Armidale Independent

Race through the pine forest this Sunday

admin — Wed, 16 May 2012 04:10:53 +0000

The latest race in the Winter Series of races run by New England Mountain Bikers (NEMTB) will be held this Sunday, May 20. The Winter Series consists of nine races held on the fantastic trails at the Armidale State Forest, better known as The Piney. Races will be held on Sunday afternoons starting at 2pm.
The start line is through the 2nd gate on the right as you go down Pine Forest Road. Drive out on Rockvale Road until you get to Pine Forest Road. Turn right then find the gate. The start line is under the powerlines at the bottom of the hill.
The main race grade (men and women) is three laps of the full 11km course. Under 19s is also three laps with Under 15s doing two laps. The main track is very interesting with a variety of trail types, rock gardens, wooden structures, skinnys, rocky rollovers, tight single track, switchbacks, uphill, downhill and a fast flowing section. There is also a shortened track, which avoids the more technical sections. This is called the green track and is about 6km. Riders competing in this division can either do three or two laps with the Under 15s doing two laps.
Registration is at 1.15pm and needs to be completed by 1.45pm. Riders need a MTBA licence to compete, otherwise a day licence can be bought on the day for $15. Members need to pay a race fee of $5, or they can pay $30 for all races in the series (9 races). Juniors (U19) need to be a member ($2 fee each race or $12 for the series) or pay for a $15 day licence.
Riders of all abilities are invited to race, especially those new to the sport. Check out the club website for more information
www.nemtb.com.au.

Armidale’s churches unite

admin — Tue, 15 May 2012 16:00:59 +0000

Armidale’s eighth biannual gathering of all the churches will be held this Saturday night, with a special welcome to the 17 new people who work in church ministry in the city.
The 2012 Celebration of Prayer and Praise (CoPP) will bring together leaders and members of all the churches of Armidale to celebrate the richness they have in Christ, and to pray for their ministries, their churches and our community. Coordinated by the Prayer for Armidale Committee, the event has the full support of the Armidale Ministers’ Fellowship.
Dean Stephen Williams (Anglican Church) will welcome the newcomers and encourage Armidale’s Christians to labour together for the Kingdom of God in this city. Prayers will be led by Monsignor Ted Wilkes (Catholic Church), Dr Anita Monro (Uniting Church) and Dr David Logan (Armidale Community Church).
This year the theme is “Living Stones” drawing from Psalm 118:22, “The stone that the builders rejected has become the corner stone” and 1 Peter 2:5, “You also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ”.
All Christians have a part to play, as small stones built on the rock of Christ, the Corner Stone, and need to be encouraged, while new stones (the new ministry people in town) will be welcomed and prayed for, that their ministry among us will be generous and fruitful.
Clergy who have come to Armidale since the last CoPP in 2010 include Most Rev Michael Kennedy (Catholic Bishop of Armidale); Rev Darrell Parker (St Mark’s, UNE); Rev Simon Reeve (St Peter’s Anglican Cathedral parish); Dr Andrew East (Church of Christ); Pastors Benjamin and Cathy Galindo (Seventh Day Adventists); Pastors Nick Smith, and Stan and Liz Williams (Armidale Community Church); and Lieutenant Ged Oldfield (Salvation Army). There are also a number of lay people working in auxiliary church roles, including scripture teaching, chaplaincy and AFES. Bishop-elect Rick Lewers (the new Anglican Bishop of Armidale) will commence his ministry in Armidale in a few weeks.
The 2012 CoPP will be held at the Dorothy Knox Centre at the Presbyterian Ladies’ College, this Saturday, May 19, from 7pm to 8.30pm. A Christian Expo will commence at 6pm with displays showing what churches are doing to serve Christ in Armidale and, after the main service, there will be refreshments and a concert from 9pm to 10.15pm.
Everyone is welcome. For inquiries, please contact the CoPP Coordinator, Graham East, 0421 081 756 or Email: greast@edalive.com

Gretel Killeen is Looking For Love in All the Wrong Underpants

admin — Tue, 15 May 2012 16:00:58 +0000

Gretel Killeen is a household name in Australia, famous to some for her hosting of one of the nation’s most controversial TV shows, famous to others for her massively popular books, her work as a journalist, humorist and film director, her travel writings in Antarctic, Lebanon and Namibia or her intrepid activities in Zambia, Afghanistan, Iraq and India.
And now, for the first time in history, Gretel Killeen is going ‘on tour’ across regional Australia, presenting an evening of hilarity, improv, intimacy and inspiration in Looking For Love in All the Wrong Underpants.
A master of chat, improv, interview and characterisation, this is not stand-up comedy, a one-woman show, a musical nor a monologue. It’s life, in all of its hilarious unpredictability. You’ll be impressed by Gretel’s mind, wit and charm but, above all, her rare ability to combine all this with an enormous loving heart. This is an evening not to be missed. Inspiring!

Wednesday May 30
Quality Hotel Powerhouse -
31 Marsh St, Armidale
TICKETS – $132.50 includes Show and Dinner
BOOKINGS – Quality Hotel Powerhouse tel: 67737200

Remarkable Rewind

admin — Tue, 15 May 2012 16:00:57 +0000

The latest offering from local playwright, Grahame Patterson, was premiered on the weekend of 4-6 May 2012.
Entitled ‘Rewind’, this play challenges contemporary attitudes to sexuality, especially female behaviours that mirror the apparently acceptable male sexual mores.
The script challenges the audience with the questions, “When is too much of a good thing too much?” and “What makes rakish behaviour socially acceptable?”
Perhaps the greatest achievement in the script is the interweaving plot lines that link the characters together in an unexpected manner. This intriguing construction appears to be influenced by the style of David Willliamson.
The flashback nature of the story unfurls the relationship between the players, leaving many in the audience with unanswered questions that in turn led to a brainstorming discussion after the final curtain fell.
A local, so-called ‘amateur’ cast, romped through the entertaining script much to the delight of the small invited audience.
The play centres around the death of George, also known as Alex or Mr Y, played by the debonair Jim Harrop and the events in the lives of his two leading ladies.
Helen, a somewhat prudish solo femme, played with great aplomb by Minnie Rose, is challenged by the attitudes of the “not immoral, possibly ‘amoral’” Jane (Hayley Tonkin). This questioning creates the plot that reverses Helen’s ideas, unwittingly displacing fiancée Virginia, played with enthusiasm by Katya Gladiadis, in George’s affections and finally sweeping Virginia into the arms of Tim (Ewan Paterson) “the worst best man”, who she describes as a worthless rake.
The innovative use of two stage spaces, outside and inside, added to the strong contributions made by all the players.
Patterson wrote, produced and directed this entertaining addition to our local cultural heritage.
Armidale needs more such experimental theatrical events in a properly equipped, suitable small theatre space such as the former Playhouse Theatre.
Jack Arnold,
Armidale

House proud

admin — Tue, 15 May 2012 16:00:52 +0000

Patience has paid off for members of the Uralla SES who have waited three years in shared facilities to finally move into their state-of-the-art depot which was officially opened on Saturday by Member for Northern Tablelands Richard Torbay. Also in attendance were NSW SES Commissioner Murray Kear and Uralla Mayor Isabel Strutt. The building was funded jointly through the NSW SES who contributed $125,000 and a further $30,000 from Uralla Council for the building pad, retaining walls and drainage. The council also donated the land. $20,000 has been spent on the fit out of the building, with the majority of those funds generated from fundraising activities by Uralla SES members, with the rest provided by the NSW SES.
NSW SES Commissioner Murray Kear praised the tremendous work of Uralla SES Controller Therese Press and all the volunteers who have helped to make this day a reality.
“This is a great moment for the Uralla community and for the volunteers,” said Mr Kear.
“This gives them a purpose built building, very functional for the needs of the NSW SES and all the services that they deliver here locally.”
The slab for the building went down in November last year with Uralla Council handing the keys to the volunteers at the end of March this year. Uralla SES Controller Therese Press has 20 volunteers based in Uralla and it took them five weeks to fill the shed with all their equipment.
“It is just fabulous to get our own facility,” said Therese.
“I have a great team here who enjoy their work with the SES, we have a great team spirit.
“We get to learn so many skills and have a great time doing it, we always cook before our training, so there is also a social element to volunteering.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the Uralla community who have supported us through our fundraising and donation.”
During his official speech Member for Northern Tablelands Richard Torbay particularly thanked Mayor Isabel Strutt and the leadership of Uralla Council for their enthusiastic support of the facility.
“It is not just about the building, it is about the wonderful organisation that is the SES and what it does for the community and the terrific appreciation for the work that all the volunteers do,” said Mr Torbay.
Uralla Council has also provided a neighbouring block of land for SES to use during training and development of members.
The Uralla SES are always looking for volunteers. If you are interested contact Uralla SES Controller Therese Press on 6778 4271.

Story: Jo Harrison

Only one win for the Red Rug

admin — Tue, 15 May 2012 16:00:51 +0000

The results didn’t go the way of the Red Rose at the recent Armidale Greyhound Race meeting held on May 5, where Greyhound Racing NSW kicked off their Cystic Fibrosis National 65 Roses Day campaign. Unfortunately only one dog with the red rug won their race, raising $250 for Cystic Fibrosi. However, the Armidale Greyhound Racing Club raised hundred of dollars on the day with raffles and donations.
A great day was had by all that attended the meet,with the club dedicated to raising further funds for Cystic Fibrosis in the future.
Armidale Greyhound Club President Garry Carson was disappointed that the dogs with the red rugs didn’t fare better on the day.
“We would have liked more than one dog from box one to win, but that’s racing,” said Garry.
The next race meeting for the Armidale Greyhound Club will be Saturday June 16.

Funding boost keeps BackTrack on track

admin — Tue, 15 May 2012 16:00:50 +0000

The highly successful BackTrack Program, which helps young people at risk and gets them back on track, has been awarded $800,000 over the next four years so that it can expand its service to assist more young people.
Independent Member for New England, Tony Windsor, is delighted that the BackTrack program, an initiative of Jobs Australia Armidale, has been recognised for how it helps young people to take charge of their lives and learn new skills.
“Within six years, BackTrack has developed a model of youth reform that has had resounding positive effects across social, criminal, business, training and agricultural sectors that are unprecedented. BackTrack has developed strong relationships with the secondary high schools in Armidale. Youth with high suspension rates, a propensity against academic achievement or with behavioral problems are diverted into BackTrack programs and, throughout their school careers, work with BackTrack youth workers and employers, mostly in agricultural and metal engineering,” he said.
Mr Windsor congratulated Jobs Australia for their initiative and support of the BackTrack program.
“Jobs Australia have stuck with this program and made it work through the outstanding personal commitment of its Back Track program manager, Bernie Shakeshaft, Jobs Australia CEO Nigel Barlow and a very dedicated passionate team who have been able to relate to and give hope to the young people taking part in the program.
“From what I have seen of the BackTrack program and how it helps young people at risk of running into future problems with the law and personal issues, I am very pleased to have been able to assist in seeking funds through the Federal Government to consolidate and expand the program.
“I congratulate all associated with the BackTrack Program and thank the Australian Government for their recognition of its value through its financial contribution over a long term.”

Greeks in Armidale: Charlie Pavlou, Part 3

admin — Tue, 15 May 2012 16:00:48 +0000

Over the years, Armidale has experienced numerous major developments, when large sections of “the built landscape” have been demolished and replaced with some purpose-built massive edifices. Debate continues about whether it was “Progress” – but the raw fact is it happened. During the mid-1960s several prominent buildings on the western end of the CBD were demolished to make way for the first Woolworths’ store. One shop remained standing, and its story became popularly known as “Charlie’s Last Stand”.
But before we look at that, we’ll focus on the feedback from last week’s story, which was exceedingly popular, and brought to mind a lot of memories in many people. Readers confirmed that the Olympic Milk Bar (run by Charlie and Valentini Pavlou from 1957 to 1975), did stay open when there was a midnight show at the Capitol Theatre. At intermission the cinema patrons duly went across the road and bought their choc-coated ice-creams. Several prominent men said they claimed “the Fifth Amendment” when asked by their wives if they had ever gone up the lane for a wee.
And, the Kelly and Patricks’ Store is at 173 Brown Street, not 201, which was the store known as FN Patricks & Sons. The historic Kelly and Patricks’ Store has undergone extensive renovations, and for several weeks recently there were full-page ‘For Sale’ advertisements in the Armidale Independent. By popular demand, a history of the shop and its site will appear in this column next week.
Now to the main event. In 1967 the closest Woolworths’ stores to Armidale were two which had been recently built at West Tamworth and in Tamworth City. Many Armidale people wanted Woolworths to open a store in Armidale. Representatives from the head office in Sydney were in Armidale in May 1967 to further negotiations which began some months earlier. Original plans had included only a few buildings to be bought and demolished, but more were added. Woolworths then exercised options on the purchase of five buildings in the heart of the Armidale shopping centre.
Situated on the north-west corner of the block bounded by Beardy, Jessie, Rusden and Dangar Streets, the five buildings were the Empire Hotel (which incorporated two small shops owned by Mrs E Mitchell); the Blue Grotto Café (owned by Mr A Anastasopoulos); MA Murphy’s Millinery Shop; Smith’s Tyre Shop; the building formerly occupied by the Crown Bakery (originally the Olympic Hall in Jessie Street) and an adjacent cottage.
Representatives were also negotiating with Charlie Pavlou, owner of the Olympic Milk Bar in Beardy Street. Many versions of the story are still told in Armidale today. Some people say Charlie was simply not interested in selling his shop; some say that he would have sold if the price was right; and almost everyone says the price offered was too low for Charlie, and it was not increased, so negotiations ended. Meanwhile, in March 1966, Charlie and his family had moved out of the residence above his shop and into their new home in Kentucky Street.
Woolworths bought all the buildings and land surrounding the Olympic Milk Bar, including Smith’s Tyres on the corner of Beardy and Jessie Streets, and demolition of all those other buildings started. Roger Patricks very kindly gave me a photo of the demolition of the Empire Hotel. Tommy Nyhan is in the crane and Roger is helping. When all those buildings were demolished, it seemed Woolworths would build on both sides and at the rear of Charlie’s shop. Charlie still refused to sell despite the enormous pressure placed on him.
Within a short time Charlie’s was the only building standing in that part of the city. Persons unknown wrote in large letters on the western wall of the shop: “Charlie’s Last Stand”, and that became the name of the saga. A dramatised version of it was included in the annual UNE Prosh procession (when the students had a go at all and sundry). The local newspaper stated: “Charlie’s Last Stand provided local colour in Saturday’s Prosh. Whether Woolworths’ staff finally evicted Charlie from his premises was not clear.”
The Woolworths’ shop was duly built, but on only part of the available land. The corner block was sold off and other buildings were erected there. Charlie and his family left Armidale in April 1970 for a holiday overseas for four months to visit their families. Bill Michael and Chrysi Kyriacou looked after the shop. When Charlie returned home he arranged for his premises to be replaced – the old place was knocked down in April 1972, and a new one was built. It was opened on August 15, 1972 as two separate shops downstairs, and above them were two residential units. Charlie and Valentini ran their new Olympic Milk Bar for three years before renting out the business. By then Charlie was unwell and needed heart surgery, which he had in December 1975 at St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney.
In September 1976, Charlie and Valentini bought and ran the shop on the south-east corner of Beardy and Markham Streets until selling it in 1990. Many people will remember that shop (next to the Technical College) as Porter’s Corner. It was demolished in the last few weeks.
Charlie and Valentini retired on September 8, 1990, and moved to Sydney in January 1993. It is appropriate to record a few of Charlie’s other activities in Armidale. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge for about 40 years, having joined around 1964. A member of the Armidale Bowling Club from 1968 to 1993, he travelled to Sydney and regional NSW, playing in competitions, and later played for the South Sydney Bowling Club until he had a kidney removed in 2000.
Always an exceptionally generous and kind man with a big heart, Charlie would often allow some customers to put goods on credit, knowing that they would never pay him, but he wanted to make sure they always had food for their families. As many of us remember, children were often given free lollies, chocolates and ice creams.
The Greek community in Armidale used to meet every month at the CWA Hall for a party until Legacy Hall was built. The Greeks would meet weekly at each other’s homes, where the women made handicrafts and men socialised and played cards. Although most of the Greeks had left Armidale by the late 1990s all have remained extremely close and keep in contact.
Not a day goes by without Charlie and Valentini Pavlou reflecting on the wonderful life they had in Armidale, and they are forever in debt to the community for giving them the best and happiest years of their lives. They have been married for 57 years. Their daughter, Maria, has been most helpful with this story.

Armidale Independent 16-5-12

admin — Tue, 15 May 2012 16:00:46 +0000

Armidale Independent 16-5-12

New Ambulance plane tours Armidale

admin — Tue, 15 May 2012 16:00:36 +0000

The Ambulance Service of NSW are so impressed with their new Air Ambulance Aircraft that they took one of them on a tour of regional New South Wales last Thursday to show off its tremendous capabilities of transporting patients needing complex heart/lung bypass equipment on route to further treatment at hospital.
The impressive Beechcraft King Air 350, named the Nancy Bird-Walton, landed at Armidale Airport with specialist staff on board to demonstrate the complex life-saving equipment. The aircraft was commissioned last month by Minister for Health and Minister for Medical Research, Jillian Skinner, as well as descendants of Australian aviatrix Nancy Bird-Walton, as part of a new 10-year contract with the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
Under the contract, five new state-of-the-art planes will gradually be brought into service (a second Beechcraft King Air 350 and three new Beechcraft King Air 200s) to replace the current four King Air 200s in the Ambulance fleet. All five planes should be operating by July.
Acting Senior Flight Nurse Lachlan Beattie said the new plane is great news for regional parts of the State because the larger 350 aircraft fly faster, have greater range and a greater payload capacity.
“These planes can carry high acuity patients that require additional medical staff and complex equipment, such as ECMO (extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation machines) and intra-aortic balloon pumps, and can also carry patients weighing up to 250 kilograms,” said Mr Beattie.
ECMO machines continuously pump blood from a patient through a membrane oxygenator, which removes carbon dioxide and adds oxygen, thereby supporting the patient’s heart and lungs, while treatment for underlying illness takes place. Intra-Aortic Ballon Pumps involve a helium-filled balloon inserted into the aorta through the skin to improve blood flow. They are used for severe heart failure; and before and after heart surgery, and other types of severe shock.
“Each flight is crewed by an experienced pilot and triple certificate flight nurse, and all aircraft are installed with the latest safety equipment including infra-red technology to assist with night landings,” said Mr Beattie.
“Last year, Air Ambulance carried more than 5000 patients, flying nearly 2500 missions for 6500 hours from Melbourne to Brisbane and from the Darling River to Lord Howe Island.”