Ben Lomond Community Newsletter AltitudeLiving · 2012. 8. 1. · April to June 2009 Vol 2 No 3...

April to June 2009 Vol 2 No 3

AltitudeLivingBen Lomond Community Newsletter

1508 meters above sea level

MusicalThe Armidale Drama & Musical Society’s 2009 production is the classic ‘HMS Pinafore’

The musical will be playing at the Arts Theatre at the University of New England from 21 May to 6 June. Tickets are approx $25pp. Pensioner discounts apply.

Julie Stride is organising a group booking for Saturday 30th May with dinner before the show.

If you would like to attend as part of the Ben Lomond group booking, please contact Julie and payment is required upon booking.

Please RSVP by Friday 1st May 2009.

Transport arrangement are yet to be finalised.

We hope to see you there!

For further information, please contact Julie Stride on 02 6733 2011.

The Ben Lomond community would like to warmly welcome Father Anthony Koppman who has just taken up his appointment as the Parish Priest to St Mary of the Angels Parish, Guyra Shire for at least the next six years.Father Anthony spent six years as an Assistant Priest in the Armidale Diocese and in 2008 was an assistant Priest in Moree before being appointed Parish Priest to Guyra Parish by Bishop Luc Matthys.

“This is my first parish and it is an honour to be part of the Guyra, Ben Lomond and Wards Mistake parishes. I am really thrilled to be here and I hope to meet people from the area very soon. I feel that I am a people’s Priest and I am keen to become part of this wonderful community” Father Anthony said.Father Anthony is also a regional Police Chaplain for the New England Local Area Command. He is in charge of the pastoral care of Police Officers and their families and assists in critical incidents as well as giving support to other emergency services.

On Sunday 1st March 2009, Mass was said in Ben Lomond after more than 10 years without a regular Mass and Parish Priest. “It was great to celebrate Mass at St. Patricks Church and meet the people of Ben Lomond” Father said. Mass will continue to be celebrated on the FIRST SUNDAY of every month at Ben Lomond.To contact Father Anthony, please phone the Guyra Presbytery on 02 6779 1036.

Ben Lomond Catholic Church Celebrates!

Adam with Champion Fleece at the 2009 Guyra Show

Adam Turnbull is the Merchandise Manager at the Guyra Branch of Elders. Adam is experienced in animal health, supplementary feeding and all merchandise services. Scot MacDonald can assist you with any agronomic enquiries. Aileen MacDonald is our Licenced Real Estate Agent (No: 1421630). Call in and talk to our experienced and friendly team!

Elders Limited New England Highway Guyra NSW 2365Phone: 02 6779 1599 Fax: 02 6779 1895

Email: [email protected]

ELDERS PROUDLY SUPPORTS ALTITUDE LIVING AND THE BEN LOMOND COMMUNITY

Pictured above:Fr. Anthony Koppman, Parish Priest for Guyra Shire, is warmly welcomed. Fr. Anthony is pictured at the Guyra ‘Lamb and Potato’ Festival, 2009.Photo courtsey of the Guyra Argus.

Pictured below:Fr. Anthony is joined by Ben Lomond parishioners for morning tea, after celebrating the first Mass in St. Patricks Church, Ben Lomond, in over 10 years.

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BEN LOMOND ACHIEVES THIRD PLACE AT THE GLEN

INNES SHOWBen Lomond not only has an environmental focus but also aims to promote a true community spirit. Ben Lomond community spirit was reflected in a display profiling Ben Lomond “Milestones - Then and Now” at the Glen Innes Show. The display showed photographs of many Ben Lomond landmarks and features and was creatively put together as a symbolic roadmap to all areas.The Glen Innes Show commenced on Friday 13th February to Sunday 14th February 2009.Thankyou to Dorothy Every, Jill Stewart, Julie Stide, Gwen Cunningham and Beth White for putting this display together - a true blue community effort!Congratulations to all!

CONGRATULATIONSCONTENTS

Pictured above: The Ben Lomond display that won Third place at the Glen Innes Show. The display showed prominent features and landmarks in and around Ben Lomond.

3 Editorial

4 What’s On

Community Funding

5 Richard’s Ramblings

6 Dung Beetle Express News

National Parks and Wildlife

7 Ben Lomond Scotland

8 Ben Lomond Historical Feature

9 Ben Lomond Historical Feature

10 Ben Lomond School News

11 Church Notices

The Community Column

12 Advertising Sponsors

13 Advertising Sponsors

14 Classified Living

15 Poem by Jan Collier

About Altitude Living

DID YOU KNOW?The size of Ben Lomond is approximately 281 km². There is 1 school located in Ben Lomond. The population of Ben Lomond in 2001 was 133 people. By 2006 the population was (Total Families) 166 showing a population growth of 33% in the area during that time. Total persons (excluding overseas visitors) in Ben Lomond is 389. Households in Ben Lomond are primarily couples without children and are likely to be repaying between $600.00 - $800.00 per month on mortgage repayments.

The 2006 Census states that 21.1% of the population who usually reside in Ben Lomond (Suburb) are children aged between 0-14 years, and 31.9% were persons aged 55 years and over. The median age of persons in Ben Lomond (Suburb) was 39 years, compared with 37 years for persons in Australia.

In 2001, 78% of the homes in Ben Lomond were owner-occupied compared with 84% in 2006.

Currently the median sale price of houses in the area is $350,000.

Source: http://reareports.realestate.com.au Australian Bureau of Statistics - census online

Q: What do you call a boomerang that won’t come back?A: A stick!Q: Why do mother kangaroos hate bad weather? A: Because the joeys have to play inside!Q: Why did the wombat bring toilet paper to the party?A: Because he was a party pooper!Q: How did the dog stop his DVD player?A: He used the PAWS button!

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Exero 01, 5555 BLA BLA BLA 3SPECIAL LIvING HISTORy

EdITORIAL This Editorial is from an interview with Mr. Jack Thrift and Mr. Frank Presnell, of Ben Lomond and compiled by Beth White

“The wealthiest people in the colonies were the squatters and the prosperous businessmen in Sydney and country towns. Farmers in agricultural districts formed another distinct class and of course, the largest group of all comprised various people who worked for wages –farm labourers, bullock drivers, shearers, shepherds, domestic servants etc.” [circa 1834 “If they could see us now.” Launa Partlet 2003]To move away from Sydney Town involved a journey aboard a steamer to Newcastle then up the Hunter River to Green Hills [Morpeth.] From there it was by crude unsprung wagons necessarily heavy to withstand the strains imposed by rough terrain and the lack of roads on their tedious trek winding around hills and through gullies to the distant sheep stations further north.

There the focal point of these ‘wide runs’ the Head Station was a small community, by necessity, to provide for all who reside thereabouts. Each of the settlers was required to employ a number of convicts with a ‘Ticket of Leave’. Shepherds were to move the flocks of 400 sheep in a continuous search for fresh pastures, to enclose them with hurdles at night, to guard and protect them from attack. There was the gardener, book-keeper, domestic help and the family. The first homes were of rough slabs fixed in sleepers below and rough saplings for rafters to support the bark roof of the hut that had earthen floors and holes cut for windows, covered only with wooden shutters. Clay could be pushed into the cracks -daub- to keep out the wind out.

The discovery of gold contributed to a new type of multicultural community. They came with drays or wheelbarrows, carpet bags, trunks and swags and about 1853, set up tents in the Rocky River area. When the gold ran out, many stayed on.

The extension of the railway line made the communities more accessible for travel inward and outward. It allowed a greater level of mobility and contributed to their

greater attraction and higher levels of occupancy.

The declaration of the Robinson Land Act came in 1865 and another type of ‘Closer Settlement’ community emerged when the land was thrown open to anyone who could meet the terms of conditional purchase.The areas of land were small and folk needed the help of family and neighbours to clear, till, and cultivate the land and construct the appropriate structures to satisfy the conditions of purchase i.e. fences and buildings.

The value of Australia’s comparative self-sufficiency became apparent during World War I and following that event many of the personnel from the forces were promised blocks of land. In every state large schemes of Soldier Settlement were introduced, closely followed by an additional scheme of immigration within the Empire that brought many families from Britain.

Following the Great Depression, research was funded and undertaken toward greater efficiency of production. Following the Second World War the Commonwealth Government set up a Rural Reconstruction Commission to enable better use of the land and betterment of those working on the land. It was at about this time that some mechanisation of the agricultural industry contributed to a major change among the communities of the agricultural sector.

Were they the GOOD OLD DAYS? From a social perspective they possibly were, but they were hard, hard work. Our senior citizens who have lived through these changes would have loved a forklift to alleviate the hard work 50 years ago and think that a mobile phone would have brought the markets into their pocket. They can only speculate.

The era of horse drawn implements and

“This editorial is inspired by memories of

Mr. Jack Thrift and Mr. Frank Presnell,

and the lives of their forefathers, who have

lived in Ben Lomond for over 100 years”

bullock teams for heavy work gradually gave way to mechanical devices.

“The ‘little grey Fergie’ was sold as a complete unit: - a tractor with 3 point linkage used for lifting, that adjusted with the tractor’s hydraulics, a 3 furrow plough and a tiller - all for £850 that revolutionised agriculture and community living, A tiller and two men could significantly increase their capacity for cropping”, Jack Thrift said. “The Farmall Tractor with three-point linkage and a digger were affordable as they allowed a couple to independently plant and harvest a crop”, Frank Presnell added.

Tractors and bigger equipment led to bigger acreages being grown. Mechanical diggers increased production and trucks came to deliver bigger loads of freight, packed and stacked to capacity. People began to specialise. Some became contractors of services – i.e. pickers, carriers, chaff cutters or other services, both Jack and Frank recall.

The labour requirements changed when the necessity and intensity of cooperative teams of workers was reduced. Owners no longer had to co-ordinate bigger teams nor did the housewife have to cater for the big teams of workers from the farm kitchen. The high level of cooperation within a community for the individuals just to exist, diminished. Farms and farm families were more independent. The opportunity and expectation for communal activity was no longer dominant and the size of communities dwindled along with labour requirements and affordability.

Radio, Television, and electronic - wireless communications change our focus to that of a worldwide perspective, rather than the ‘small community - good neighbour’ focus that had persisted and previously satisfied the needs of community members. The advent of on-line communication, the mobile phone and automatic telephone, away from the party line system, contribute to greater independence and again alter the sense of community. The face of ‘community’ is forever changing. What long term effect will the electronic communications revolution have on communities? How will the electronic age be recorded in history for future generations? We can only wonder.

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David Von Pein Proudly supporting ‘Altitude Living’

BRIX METERS‘Meters for modern farmers’

We have a wide range of of good quality agricultural meters, probes and instruments at competitive prices with the bonus of personalised follow up and experienced service.

Brix Meters supplied by David Von PeinPhone:07 4635 7065Fax: 07 4635 7784

Mobile: 0428 987 117Email: [email protected]

Web: www.themeterman.com.auP.O. Box 7964 Toowomba MC 4352 QLD

Meet Carina Johnson...Landcare OfficerCarina Johnson is the new Guyra Shire Landcare co-ordinator and works one day per week through Guyra Shire Council Office as well as working full time for the Southern New England Landcare team. Carina has recently been the facilitator for the Ben Lomond community consultation process with Guyra Shire Council.

Meetings were held throughout February and March 2009, and a copy of the ‘Ben Lomond Application’ to Guyra Shire Councican be viewed at the Ben Lomond School reception area, Glencoe Post Office and Llangothlin Fuel Stop.

Carina can be contacted on 02 6779 9123.

Glen Innes Severn Council Aged and Disability ServicesInformation DayPhone: 02 6730 2430

Glen Innes Severn Council Aged and Disability Services will be holding INFORMATION DAYS at Community Halls in the region. This will provide an opportunity for people to discover what services are available in the community for people who are frail aged, people with a disability and carers of people who are frail aged or have a disability.24th April - Ben Lomond - 12.30om - At the Ben Lomond Hall.24th April - Glencoe - 10.30am - At the Glencoe Hall

For further information, please contact a member of the Garden Court team on 02 6730 2430.

All welcome to attend.

Ben Lomond Landcare Group applied to Guyra Shire Council (GSC) in 2006 for the whole of the Ben Lomond community to be considered in their ‘5 year straegic budget/plan’. In 2007, it was agreed that Ben Lomond would receive grants over a 5 year period, to meet the basic Aims and Objectives set out in the Landcare Mission Statement. The Mission Statement included community development initiatives and was widely circulated throughout the community for comment.

On February 11th 2009, The Ben Lomond Landcare Group initiated a public forum to discuss various project proposals. Mayor Hans Hietbrink and General Manager David Cushway were guest presenters at the “Ben Lomond Landcare Directional & Information Evening” held at the Ben Lomond War Memorial Hall. The public forum was followed by two public meetings (February24th & March 10th 2009) to further discuss project proposals. Guyra Shire Landcare coordinator Carina Johnson, was invited to the forum and following meetings, to facilitate these meetings.

At the meetings, participants identified several community goals:

To reestablish the hub & improve communications •throughout the areaBuilding of a new rotunda in Ben Lomond•Installing proper public toilets at the sport & recreation •park (preferably serviced by GSC)Heating and insulating the Hall•To become tourist friendly with appropriate, adequate •signageTo have a clean, safe environment•To attain a better standard of tele / communications & •TV receptionTo progress the planning process•To have community needs met•To improve the visual appeal of village•To keep the school open•To see the growth of Ben Lomond within self •determined constraintsTo sustain the community and have security during •difficult timesTo sustain local economic development•To retain aesthetic values of area•

A submission was made to GSC for their consideration and a further meeting will be held in May to finalise the projects to be undertaken.

GSC requested that the Ben Lomond community spend the 2008-09 grant of $10,000 on development before the end of financial year. All the information captured at the meeting is valuable (goals, ideas, proposals) and can be kept on record for later attention. The GSC won’t engage in months of debate about projects.For further information, please contact: Richard Makim on 02 6779 4200Elizabeth Kerry on 02 6733 2006Carina Johnson on 02 6779 9123

Altitude Living - Ben Lomond Community Newsletter - April to June 2009

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BEN LOMONd COMMUNITy FUNdING APPLICATIONWHATS ON

Richards Ramblingswith Richard Makim

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A s the rain holds off on our side, we get a bit nervous for Winter.

Meanwhile Coffs washes away. A good f r iend once said to me, “Sel l ‘em or smell ‘em.” Could be good advice.

I was recent ly inv ited to t a lk to people at Wallangra and Collerenebr i on the benef its of humus farming and health. O t he r p re sent e r s t o t he se beleag ue red communit ies included var ious counsel l ing ser v ices on f inance, succession and ex it s t rategies. The exist ing suppor t programs a re necessa r y however, they s t i l l can not address the core problems which are polit ical and visionary. There was an excellent talk on depression by John Har per and I was given a DVD of h is presentat ion to hand around.

As I ref lected on the increasing pressures put on people in Agr icultu re, I recal led the words wr it ten by Si r Alber t Howard 90 years ago. He put it th is way.......

“Once the land had to support the peasant , h is fami ly and animals . As we urbanised, the land had to support extra people as wel l . Then we mechanised, and the land had another hunger to feed, the machine and its fuel . The machine didn’t even return ur ine and manure l ike the animals .”

Nowadays, our land has an endless l ist of people to suppor t , including gover nments, bureaucracies, f inancial inst itut ions etc. etc. It is no wonder that the land and its carers are t i red. We don’t of ten think about the mult iplier ef fect of our products and economists seldom br ing them to the governments’ at tent ion. As a result , agr icultu re isn’t always appreciated

for it s ef for ts. The proposed methane tax and laneway buyback plans a re t y pical exa mples of t he way ou r p roduc t ive land is seen as a bot tomless ‘cash cows’ to be end lessly gouged by successive gover nments at al l levels. Ever y t ime we lose a far mer or a far m, we lose not only the exper ience and product ive capacity, but also the load shif ts on to those lef t and

the community sh r inks with the result ing losses. The war n ing signs a re f requent and widespread but there is a d isconnect of understanding by those slowly k i l l ing the goose that produces the golden egg. The increasingly er rat ic weather is adding to the burden.

I see a role for Landcare in making these th ings known and raising awareness. These endless st resses and st rains go not only to our people but also to our land in increased outputs in the st r uggle to cover these many hungers. We should r un a compet it ion for the longest and most comprehensive l ist of our mult ipl ier ef fects which includes inter nat ional as well as local , state and nat ional. We wil l be blown away by the size of it .

There a re plent y of answers to these weight y mat ters but it t akes changes to at t it udes, cultu res and di rect ion. It needs vision and cooperat ion. If we cont inue to do what we have always done we wil l get what we’ve always got.

When we priorit ised the needs for our community, good communicat ion with mobi le phones came through h igh on the l i st . Wel l , a fr iend was tel l ing me that in the SW of the State , they cal l the nextG phone the G str ing phone. It’s got scant coverage, no support and doesn’t funct ion when you real ly need it . Whi le on a l ighter note , 100mls of rain would cheer me up no end. R ichard



Everyone must visit New England. Have a holiday inland. The weather on the Northern Tablelands is delightful for three seasons and cool for the fourth. If you are on the coast, make a round trip up the Waterfall Way to New England and then back to the coast. Or just come from anywhere to New England. Stay awhile at Dorrigo, Ebor and Armidale. There is plenty to see in Uralla and Walcha. Go north from Armidale to Guyra and Glen Innes then go to the coast along the World Heritage Way (Gwydir Highway).You have to travel to the Old World to see anything like them – the Australian Standing Stones in Glen Innes, heart of Celtic Country.The Stones, unique in the southern hemisphere, are the official national monument to Australia’s Celtic pioneers.They’re the venue for the annual Australian Celtic Festival, a signature event on the national entertainment calendar, drawing clans, national groups, dancers, artists and spectators from across Australia - and as far as Britain.They are the venue, too, for summer and winter solstice celebrations. Celtic Country’s distinctive seasons, unlike so much of the rest of Australia, also have immense appeal - naturally air-conditioned summers, log-fire winters, with occasional snow, golden autumns and dazzling springs.Glen Innes, 1062m in the New England Tablelands, is strategically located at the intersection of the New England and Gwydir Highways, four hours from Brisbane, four and a half hours from the Gold Coast, two and a half hours from Coffs Harbour, seven hours from Sydney. Celtic Country rightfully claims it has something for everyone, especially for its part in the state’s most prolific sapphire region with a wide range of other gems. It is the stepping off point for World Heritage national parks of Washpool and Gibraltar Range, a wide range of other national parks and nature reserves.Glen Innes is steeped in history with a charming colonial CBD streetscape, Heritage buildings and superb folk museum, Land of the Beardies History House. The area is the centre of fine wool, lamb and beef production with picturesque rural villages like Deepwater and Emmaville. Emmaville is also widely recognized for its mining history, now showcasing gems and minerals from around the world at the Emmaville Mining Museum.Central, too, for year-round festivals and events such as the mineral and gem show Minerama, Land of the Beardies Festival, marking local history, Gourmet in the Glen, celebrating regional foods and wines, and wide-ranging country events.Further information contact the Glen Innes Visitor Information Centre: 152 Church Street, Glen Innes Phone: 02 6730 2400or visit www.gleninnestourism.com Source: www.waterfallsandways.info

National Parks and WildlifeOffice:68 Church StreetGlen Innes NSW 2370Phone: 02 6739 0700Fax: 02 6732 5130Email: [email protected]: www.environment.nsw.gov.au

National Parks and Wildlife - Glen Innes

The Northern Tablelands Dung Beetle Express reports high levels of dung beetle activity over this spring, summer and into the autumn season of 2008/9.

Unfortunately the Project Officer, Pam Wilson, was attracted to a warmer climate. We miss her greatly not only for her ‘great beetling skills’ but for her warm personality and sense of humour. Indeed it is hard to talk about dung beetles without reference to her ‘quotable quotes.’

This season was favourable for the completion of two major projects:First the NLP project in conjunction with GBLC and NR CMA.

The final beetle colony distributions for this project have been achieved this season. Careful monitoring of existing dung beetle activity is the essential step prior to conducting any dung beetle releases in order to achieve the most beneficial outcome.

The MLA project has completed testing for larval recovery from sheep dung, after its burial by dung beetles. A report will be made available in consultation with MLA.

Specific funding from the project partners [GBLC, GLENRAC, GWYMAC SNELCC, and the former RLPBs] has employed Jane Growns to identify and make application for future funding.

Dung beetles bring many benefits from reducing pasture fouling, reducing bush fly and buffalo fly breeding habitat, reducing nutrient run off into rivers and streams, increasing soil aeration and water infiltration and improving nutrient cycling through the soil and are a tool in carbon sequestration.

Visit: www.dungbeetles.com.au

NORTHERN TABLELANDS DUNG

BEETLE EXPRESS


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BEN LOMONd SCOTLANd

OUR SISTER CITy

Altitude Living would like to thank Alasdair Eckersall from the Ben Lomond National Trust, Scotland, for the information and photographs he sent to us. Below is a note from Alasdair:Ben Lomond is owned and managed by the National Trust for Scotland, and I have worked here for the last 17 years as the Trust’s ranger/ manager for the estate. We are a national heritage conservation charity, probably very similar to the sister organisation in Australia. As well as myself, there is a tenant farmer and family gaining a living from livestock grazing on the hill. I take on a seasonal ranger every year, we have regular input from our 3 man upland path team, and lots of volunteer help with the practical conservation management. It is great that you are looking for input from us to your newsletter, and in return I would very much welcome any information you have on Ben Lomond NSW. I would very much like to have more contact with yourselves and other Ben Lomonds around the world, and perhaps this is just the start of it! Cheers for now, Alasdair.

What’s in a name?A whole story sometimes! The name ‘Lomond’ most likely derives from Brythonic llumon or Gaelic laom, both meaning ‘beacon’ or ‘blaze of light’. The possibility that message or warning beacons were lit on the summit long ago is very plausible; Ben Lomond is visible from large areas of central Scotland, including Dunbarton rock, ancient capital of the Britons of Strathclyde who held sway over Loch Lomondside long ago. A natural or working landscape?Both! Centuries of human use have greatly affected the vegetation cover on Ben Lomond, but the mountain still retains a rich diversity of natural habitats. These range from Oak and Birch dominated woodlands on the lower slopes, through a mosaic of blanket bog, heath and grassland, to the alpine flora and moss heath of the summit area.As well as this natural diversity, Ben Lomond alsosupports local farming livelihoods through sheep and cattle grazing. However livestock grazing causes great damage to the natural habitats. By working together the farmer and the Trust are finding ways to let the natural habitats recover, whilst still enabling the farm to make a living. These include reducing sheep numbers, fencing off areas to promote woodland regeneration, and increasing the use of cattle on low ground.

Ben LomondThe east side of Loch Lomond is dominated by the broad shouldered profile of Ben Lomond.The mountain is one of Scotlands most acclaimed landmarks and most popular hill walks.

A place for everyone

The National Trust for Scotland is an independent charity with the aim of conserving, managing and promoting Scotland’s cultural and natural heritage. We depend on our members and visitors to enable us to continue our work, both now and in the future.

Please support the Trust by becoming a member today and help to protect Scotland’s heritage for future generations to enjoy.Website: www.nts.org.uk



BEN LOMONd HISTORICAL FEATURE

BEN LOMONd’SIt was commonplace for farms in the Ben Lomond

area to run a dairy of cows for cream production, oats for the horses and cattle, and also grow potatoes.The colony first grew 2 acres of potatoes in 1791.Potatoes were regularly grown but the area rapidly increased after the introduction of strict dairy regulations about the 1920s. In 1953 NSW alone sowed 18,119 acres to potatoes. Jack Thrift, of Ben Lomond, expressed the view that everyone grew potatoes in the period prior to World War II. The varieties were not the quick maturing varieties of today. Potatoes were sown in October /November for a harvest expected about Easter. It was a challenge to “bandicoot” a few ‘new’ potatoes from around the edges of a plant for Christmas Dinner, Jack said.

Horse drawn equipment that was used in the cultivation of potatoes consisted of a trailer, a two or three furrow mulboard plough, a set of diamond harrows and a horse drawn scuffler for weeding between the rows. A first there was no fertiliser use – the ground was broken up before winter to allow frosts to break and “sweeten” the ground.

Two rounds of a two or three-furrow plough were used to make four furrows. The man carried seed, oats, maize, potatoes or peas – in a “wallet”- a bag cut down like a horse’s nosebag. A “wallet” full of seed was carried over the shoulders, on both sides. Frank Presnell recalls that it was very hard work and although he was young and strong he ached after that kind of work. Seed potatoes were dropped by hand along the furrow. A tall man with a longer step could drop two per step, one on alternate sides within 3 feet [90cm], while Jack Thrift says; he being shorter in stature could drop only one per step, every 70 cm!

The next pass of the plough was aligned to fold soil in over the last planted row. Rows were scuffled and rolled with ploughs that were adapted to go between the rows to eliminate weeds and hill up extra dirt to increase yield and deter insect infestations. Rainfalls at that point was good as it could close up the soil about the plants and protect the tubers. Exposed tubers turn green, and are subject to infestations of grubs, where the moths are able to ‘sting’ the potatoes at any time during their growth or at the point of harvest. Chemical use came

after- in the late1950’s.

A potato harvest was dug by fork, digging two rows into one. Every 10 - 15 metres the best saleable potatoes were picked off into a bucket. It was important that the digging implement did not damage the potatoes, as ‘mechanical damage’ to the potato rendered them unsaleable. The full buckets were combined into bags of 140lbs and, laced at the top [60+kgs with 15 bags to the ton] . Digging with forks 3 or 4 men could dig 15 to 20 bags per day. Teams of diggers went from area to area and did bush work and rock picking in the wintertime.

Frank learnt the hard way. His first experience at digging potatoes with an inexperienced team resulted in the load being rejected by the potato inspector, Mr Frank Washington. On inspection he found ‘mechanical damage’ caused by the digging fork. Frank went back to the team to demonstrate ‘best practice’ and on his first attempt he brought the fork up – he had scored a potato on each prong – they had to improve their digging technique.

Bag stitching was done with a bag needle and twine. A 4-5 inch opening was left to allow the buyers to see the produce but at the same time they had to be tight enough so that there was no spillage and so that the produce didn’t pack down. The bags stood in the paddock ready for loading on a sulky, dray or farm truck The cart would carry ten or fifteen bags at a time to the railway for transportation mostly to Newcastle. Pre war sales were through an agent, controlled by the Australian Potato Committee in wartime, then by producer Boards post war. The chats and other ‘rubbish’


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were kept separate and sold locally, often used for stock feed. This produce was all loaded and unloaded by hand at every move. The bags were big, heavy and had to be packed, stacked, secured and transported with great care. It was very hard work.

The disease free nature of the local crops created another opportunity in the potato market. Not only were there table quality and feed potatoes, but ‘certified seed’ potatoes were sought from this area. While there were markets for chat potatoes, the packing methods and the slow transport system made it an unviable aspect of the industry at that time.

Jack Thrift clearly recalls that the produce was sold at a price set by the potato board, at best, £1 [one pound] per bag. All produce was sent by rail, it being illegal to use road transport at that time. The potato industry that survives today is much different, since the introduction of mechanical equipment to prepare the ground, sow, harvest and transport the crop. Frank remembers a contractor from ‘Lendlease’ who used a mechanical digger and was amazed that a crop was dug all in one day. However he says he could see the moths hovering. The portion that could not be picked up quickly enough were all ‘stung’ and were all grub infested – more lessons were learned.

After the War the ingenuity of farmers was visible as they literally ‘cut down’ old cars to create “The Utility” that gradually took the place of the two-horse drawn dray. Frank Presnell had a cut down a ‘Master Buik’ car made it into a utility after the war. There were a few Chevrolet ’Mapleleaf’ trucks in use. About the same time the Ferguson tractor became available and thence horses and horse drawn equipment and methods were gradually phased out.

WRITTEN & COMPILEd By BETH WHITE

POTATO INdUSTRyThe ‘little grey fergie’ was sold as a complete unit: a tractor

with 3 point linkage used for lifting, that adjusted with the tractor’s hydraulics, a 3 furrow plough and a tiller -all for £850 that revolutionised agriculture. Ingenuity, commonsense or cunning led to a rough seat being made on the back of the implement that allowed one man or two men to sit on the back of the plough with a bucket of seed so they could drop the seed into the third furrow and it could still be folded in on the second round of ploughing without the sower having to walk and lug the heavy sower’s ’wallet’.

Some machinery was brought back from the wheat country and adapted to other crops - some more successfully than others. Farmalls with three-point linkage and digger allowed a couple to independently plant and harvest a crop. A tiller and two men could achieve two rows at a time and so doubling their capacity.

Tractors and bigger equipment led to bigger acreages being grown. An auto planter the’ McCormick Cup Planter’ was tried but with not much success. The “Iron Age” harvester was used from around 1947/48 but it had its limitations.

Crops grew better on virgin ground and with fertiliser could double the yield when utilised from around the 1950’s. Crops were rotated between peas, potatoes and oats. A deal could be negotiated where no fee was paid for the use of virgin land for a crop if pasture was sown immediately following the crop for the benefit of both farmer and grazier.

Mechanical diggers increased capacity and trucks came to carry bigger loads packed and stacked to capacity.A three ton truck had no load limits then.

Potatoes are not just potatoes. Today a potato is not just a staple food. We are offered potatoes of many types and specialist varieties individually labelled. Each type is known for special qualities. It is the cook’s choice to suit the palate and the menu. Long live the “humble” potato and those that grow them.

Acknowledgements.Three New England Families-Elizabeth A. RobertsAustralian Encyclopaedia 1956Australian Junior Encyclopaedia 1962My sincere thanks to: John Archer, David Butler, Jack Thrift, Frank Presnell.Photo on Page 8:James McLeod at ‘Mt Pleasant’ Ben Lomond, ploughing the traditional way.Photo this page: Potatoes on Bill Every’s Chev Blitz.


Page 9


Page 10

BEN LOMONd

SCHOOL NEWSNational Assessment Program - Literacy and Numeracy. The NAPLAN Testing for Years 3 and 5 will be conducted from Tuesday 12th May to Thursday 14th May 2009. Please contact the School for a Letter to Parents explaining the procedures in more detail. Kindergarten Orientation.Parents who would like to send their children to Ben Lomond Primary School in 2010 are asked to contact the Principal, Mr. John Melrose, at the commencement of Term 2, (from 29th April 2009). This is so the School and Parents can start the orientation process for new students.

Term 1 Activities.The Ben Lomond students attended a Science Workshop in Glen Innes on Thursday 2nd April 2009. The aim of this hands on learning experience is to accelerate the understanding and further arouse curiosity as well as stimulate the imagination and foster creative thinking and problem solving abilities of the students.

On Friday 3rd April 2009, students participated in the Guyra Central School Annual Cross Country Carnival, held at the Guyra Golf Club.

On Thursday April 9th 2009, the Ben Lomond School held a ‘Fun Run, Sausage Sizzle and Easter Egg Hunt’. A wonderful day was had by all.

Cold Country Cook Book.The Ben Lomond P & C Association have put together a great recipe book called Cold Country Cooking. This is a fundraiser for the School, so please support this initiative. The Cook Book is available now and the cost is $10.00. Please contact the School to place your order.

Bottle Caps.The School is still collecting the 10 cent milk bottle caps. Keep them coming and many thanks for your support!

Mr John Melrose PrincipalBen Lomond Public SchoolInn Road, Ben Lomond NSW 2365 Phone: 02 6733 2001

EAT LOTS OF FRUIT & VEGES!When you eat lots of fruit and vegetables, your teeth get vitamins and minerals and this keeps your teeth healthy. Healthy gums are important because they keep your teeth firmly in place. You look good too!1. Brush your teeth twice a day. 3. Visit your Dentist regularly 2.Eat healthy foods. 4. Change your toothbrush often.

Ensure your child’s bi-annual check up at the Dentist starts at any early age to build confidence at Dental visits.The Ben Lomond School page and Dental Care Information is proudly sponsored by Parkside Dental Clinic. Phone 02 6732 2120 Corner Meade Street and East Avenue, Glen Innes, NSW, 2370.

Picture from brochure “Brush up on your teeth’ Colgate Oral Care.


CALENDAR OF CHURCH

SERVICES AT BEN

LOMONDFirst Sunday of the Month:Catholic Mass: 9.00amat St. Patricks Church, Inn Road, Ben Lomond.

Presbyterian Church Service: on the even numbered months, February, April, June, August, October and December 2.00pm at the Presbyterian Church, Marowan Street, Ben Lomond.

Second Sunday of the Month:Uniting Church Service: 2.30pmat the Glencoe Hall with an afternoon tea and get together afterwards.

Third Sunday of the Month:Anglican Service:11.30amat the Ben Lomond Anglican Church, Marowan Street, just off Wandsworth Road, Ben Lomond.


CHURCH NOTICESANGLICAN PARISH OF GUYRA - BEN LOMOND.BEN LOMOND SERVICES are on the THIRD SUNDAY of every month at 11:30am For further information, please contact:Rev. Mark Harris on 02 6779 1111 or Dot Every (Church Warden) on 02 6733-2117

The GOSPEL CAFÉ is a evening of discussion “CAFÉ CHAT” and live music with free food and drinks at the Anglican Church Hall in Guyra. It is a casual and fun evening and you are most welcome to attend. For further information please phone Roger and Meryl Zuill on 02 6779 2012.

St MARY OF THE ANGELS CATHOLIC CHURCH GUYRAFr. Anthony Koppman is the Guyra Parish Priest.Mass is celebrated:Weekday at 9.00am (unless otherwise stated)Saturday Vigil at 6.00pmSunday at 9.00am as follows:1st Sunday of the month: Ben Lomond 2nd Sunday of the month: Guyra3rd Sunbday of the month: Wards Mistake4th Sunday of the month: Guyra5th Sunday of the month: GuyraSunday 11.45am at St Alberts UNE.For furtherinformation, please contact: Presbytery 02 6779 1036 orSchool: 02 6779 1661Ben Lomond - Gwen Cunningham on 02 6733 2033St Mary’s Catholic Church is located on the New England Highway, Guyra.

St Mary and Joseph’s Cathedral Parish ArmidaleMass is celebrated on:Saturday Vigil 6.00pmSunday 8.00am, 10.00am, 5.30pm132 Dangar Street, Armidale NSW 2350.

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH BEN LOMONDThe Ben Lomond Presbyterian Church holds a service on the FIRST SUNDAY of the even numbered months of the year, at 2.00pm. (Feb, Apr, June, Aug, Oct, Dec).Max Handebo is our Lay Minister and the Church is located in Marowan Street, Ben Lomond.Please contact Max Handebo on 02 6779 1957 (all enquiries) or Jim Coleman (Ben Lomond) on 02 6733 2021.You are most welcome to attend our service.

UNITING CHURCH GLENCOE HALLThe Uniting Church Community hold a regular Church Service on the Second Sunday of every month at 2.30pm at The Glencoe Hall. After the Service, a light afternoon tea will follow. It is a great opportunity to catch up with others. Everyone is invited to attend. For further information please contact:Elder Roger White on 02 6733 2014.

COMMUNITY COLUMN

BETH GOES BACK TO SCHOOL!Beth White, who had been a Teacher at Ben Lomond School for 17 years, and who retired in October 2007, has been seen at the School on a constant basis. However, Beth has just officially ‘gone back to School’ as a Teacher’s Aide and works each Monday at the School. Happy Retirement and Many Happy Returns Beth!

EASTER RAFFLE RESULTSThe Ben Lomond School Easter raffle was drawn by Tania Moorhead and won by Nolene and Garry Tarrant.

GUYRA NEIGHBOURHOOD CENTREGuyra Neighbour Centre is located at 59 Olera Street, Guyra and is open 9am to 2pm on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The Centre offers a New Residents Morning Tea, Education programs, Read2Read program that presents a reading book to new babies born in the district during 2009.Other programs and services include:

Baby Capsule Hire. 1. Women’s Health Consultations every Monday 2. Morning with G.P. Dr. Tracy Maxwell (appointments required).Womens Support Service and Crisis Counselling 3. Free Call 1800 005 352.Free Legal Advice and Help Free Call 1800 687 4. 687.Youth Activities on Friday from 6pm to 9pm (ages 5. 10 to 17 years). Mental Health information.6. Family Counselling, Financial Counselling.7. Aboriginal Health link.8.

For further details, please phone: 02 6779 1635

NURSE FOR BEN LOMONDAmanda Bussell is the new Primary Health Care Nurse with the Hunter New England Health and is located at the Glen Innes Community Health. Amanda provides services to Wytaliba Dundee and Ben Lomond. Amanda is available to provide free health assessments to community members of Ben Lomond and appointments can be arranged by phoning Amanda on 02 6739 0145.To find out more information about services available please phone Glen Innes Community Health 02 6739 0100 or Amanda Bussell on 02 6739 0145. See Page 14 for information about ‘The Great Idea Bank’.

VILLAGE POSTIE SERVICESJohn Clarke is the Ben Lomond Village Postie, and John has offered to bring shopping items to your mailbox if you are unable to get into Guyra or Llangothlin. Contact Bill Hodder or contact John directly on 02 6779 2104.


Page 11


Page 14

Classified Living

Tradie’s corner Do you need a tradesperson for an odd job or a big job? Ben Lomond Landcare Group Inc has a Tradesman’s Corner Register.

The register will collect names of tradespersons who are willing to travel to Ben Lomond area for work. Our register will consist of Veterinary Services, Builders, Electricians, Mechanics, Plumbers, Bobcat Hire, Dozer, Excavators, Fencing and Spraying Contractors.

The register collects names of tradespersons who are willing to travel to the Ben Lomond area for work. The register will not make appointments but will give contact details of tradespersons. We are still compiling the register and would appreciate any details of tradespersons that you would recommend. If you have arranged for a tradesperson to call privately, you can contact the register to see if any other property owner/manager requires work on their property.

If you require a tradesperson you contact Jill Stewart on 6733 2040 that you can contact and also arrange to visit your property and/or add to the list of trades people.

The Ben Lomond Landcare takes no responsibility for workmanship or delivery of services.

TIP KEYBEN LOMOND RECYCLING TIP KEYMonday to Friday - By arrangement Only

Please phone to make arrangements for the Tip Key between 9am to 5pm. Thank You.

Saturday and SundayTip Open between 9.00am to 1.00pm

The Key can be collected from:‘Camelot Cottage’

Cnr Ben Lomond and Wandsworth RoadsPhone: 02 6733 2006

If away, arrangement will be made to collect the key from:

Sarah Harding and Phil WilliamsBen Lomond Road

Phone: 02 6733 2065Cost: $5.00 Boot load - $8.00 Trailer or Ute

COdA MEETING

CoDA meetings are held at the Armidale

Neighbourhood Centre at 4.00pm each Sunday.

‘The only requirement for membership to CoDA is

a healthy desire for healthy, loving and fulfilling

relationships.’

IF YOU WOULD LIKE FURTHER

INFORMATION ABOUT CoDA PLEASE

PHONE: 02 6733 2053.


Are you a farmer, male or female, over 55 and looking for some tips to make life easier around the farm?

“The Great Idea Bank” aims to:

Help older farmers to acknowledge the ageing process and its impact on their work life on their farm or property

Help farmers to understand a little more about the common effects of the ageing process on physical and mental processes

Help farmers to identify the jobs that are getting harder for them to do because of the ageing process

The Australian Centre for Agricultural Health and Safety would like to hold this free 3 hour program on the

6th May 6 -9pm, Ben Lomond Hall.

7th May 6 -9pm, Top Pub (Commercial Hotel), Deepwater

Please contact Kirsty MacDougall, Primary Health Care Nurse

on 0267390145 RSVP by the 30-4-09.

BULBS WANTEd

If you can donate any daffodil, jonquil or other

bulbs that will be planted around the Ben Lomond

Village, please contact Bar Mulligan

on 02 6733 2112.

Thank You

WANTEd TO RENT

Family would like to rent a 3 to 4 bedroom home in

the Ben Lomond area. Will take good care of your

home and property.

PLEASE CONTACT: 0432 204 6737

References provided.


The next edition of Altitude Living 1508 is due out in the second week of June 2009. The deadline for ALL articles, and advertising is

FRIDAY 29th MAY 2009, 5.00pm.

Please type your article in 10 point Times New Roman regular font and send articles as Word documents. Please send pictures as JPEG files.

Distribution of ‘Altitude Living’ Community Newsletter is by $10.00 per annum subscription to: Armidale, Ben Lomond, Central Coast, Coffs Harbour, Dorrigo, Guyra Shire, Glen Innes, Glencoe, Llangothlin, Nambucca Heads, Wandsworth, Queensland, Sawtell, Southern Highlands, Sydney, Victoria, Western Australia.Overseas subscribers: Carribean, England, Scotland, New Zealand.

Your articles, advertising, contributions and subscription can be sent to:The Treasurer - Altitude Living

‘Camelot Cottage’Ben Lomond NSW 2365.

***Please note the new email address***[email protected]

Phone + 02 6733 2006

BEN LOMOND COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER

Altitude Living 1508 ©Auspice and Proudly Sponsored by:Ben Lomond Landcare Group Inc.

ISSN: 1835-8136

EDITORIAL GROUP:Elizabeth Kerry Ph: 6733 2006Beth White Ph: 6733 2014Simon Kerry Ph: 6733 2006Jill Stewart Ph: 6733 2024Simon Jolly Ph: 6733 2018

ADVERTISING & DESIGN:Elizabeth Kerry Ph: 6733 [email protected] MEMBERS: Chairperson: Richard Makim Ph: 6779 4200Vice Chairperson: Geoff Bourne Ph: 6733 2044Secretary: VacancyTreasurer:Elizabeth Kerry Ph: 6733 2006Public OfficerCameron Way Ph: 6733 2085TREES & ENVIRONMENTBar Mulligan Ph: 6733 2112FOX BAITING Jim Coleman Ph: 6733 2021RURAL FIRE CAPTAINJim Coleman Ph: 6733 2021PROGRESS NEWSSarah Harding Ph: 6733 2035COMMUNITY LIAISONCameron Way Ph: 6733 2085HALL NEWSDorothy Every Ph: 6733 2117RAILWAYBeth White Ph: 6733 2014SCHOOL NEWSJohn Melrose Ph: 6733 2001

FEATURE WRITERSRichard MakimBeth WhiteElizabeth Kerry

DISTRIBUTION: Via regular post and subscription.DISCLAIMER: BLING* have tried to ensure that there are no errors or omissions in this publication, however, no responsibility can be accepted for any loss occasioned to any person, business or organization in regards to actions as a result of material in this publication.™Altitude Living and ™Altitude Living 1508 by BLING 2008 ©*The Ben Lomond Information Newsletter Group is a

sub-committee the Ben Lomond Landcare Group Inc.


Page 15

My GenerationA Poem by Jan Collier 2000

As published “Reflection of Tomorrow” Editor James Tustin

My generationborn last century,Second world war endedgrew optimistically.

We joined with other culturesmigrants’ diversityreligion, foods, languageadded to our mystery.

Our childhood friends were draftedsoldiers of Vietnamstories of that warchallenged “who I am.”

We read of Australia’s song-linesthreatened ancestryEddie Mabo; island manrewrote unquestioned history.

Our children were the warriorsin this twenty-first centuryexposed to other warsthrough mind stealing technology.

My generationgrew with world communityinnocent, now experiencedreflect upon our legacy.


Living

POSTAGEPAID

AUSTRALIA

Address: Ben Lomond Landcare Group Inc. ‘Camelot Cottage’ Ben Lomond NSW 2365 Australia

Beautiful Ben Lomond puts on a magicificent display of autumn colours. Ben Lomond is situated at the highest point of the Great Dividing Range in the New England region of New South Wales at 1508 meters above sea level.

Picture courtsey of B. White.

dIARy dATESdATE TIME dETAILS LOCATION CONTACTMay 6th 6 - 9pm ‘The Great Ideas Bank’ A free 3 hour program Ben Lomond Hall Amanda Bussell (See Page 14 for details) 02 6739 0145

May 9 6.00pm Ben Lomond School P & C ‘No fuss Community dinner’ Ben Lomond Hall Tania Moorhead 6733 2116 Come along for a meal, chat and games. debra Robinson 6733 2080 $15 Adults $5 Children RSvP for catering by 29 April

May 24 10.30am Glen Innes Severn Council Aged & disability Services Glencoe Hall Garden Court 02 6730 2430 Information day (See Page 4 for details) May 24 12.30pm Glen Innes Severn Council Aged & disability Services Ben Lomond Hall Garden Court 02 6730 2430 Information day (See Page 4 for details) May 30 6.00pm Musical ‘HMS Pinafore” and dinner Arts Theatre UNE Julie Stride 02 6733 2011 RSvP Friday 1st May 2009. (See Page 1 for details)

June 13 11am TENTATIvE CLAIM THE dATE! Ben Lomond Hall Angus dean 02 6723 3594 Ben Lomond Farm Families get-together Lunch Showing the ‘Mate helping Mate’ dvd , discussions and a warm lunch. Angus dean - Facilitator

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