AUG2010 MT MEE NEWS
By Ian Wells
“Oakhill” still boasts good feed and water and that is a nice ‘end of July’ statement to be making.
Like many others, we did strike that curious out of season run of ticks – wouldn’t you think it had been cold enough at grass level to stop the hatch?
Like many others, we did strike that curious out of season run of ticks – wouldn’t you think it had been cold enough at grass level to stop the hatch?
Otherwise it is all OK for the livestock owner – except for the money! My Kiwi relative has just sold finished steers at NZ$3.95 over the hooks – averaging about $1250 over the consignment. Even considering the currency difference, that is much better than we get – but especially after the local processors slot our product down in their grid for imaginary faults. The Kiwis don’t see much of that!
There is some real news this month. Firstly to the “Savoyards” concert on 12th September – these are legendary performers and they have chosen a legendary programme. Read about it elsewhere in this issue and book early!
Next is the great news that Council has not only approved plans for an extension to the Mt Mee Hall, but it has budgeted for the work in this financial year. The work will include the addition of a covered deck outside the supper room and some minor changes to the kitchen, which will create more servery area and working space. With the growing popularity of the markets in particular, the supper room and kitchen have become very congested – especially with the proliferation of ‘walkers’ etc amongst some of our more senior market – goers. The easily accessed deck will be a great boon, and the extension of the roofline from the existing toilet block to cover the deck will mean there is little change to the appearance of our historic building.
Hall Committee is contributing $25,000 towards the cost of this work from surpluses accrued from hard work over many years – a true community effort!
But there’s more! The Mt Mee Sports Association has at last been successful in obtaining a Government grant to refurbish the tennis court. A usually reliable source has reported that the grant exceeds $50,000, and will fund resurfacing of the court and renewal of the netting fence – both long overdue. The court surface is presently downright dangerous. Let’s hope that sufficient money can be found to clean the toilets and to provide a handwashing facility too – I doubt that a Health Inspector would be enamoured of the present arrangements. (There – I’ve said it!).
The new viewing platform beside the Arthur Duncan carpark and the Mt Mee Community Church has been completed, and a handsome job it is! I have heard suggestions that it be named after the late Kevin Knight, who was a very active community man. This seems very appropriate and I would be happy to support the suggestion.
The Hall was a recent venue for a slap up celebration. Reid Lowe, just returned from weeks at sea off Gladstone tending the stranded Chinese collier, and wife Cynon decided to celebrate two fiftieth birhdays (we won’t say whose) and a combined 50 years of marriage (25 years each) with a party in the hall. Music was provided by the one and only Mike Woollett. There was a roast dinner – with pudding, and a well stocked bar. No wonder there was a good turnout of locals!
Finally, horse owners should be aware that the Queensland DPI&F has just produced a fact sheet for horse owners on Hendra virus (HeV), and a comprehensive set of guidelines for veterinarians who may be called to suspect HeV cases. Both are very well done and have been distributed to all registered Queensland veterinarians. Every horse owner should have the fact sheet – Phone the DPI Call Centre for free copies – 132523. Unfortunately, HeV must now be accepted as a fact of life whereever bats occur in Queensland and Northern NSW – and it is a very nasty one indeed. We must all take care!
There is some real news this month. Firstly to the “Savoyards” concert on 12th September – these are legendary performers and they have chosen a legendary programme. Read about it elsewhere in this issue and book early!
Next is the great news that Council has not only approved plans for an extension to the Mt Mee Hall, but it has budgeted for the work in this financial year. The work will include the addition of a covered deck outside the supper room and some minor changes to the kitchen, which will create more servery area and working space. With the growing popularity of the markets in particular, the supper room and kitchen have become very congested – especially with the proliferation of ‘walkers’ etc amongst some of our more senior market – goers. The easily accessed deck will be a great boon, and the extension of the roofline from the existing toilet block to cover the deck will mean there is little change to the appearance of our historic building.
Hall Committee is contributing $25,000 towards the cost of this work from surpluses accrued from hard work over many years – a true community effort!
But there’s more! The Mt Mee Sports Association has at last been successful in obtaining a Government grant to refurbish the tennis court. A usually reliable source has reported that the grant exceeds $50,000, and will fund resurfacing of the court and renewal of the netting fence – both long overdue. The court surface is presently downright dangerous. Let’s hope that sufficient money can be found to clean the toilets and to provide a handwashing facility too – I doubt that a Health Inspector would be enamoured of the present arrangements. (There – I’ve said it!).
The new viewing platform beside the Arthur Duncan carpark and the Mt Mee Community Church has been completed, and a handsome job it is! I have heard suggestions that it be named after the late Kevin Knight, who was a very active community man. This seems very appropriate and I would be happy to support the suggestion.
The Hall was a recent venue for a slap up celebration. Reid Lowe, just returned from weeks at sea off Gladstone tending the stranded Chinese collier, and wife Cynon decided to celebrate two fiftieth birhdays (we won’t say whose) and a combined 50 years of marriage (25 years each) with a party in the hall. Music was provided by the one and only Mike Woollett. There was a roast dinner – with pudding, and a well stocked bar. No wonder there was a good turnout of locals!
Finally, horse owners should be aware that the Queensland DPI&F has just produced a fact sheet for horse owners on Hendra virus (HeV), and a comprehensive set of guidelines for veterinarians who may be called to suspect HeV cases. Both are very well done and have been distributed to all registered Queensland veterinarians. Every horse owner should have the fact sheet – Phone the DPI Call Centre for free copies – 132523. Unfortunately, HeV must now be accepted as a fact of life whereever bats occur in Queensland and Northern NSW – and it is a very nasty one indeed. We must all take care!
