THE "O" PARTY - DOWNTOWN LTP



SAT 9.03.2013: Many, many, many discussions had been held regarding a party to celebrate Carole's "O" birthday. Decision was made that it was on Sybil's Bucket List so - yes to the party, a red, black and white theme (for no particular reason), and we would cater for the event at home. Thought process was fine when only 5 acceptances had been received, when numbers blew out to 40 plus panic set in - you really do not anticipate a 99% acceptance rate! The day dawned and fortunately we were able to work with the Dry Weather Plan A - Carole with the help of our friends Judy and John worked efficiently throughout the morning, Sybil spent most of the time in denial of the impending event! Everyone arrived (what felt like at the same time), and we realised that we had not seen some of the guests for well over 10 years. Mostly impressed that no-one had aged nor gained any inches! 

KAREN O'SHEA

Had an absolutely superb day and although we would have liked to spend more time with people it was good to catch up. Karen O'Shea serenaded us and the afternoon seemed to fly - the cake made by another friend June was cut and speeches made. No we will not be undertaking any further parties, but so glad we decided to have this one.

CAROLE, SYBIL & HANDBAG!

HELEN, CAROLE & ANETTE
(THE PEEL SISTERS)

LEMON TREE PASSAGE

FRIDAY 1.2.2013: The Leyland pack Nundle plan for the Tamworth Country Music Festival worked perfectly. Many thanks to Kim and Heath (Fossickers Tourist Park Managers), for helping us to minimise any problems we had and providing us with a positive park experience and to Don our bus driver (Nundle's Australia Day Citizen of the Year), for being on call all hours of the day.

TAMWORTH TIPS!

1. $7.00 Western hats from Coles - looked authentic enough to be questioned on their origin - little embarrassing having to explain!

2. Utilise cooling neck ties for both humans and puddles.

3. Purchase weekly transit bus tickets - excellent value.

4. Frequent the pubs - plenty of free entertainment, with no need for pay concerts.

5. Country Music Association Official Guide a must.

6. Water, water, water and more water - even Carole drank water!

BROKE

THURSDAY 31.1.2013: As always, we are slowly making our way back to LTP. Made our scheduled return visit to Willow Tree Inn - home of the "Best Pub Steak in NSW 2012". Surprisingly we ordered steak and it was to die for. Cooked to perfection, with the knife just gliding through - could have eaten the entire cow! It has been a long time since we enjoyed a steak as much as we did, absolutely beautiful, plus add to that a lovely vista. All at downtown Willow Tree, population 169.

Stopped at a few more "Old Wares" shops on our way down, then spent the night at Broke Freedom Camp.

NUNDLE/WALLABADAH

SHAYDEN OF COURSE LOST HIS BALL INTO
THE DRY RIVER BED - OOPS!

TUES 29 - WED 30.1.2013: The day dawned and with it the return of the sun. Fossicker Peel decided to spend time finding our fortune. Down to the on site Peel River - the last time we saw it there was a babbling brook that allowed you to walk out to the centre and fossick from there. After two days of non-stop rain we faced a raging river! Did take up position on the bank and some five hours later had four gold specks the size of a needle point - thank goodness for Specsavers! Madame Butterfly provided morale support under the shade of the umbrella that had been carried in case of further rain. Before meandering home the aim was to make a few pit stops. Nundle Woollen Mill is one of the last spinning mills still operating in Australia. The Nundle Mill team use traditional spinning machinery dating back to 1914 with several pieces nearly 100 years old, to transform raw wool into famous Nundle knitting yarn in 8 ply, 12 ply & 20 ply. The mill enjoys almost 25,000 visitors each year who see the antique machinery in work.

Next stop was at the Art Gallery and pub that we had passed every day on our way to and from Tamworth. Pulled up at the gallery - closed, onto the pub - closed. We decided that everyone must have packed up and taken off on a holiday after a rather hectic two weeks! Drove into our favourite Wallabadah Freedom Camp and this time had a visit from the local Ranger. Asked our plans and advised that due to the flooding up north we were invited to stay as long as need be until it was safe to travel. So impressed!

NUNDLE

SUNDAY 27 - MONDAY 28.1.2013: Enjoying ourselves so much that we decided to extend our time here - then the rains came! The Tamworth Festival promotors certainly have it right - it is either extremely hot or wet during this timeframe. Had tea at the Peel Inn with fellow Tamworth Country Festival attendees staying at the park and then listened to the evening's entertainment.



VERONICA & PETER

 

NUNDLE/TAMWORTH

SATURDAY 26.1.2013: "STRALIA DAY" - where else to be, but in Nundle! Began our day with breakfast at Nundle Primary School. We followed the running sheet provided and witnessed Australia Day Awards to the local citizens, many speeches, sheep shearing and a trivia quiz. The Australia Day Ambassador arrived and the 'intellects' deliberated long and hard over the person we both recognised. It was finally decided that yes, it was a politician so the debate now moved to Federal or State. As Lyndey Milan (Celebrity Chef) from Kerri-Anne Kennerley's Morning Show and Masterchef was introduced we realised how well we know our politicians - NOT!

 



SHEEP SHEARING

LYNDEY MILAN





"AUSSIE SUPPORTERS"





 

 

 

 

 

 

Evening bus into the Country Music Awards held at the TRECC. Arrived for the final stages of the red carpet, made our way to the bar for a glass of champagne, then to our seats. Not the best, but we enjoyed the evening, with the format of one award, one performance making the night's entertainment flow. Alas, photographs are not marvellous, but proof that we did attend!

 

 



CHRIS E THOMAS,
LYN BOWTELL &
CAMILLE TENAHU

EMCEE - BECCY COLE

LUKE O'SHEA




GEOFF MACK & PETE DANAHY
("I'VE BEEN EVERYWHERE")

CAMILLE & STUIE

TAMWORTH

FRIDAY 25.1.2013: On our arrival in Tamworth we walked into The Atrium shopping mall and listened to David Flower and Caroline Trengove. We then marched toward Peel Street and one of our first encounters was with the McClymonts performing an unscheduled bracket. Next stop Monty, the former weatherman for the Today Show. He now produces travel information in both a written and CD format. Had lunch at the Court House Hotel and listened to the Country Music School of Excellence performers. Yet another excellent day!

THE McCLYMONTS

CAROLE & MONTY

SYBIL & MONTY

PEEL STREET

IAN SMALL (AUTHOR)
STANDING NEXT TO MONTY
ASKED IF WE WANTED HIS PHOTO
- YES! WROTE "KURRAJONGS"

BUSKERS: DUSTY GEE BAND

ANGUS SAFFER- HIERN
COUNTRY MUSIC SCHOOL
OF EXCELLENCE