverland General Hospital in Berri,” Mr Hill said.
“People in Berri do not want to go on a nearly three-hour drive to Adelaide for hospital treatment.
“We want to see an upgrade to the services and facilities provided in Berri, providing more services for Berri and surrounding towns - meaning less people will need to travel to Adelaide for treatment.
“If the Liberals had their way, these services would not be upgraded in Berri.”
Ms Chapman yesterday dismissed Mr Hill's claims, which she described as “a desperate tactic”.
“At no stage has the Liberal Party suggested it does not support upgrades and capital investment in country hospitals,” Ms Chapman said.
“The Liberal Party supports capital investment in all country hospitals but this should never be at the expense of other hospital services.”
The first lady of Lyrup
Patrons of the Lyrup ferry have for the first time been welcomed aboard by a female operator.
Julia Reuther, of Lyrup, officially began work as a River Murray Ferry Service operator on Sunday.
“I was very surprised to hear I'm the first female to work on the ferry at Lyrup,” she said.
“I only just finished my two weeks of training and exams with the Department of Transport, Energy and Infrastructure.
“The community has been very welcoming so far.”
The Lyrup ferry began operating in 1917, when it could hold two vehicles. The current vessel has a capacity of eight vehicles and is the only entrance point to Lyrup besides crossings upstream via the Paringa Bridge and downstream via the Berri Bridge.
Extra ambos 'proof you'll travel further'
An announcement that an extra 15 full time ambulance service staff will be employed in country South Australia is a sign that rural residents will need to travel further for hospital care in the future.
The claim was made by Shadow Health Minister Vickie Chapman, who says the State Government's Country Health Care Plan will leave more rural South Australians further away from adequate health care services.
“We've been told people in the country won't need to travel as far and now all of a sudden there will be an extra 15 ambulance staff operating in the bush,” Ms Chapman said.
Health Minister John Hill said the extra 15 full time salaried staff would support ambulance volunteers.
“The additional staffing will bolster the hard working volunteers and existing staff in rural and regional South Australia,” Mr Hill said.
“We recognise the vital role ambulance plays in regional and rural South Australia and the new staff will make it easier.
“This extra support for South Australia's front line health service, SA Ambulance Service, is part of a major $26.6 million funding injection announced in this year's state budget.
“This is a major funding increase for the service so we can resource paramedics to help South Australians.
High School gets down to business
By DALE FLETCHER
Renmark High School students have once again been thrown into the real world of the workforce while participating in Australian Business Week (ABW) recently.
“It's a unique learning opportunity in enterprise education for students,” Renmark High School ABW co-ordinator Lorraine Dambergs said.
Split into nine groups, over 90 per cent of year 11 students participated in the nation wide event of running a consumer electronics store.
ABW gives the students' skills valued by employers, including teamwork, communication, problem solving, decision-making and work ethic.
“Different students shine in varied ways during the week's experience,” Ms Dambergs said.
“Their growth over one week is phenomenal.”
The week is a non-compulsory event, however it has become “a part of the culture of the school and a challenge many of our younger students eagerly anticipate.”
Participating students complete more than 60 hours of work and earn a SACE unit.
WINNERS:
All entries were judged in five different categories at the Renmark High School library recently, with the Electrowave team named grand champions and also winning the 'best trade display' award.
Electrowave consisted of mentors Jodi Long and Clay Matulin and students Matt Storry, Michael Albanese, Josh Warnock, Daniel Henderson, Cruise Jaymes, Narine Hashim, Jacquie Howarth, Morgan Mills, Melissa Roe, Tara Stuart, Krystal Lindsay, Emma Hyson and Sam Frahn.
Pixel Electronics won 'best oral presentation' and 'best video commercial' categories. Members included mentors Orio Denti and Trudy Vesotsky and students Hayden Smith, Adam Pedler, Lyle Lockyer-Blackley, Bill Namourmou, Trent Rice, Kate Coden, Allyssa Palat, Shenaid Iosefellis, Sarah Maher, Portia Magann, Lena Albanese, Samantha Ruediger and Jack Walter.
The 'best computer simulation' was awarded to Xtra Electronics, including mentors Marina Pater and Mark Trenwith and students Jai Blackley, Hasan Raif, Aidan Kenyon, Bradley Adamczyk, Samuel Nairn, Adam Morrison, Cassie Liebhardt, Gabriella Golding, Tamara Tillet, Emma Geyer, Kirsten Webber, Chantel Rees and Kimberley Rowell.
The 'best written company report' was won by Dessi-Bellz group, comprising mentors Sarah Rothe and Bob West. Students included were Christopher Webber, Ryleigh Pfitzner, Kon Smaragdakis, Daniel McNeil, Daljit Kaur, Elyce John, Kylie Raams, Nicole Lee, Stacey Lehmann, Athena Wainman-Riley and Carissa Devlin.
Other competing teams included B-Tempt, Electrofusion, Rhythm Electronics, Volume and Buzz Electronics.
Judges for the competition were Paul Wilton and Daniel Shawyer (best trade display), Alice Forster and Brian Maddocks (best oral presentation), Gillian and Danielle Weeks (best written company report), Mike Young and Kay Heuzenroeder (best on-line computer simulation) and Sally Nadebaum and Michael Pater (best video commercial).
New market calendar
A new innovation is set to add another dimension to the Riverland Farmers' Market.
A calendar of events will become a permanent fixture of the market, which is held in Berri each Saturday from 7.30am to 11.30am.
Market manager Amy Martinson said the idea was designed to make the market “not only a place for people to do their shopping or somewhere to meet for coffee, but something to do on the weekend”.
“We want to get people to start thinking about coming to the market for something to do on a Saturday morning, and hope they tell their friends and family, and essentially become ambassadors for the market,” Mrs Martinson said.
“Some of the activities planned in the coming months include a visit by the Adelaide 36ers basketball team, cooking demonstrations with stallholders, for example Maria Perre making her famous home-made lasagne sauce, as well as buskers and local artists.”
Mrs Martinson said that while stallholders and visitors traditionally fluctuate over winter, attendances at the market over the past couple of weeks have remained steady.
“We took statistics last weekend and found numbers compared fairly well to this time last year, but it's really important people continue supporting the market now more than ever with the drought and negative publicity about the region,” she said.
“Statistics showed that nearly half the number of people attending the market were from Berri, while just as many people were coming from Adelaide and interstate as there are from Renmark and Barmera.
“Interestingly enough though, none were from Victoria but postcodes were recorded from Queensland, New South Wales and Western Australia.”
The Riverland Farmers' Market is held every Saturday at the Berri Senior Citizens Hall, in Berri, from 7.30am to 11.30am.
Vinnies fashion parade success
The recent fashion parade held by 'Vinnies' in Barmera to support the Catholic Women's League has been hailed a success, despite a smaller attendance than expected.
The 2008 event managed to raise the same amount as last year's event, despite the drop in attendance.
“It was a pity really because we wanted to show the community how we have made a conscious decision to lower prices because of the economy here in the Riverland,” said co-ordinator Sue Whittingham.
“All of our school wear, whether they be primary or high school items, are no more than $2.50, and that includes backpacks.
“We have also received wedding dresses from Adelaide and can now hire them out to people who dream of a white wedding but due to finances can't afford to have one.
“We cater from sizes 8 to 26 in adults and our thanks go out to the people in the Riverland for their donations.”
Mrs Whittingham said the money raised will help the Catholic Women's League support various charities.
“We got a very positive response from those who did attend,” she said.
“I spoke to one lady who had come from Loxton who thoroughly enjoyed herself and she was amazed at the quality and prices.
“When we showed that you can buy five pieces of clothing, including shoes and a handbag, for less than $20, it proves that people can still dress well though they have little money.
“This helps enormously with their self esteem.”
Mrs Whittingham said organisers had received requests to conduct a summer fashion parade.
“So if anyone out there would like to be models they can contact us,” she said.
“Most of our ladies are seniors, but we get such lovely clothing for the younger girls.”
Organisers thanked the Barmera-Monash Football Club for hosting the event.
Male choir to perform
The Adelaide Plains Male Voice Choir will perform in the Riverland this weekend.
The group will present a choral concert at the Berri Senior Citizens Hall, on Crawford Terrace, on Sunday (July 27) from 2pm.
Sponsored by the Berri Uniting Church, in aid of Family and Children's Services, the concert will also feature guest artists.
Fish kill merely a dress rehearsal
By ROBYN O'DEA
I reckon Karlene Maywald might have received a nasty shock, along with River Murray environmental manager Judy Goode, when the fish died at Lake Bonney last week.
Natural fish kill, yes, but also a little dress rehearsal for what is going to go down on a much bigger scale.
Without doubt the aquatic life in Lake Bonney are stressed from the unnatural disconnection of the lake.
Around 500 tonne of fish are expected to go belly up in Lake Bonney one day if we don't get environmental flow and constructive measures in place soon.
The Berri Barmera Council met with Mrs Maywald recently, to put forth a really good proposal for extending Central Irrigation Trust piping into the lake.
This would be a constructive solution to deliver a second inlet to circulate and freshen the lake, once flows come down the river again.
Without natural flows, or solutions like this proposal, the lake is anticipated to reach around an incredible 55,000 EC units in the next two years. Beyond the point of return.
Using common sense and innovative ideas would save one of the most beautiful undeveloped fresh water lake systems in South Australia, one which has incredible development potential.
I hear Mrs Maywald was non committal.
This is a great idea and it would deliver a future for Lake Bonney and the Riverland.
Mrs Maywald, you do care about Lake Bonney don't you?
Please show us you can empathise with our community.
This could be shown by also supporting our community in opposing the lack of commonsense in the State Government's Country Health Plan, and helping to retain inpatient services at Barmera Hospital.
We need to keep our GPs.
There will be no cost savings to the government from taking away inpatient care at Barmera. Yet the damage to the town will be phenomenal.
Please show us you care, and are prepared to find constructive solutions to our problems.
NOTE: Robyn O'Dea is a Barmera business owner and member of the Save Lake Bonney group.
Asbestos meeting
A hidden killer will be the subject of a free seminar at the Waikerie Football Club on July 28.
The Asbestos Victims Association is using the meeting in an attempt to create awareness on the continuing dangers of asbestos in buildings.
Association president Terry Miller said the organisation is concerned that if people do not take care when renovating they could become a victim or expose their children to the risk of an asbestos disease.
Asbestos diseases are contracted through the inhalation of dust/fibres and can take from 10 to 40 plus years to be diagnosed.
“We have had many cases come to us with people as young as 41 and many in their 50s who had short exposure when they were children - after their parents did renovation or extensions - now knowing the danger of asbestos, and have now been diagnosed with either pleural of peritoneal mesothelioma, diseases that are malignant and there is no cure to date,” Mr Miller said.
“How would you feel if the little fella who is helping you fix the house comes to you in 20 to 30 years and says 'Dad, remember when I helped you fix the house? Well, now I have been diagnosed with mesothelioma and have about a year to live.”
Asbestos was commonly used in building products between the 1940s and 1980s and was present in two out of three homes.
A large number of South Australian houses have been constructed using asbestos-cement products as internal and external walls, ceilings and roofing.
The information session kicks off at 7pm.
ROSEMARY'S RIVERLAND: Yet another busy week, including a Discover cruise
By ROSEMARY GOWER
During the week I attended the funeral of Marge Whitfield, who passed away after a short illness. After the service at the Barmera cemetery the mourners congregated at the Barmera Bowling Club, where Marge had enjoyed the distinction of being the first ever lady president in the history of the club. All the bowlers turned out in uniform to acknowledge the esteem in which she was held, and as usual they put on a great afternoon tea.
It was nice to catch up with Marge's son Gary and his wife Jenny, who came over from Mildura to attend the funeral. Gary was telling me that he is the manager of a radio station at Mildura. He will be well remembered by Riverland people for his involvement with the media here, before he moved to Mildura. I also spoke to Marge and Jim's daughter Sue, who lives on York Peninsula. We were chatting down the street recently, when she first came home because of her mother's illness. Daryl, who lives in Adelaide, was also there. All of her family was with Marge in Adelaide at the time of her passing.
My uncle, Ron Shueard, came along from the Barmera Hospital on his gopher with Eric Anderson. He has just returned from rehab in Adelaide. It was lovely to see him out and about again, and he enjoyed chatting to all his old bowling mates.
Dianne Albrecht's funeral was held the same day, and a very large crowd turned out for her service. My condolences go to her family, and also to the family of Jim Bassham, whose service was held the day before.
Last Monday night I attended the Barmera Rotary Club's continuation dinner at the Barmera Country Club. Representatives from other Riverland Rotary clubs attended. Bruce Richardson, the assistant governor of Rotary, assisted with the induction of the president, Eddy Van Hensbergen, who is continuing on as president for another 12 months. The meal was nice, and it was a great evening.
Karen George, who is putting together an exhibition about the Loveday Internment Camp for a permanent display at the Cobdogla Irrigation and Steam Museum, spent an afternoon with me during the week. I showed her my material, which she photographed, and she copied a number of interviews I have conducted with former guards and inmates over the years.
On Thursday morning I joined a large group of people for a cruise on 'Missy', the new tour boat, which was built for Brian Smith, and will be used for conducting tours. A Channel Seven production crew was on the boat to film the occasion for a segment of Discover. We cruised downstream and through Lock 4 while the camera man captured it. We then turned around and went upstream to Pike River, where we pulled into the bank and had a sausage sizzle lunch, and enjoyed tasting some of the really nice wines from Sigismondi Estate. While we were there I had a chat with the host of Channel Seven's Discover program, Chris Dittmar and his co-host Kendall Dean.
Before we docked back at Berri, Chris told us that he was a formr squash world champion. He lived overseas for a number of years, competing on the circuit. As well as hosting Discover, he calls football on radio and does the sports on Channel Seven News.
I was also talking to Marge Osborne, who told me she was turning 93 on Sunday week. She and her family are going to the Big River Tavern to celebrate the occasion. Marge is a lovely lady, who has been deeply involved with her community, with a wide range of activities, and was nominated for the Rotary Citizen of the Year, several years ago. She is tied up with the Berri Barmera Legacy ladies, and has enjoyed many years of involvement with the Riverland Musical Society and the Riverland Choral Group.
Whenever the Cobdogla Irrigation and Steam Museum has an operating day, Marge helps her daughter-in-law, Chrissie, in the souvenir shop. Her son Robbie is the chief engineer for the Cobdogla Steam Friends, and was in charge of the rebuilding the museum's Fowler plough engine. He is also one of the volunteers among the steam friends, who are currently building a railway line to Loveday.
On our way back to Berri after lunch we joined in the singing with the Riverland Entertainers as we cruised along. It was a lot of fun, and everyone had a ball. We were very lucky too because it was such a lovely day, the sun was shining, and the scenery was amazing.
The Riverland Entertainers, along with special guests, are performing at the Bonney Theatre on Wednesday* from 10am. It has become such a popular feature on the calendar that it has been fully booked out. Coaches are bringing people to the concert from as far away as Mildura and Lameroo. The Riverland Regional Hospital is assisting with the catering. Proceeds from the concert will be going towards the Barmera Residential Care Auxiliary. Auxiliary members fundraise throughout the year to buy extra furniture and equipment for Bonney Lodge and the dementia wing at Hawdon House.
An exhibition of selected works by Riverland teachers and students is being held at the River Lands Gallery at Berri in August. The official opening is being held on August 1, from 6pm, with light refreshments and drinks. The exhibition is called A Change of Art, and is part of the South Australian Living Artists Festival, which runs from August 1-17. Anyone wishing to attend is asked to RSVP by the July 29 to 8582 2288.
The popular musical comedy The Wedding Singer is being held at the Chaffey Theatre on August 2 at 2pm and 8pm, and anyone wishing to attend that can book by ringing the theatre on 8586 1800. I have been hearing rave reviews about the Riverland Musical Society performance of Thoroughly Modern Millie. I saw it at Chaffey Theatre with Pat Millington and was rapt. The storyline is great, the acting, singing and dancing were very good, and the costumes were superb. So much work goes into a production like that. The annual musical is a wonderful opportunity for Riverland people to demonstrate their extraordinary skills. We have so much talent up here.
Retired dentists sink teeth into history
By DALE FLETCHER
Olivewood, in Renmark, is currently displaying a number of antique dentist tools after a catalogue session earlier this month.
Retired Riverland dentist Bob Tanko, of Barmera, and semi-retired dentist Ian McInnes, of Loxton, recently visited Olivewood to identify antique dental tools.
“I was intrigued to see it,” said Mr McInnes, who started his profession in 1958.
“I really enjoyed doing it and I would help (Olivewood) out anytime.
“It makes you realise just how far dentistry has progressed just in my lifetime.”
Mr Tanko, who retired in 1999 after 49 years in the profession, was also fascinated with the collection.
“It was very interesting and very old,” he said. “Even I didn't use some of these tools.”
The dental exhibits include extracting forceps, dental chairs and drills.
“The chair was a highlight,” Mr McInnes said.
“(It was) the folding chair that travelling dentist took to visits all around the place.
“(In addition) there are old gold foil fillings there that I only ever did as a student but I never did one as a dentist.
“Luckily Bob was with me, because there were some things that I hadn't seen before that he had.”
Olivewood caretaker Christine Lock says the collection has been there for years, but was only put on display recently.
“I was going through the cupboards and decided that we needed to know what these tools were,” she said.
“So we got the retired dentists in to help us out.
“Some of the tools are so old they were being used before their apprenticeship.”
Mr McInnes still works one day per week.
“I still do pensioner dentures as we are pretty short on for dentists in the Riverland,” he said.
“They are all pretty busy, so Barry Newman of Renmark and I help out.
“I enjoy providing a service to the local elderly.”
Mr McInnes also helped to set up something similar at a dental museum at Loxton.
Surrogacy success in Upper House
Childless couples are a step closer to becoming parents after a bill legalising gestational surrogacy passed the Legislative Council in June.
The Statutes Amendment (Surrogacy) Bill, will allow heterosexual couples to become parents through the assistance of a surrogate who receives no monetary compensation.
Liberal MLC John Dawkins expressed his delight at the passing of his private members bill through the Upper House.
Mr Dawkins said he has worked tirelessly on the bill for over two years.
It will give couples who are either in a marital or de facto relationship the opportunity to experience the joy and thrills of parenthood.
The bill only applies to hetrosexual couples who are either married or in a de facto relationship.
Quartet ready for Bash
Four Riverland men are about to embark on an eight day trip around the state in a 1968 HR Holden dressed while dressed as movie character Shrek.
It's all in the name of having fun and being with people who take enjoyment from raising money for the Variety Club of South Australia.
Col Watson, Dave Maddocks, Tub Martin and Tony Townsend are all taking part in their fourth bash and have raised over $40,000 so far.
“This is a great result given the current economic climate of the Riverland,” a spokesperson said.
“The support of many local businesses and community has been fantastic.”
The money goes to many worthwhile causes, including most recently when Variety donated a new laptop computer to Renmark girl Louisa Handley, daughter of Julie and Robert Handley.
“Louisa is currently in the Sydney Children's Hospital receiving a bone marrow transplant,” the spokesperson said.
“As a part of Louisa's treatment she is required to be kept in isolation for 100 days. This laptop now gives her access to the outside world and more importantly through video conferencing she keeps in contact with her family and friends.”
Local Telstra Big Pond area manager Lyndon Stoll organised free broadband access for Louisa during her stay in hospital.
A local committee is still accepting donations and is planning a fundraising night in the near future.
Sharing a champagne and winding down following the final performance of Thoroughly Modern Millie at Bonney Theatre on Sunday were cast members Natalie VanderHaak, Amanda Murfitt and Mary Eglinton. PHOTO: Craig Treloar
ef="#TOPAnchor">
|
