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



NUNDLE/TAMWORTH



PARTRIDGE BROTHERS

THURSDAY 24.1.2013: The Leyland pack commenced the day at the Nundle Cafe sipping coffee and listening to the Partridge Brothers. The humans then made their way into Tamworth CBD and again listened to the Peel Street buskers then headed for the Tudor Hotel. In such a small venue they were able to accommodate three separate entertainment areas. Had tea and listened to Rod Dowsett Unplugged. Onto another bus which took us out to the Country Theatre (TRECC) to see the McClymonts. Great seats - great show!

THE McCLYMONTS



ROD DOWSETT

SAT A WHILE WITH SMOKY!



NUNDLE



MAIN ENTERTAINMENT AREA

WED 23.1.2013: We are headed for the DAG Sheep Station. The station is located on 70 acres in the 'Hills of Gold', just outside Nundle. Originally part of 'Wombramurra Station', the DAG still retains the station's original historic Woolshed, Shearers Quarters and Mess Hall. Caught the local bus out to the station for lunch and entertainment. Arrived at 12.00pm and enjoyed a beautiful lunch, with refreshments. Afternoon's entertainers included Rod Williams, Connie Kis Anderson (WA), Bryce Walley & Margie-May (downtown Corlette). Home by 4.00pm after a great day. Again Fossickers Tourist Park provided tea, with entertainment by Evan Platschinda and a young performer Kate Hindle.                                 

  ROD WILLIAMS


Unfortunately we must report that a couple of days ago Shayden finally returned to his "old self" - wonderful, but does mean a whole new level of demand! Carole even managed a rope burn on the foot when Shayden in the excitement of retrieving the ball circled her - mostly impressed!

TAMWORTH

LEYLAND COWGIRL IN TAMWORTH!

MONDAY 21 - TUESDAY 22.1.2013: Tamworth here we come! For over 40 years Tamworth has been the place where country music stars are born and dreams are made. Over 600 buskers line the streets performing live, with Peel Street known as the 'Boulevard of Dreams' where artists such as Keith Urban, Troy Cassar-Daley, Kasey Chambers and Beccy Cole started their careers. In the past buskers have secured their place in Peel Street by approaching the local retailers, but this year they were asked to provide a YouTube clip to the organisers, with the better performers securing a position. The aim was to put the emphasis back on talent identification and development. Visitor numbers for the 2012 festival were estimated at 55,000. Ready and waiting for our 10.00am pick up outside the caravan park. We decided to confine our day to Peel Street - enjoy the buskers and gain a feel for the festival activities. Started with the m-a-n-y markets - so much to buy, then finally made our way to the buskers. We spent our time listening, watching, sitting and walking down Peel Street. Had lunch at the Post Office Hotel and listened to Laurel Calvert & Lou Bradley. We made our way back for the return bus trip at 3.00pm and by the end of the day realised that not only do people return year after year because they enjoy themselves, but it is also due to the fact that you cannot possibly do everything you want to in the available time! Snapshots of our day.................

JOHANNA HEMARA

SELEEN MCALISTER

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Attended another evening concert hosted by the Fossickers Tourist Park. A BBQ tea was supplied for a gold coin donation.

DE BLUNDELL

NUNDLE

SUNDAY 20.1.2013: We exited the car park and made our way back to the cubby hole. Our other next door neighbour jokingly stood guarding the front of his car, whilst Nav guided Poodle Palace safely back into position and with that a calm again descended on the park! The caravan park organised entertainment for the evening.

VIV JENKINSON

NUNDLE

SAT 19.1.2013: "BRAN NUE DAE" - Organised to attend an evening concert with Beccy Cole and Lyn Bowtell at West Tamworth Leagues Club. We busied ourselves trying N-O-T to ponder our site exit. The reversing strategy had literally been plotted and a time frame developed. Show at 5.00pm, leave at 4.00pm allowing for the drive and poodle "set up", with movement from the site to commence at 3.00pm. The occupant of the van next to us had already taken photos - we believe for any future insurance claims! "Operation Exit" commenced - Nav took up her signalling position and the park residents their prime viewing locations. 3.04pm the operation was completed without casualty! Arrived at the club somewhat early, but cannot rave enough about the quality of the show - superb. Lyn Bowtell supported Beccy Cole, with a bonus song from Adam Harvey and Libby O'Donovan. The "brave hearts" did not attempt to drive back into the site in darkness, but instead arranged to stay in the caravan park's car park . Sybil was allowed a 24 hour gloating period for the completion of a successful mission!

NUNDLE - POPULATION: 289

FRIDAY 18.1.2012: As the day dawned movement at the station began - continuous streams of people to the showers and garbage bins, caravan legs being cranked up and then the mass exoduses! We left at 11.00am for the short trek to Tamworth! Had no trouble parking at the Information Centre where we collected our bus passes and timetable. Onward to downtown Nundle and our picturesque hand picked caravan site. We booked in and proceeded to the site, minor problem - it was tucked away in a corner with very, very, very long caravans to be maneuvered past before reaching our slab! We along with the countless spectators, breathed in as we slithered into position. Who knew our previous Lake Burbury (Tasmania), 100 point turning experience would prove to be such an invaluable training tool. Sybil spent the afternoon drinking whilst Carole plotted the exit strategy!

WE WERE THE LAST IN NOT THE FIRST!
BEYOND THE WHITE CEMENT A 10' DROP!

Shayden f-i-n-a-l-l-y surfaced for a very short indoor game.