Mt MEE NEWS Aug09
by Ian Wells
The extraordinary season continues. Who (other than my compatriots in the far north of New Zealand) ever heard of mud in July? Cattle prices seem to be improving somewhat too – let’s hope that trend continues.
The Wells establishment has been travelling since the last column and this is being written in Townsville, so we are a little short on hot local gossip.
Instead, I can report that the season all the way up the coast seems to be outstanding. Feed supplies are good – (and green tinged as far north as Gin Gin) and livestock look fat and happy.
We have only been as far as Injune on the inland run, but the story there was a little different. Much of the Downs cropping country is lying idle and the cattle country looks a bit hungry. The Injune weaners we were working were in great order though.
We happened to stop at the Dulacca pub for a “countery” and, just to illustrate that you are never far from the familiar, we found that licensee Mary is the sister in-law of Settlement Road Droughtmaster breeder Kevin Power. So we enjoyed both her hospitality and a chat.
ROCK AND ROLL DANCE NIGHT – 22nd AUGUST
My main task in this column is to tell of the Rock and Roll dance night which is coming up in the Mt Mee Hall on Saturday 22nd of August.
For some time, Hall Committee has been considering ways of adding some variety to the monthly dance diet of Oldtime and New Vogue without disturbing what is becoming an increasingly popular event.
But quite a few local people have been saying that they too would come to the dances, if only they had a more modern content. So Committee decided to put them to the test and has planned a fun night, with live music from Greg Henderson’s rock and blues group “Stone Lane”, plus quality cabaret entertainment from Nick Comino –the amazing alter ego of Elvis “the King”. Believe me, away from his greens, Nick really is a born entertainer!
The evening is themed around the classic rock era of the sixties and seventies, so expect all the trimmings – even to hot dogs and Coca Cola! There will be a supper and, most importantly, the fully licensed bar will carry beers, spirits and a selection of very drinkable wines.
Adult admission will be $15.00, with school age children free.
So, book a table! Phone Neil or Deb on 5498 2148 or Kay on 5498 2104. Remember that if the event is supported it will be repeated – but apathy will mean death!
SAVOYARD SINGERS – 13th SEPTEMBER
It is also timely to mention the regular September Sunday afternoon concert with the Savoyard Singers. A delightful afternoon is guaranteed – details appear elsewhere in this edition of the Grapevine (see page 14). Bookings are already strong, so don’t delay!
It is good to see that the aftermath of the Settlement Road tree-felling is being tidied. Vern Duncan has spent many hours there. “Bigfoot” Bliesner has cut some useful timber with his portable sawmill and great heaps of firewood and mulch have been created. If you want some firewood for next winter at very competitive prices, it could be worth giving John Lind a buzz on 3425 3198.
FERAL DOGS
Rod Thomas continues to account for feral dogs on the Mountain, despite the unequivocal success of the recent 1080 baiting program around the periphery of the Mt Mee State Forest. This just continues to illustrate the old theorem, viz constant pressure on the population is required, using a combination of shooting, trapping and baiting. Many thanks indeed to the new subscribers to the “Rod” fund who have come forward, and also to the considerable number of foundation subscribers who have already renewed. A full account reconciliation will appear in the August Mt Mee Newsletter.
And finally (for those interested), I have had the opportunity to walk the circuit and see the facilities which were put in place for the TownsvilleV8 Supercar meeting. It is a superb venue and Townsville did an extraordinary job with the arrangements. The only downside I am aware of is the rumoured loss of breakfast suffered by our esteemed Premier after a “hot” lap with the younger Johnson!
Instead, I can report that the season all the way up the coast seems to be outstanding. Feed supplies are good – (and green tinged as far north as Gin Gin) and livestock look fat and happy.
We have only been as far as Injune on the inland run, but the story there was a little different. Much of the Downs cropping country is lying idle and the cattle country looks a bit hungry. The Injune weaners we were working were in great order though.
We happened to stop at the Dulacca pub for a “countery” and, just to illustrate that you are never far from the familiar, we found that licensee Mary is the sister in-law of Settlement Road Droughtmaster breeder Kevin Power. So we enjoyed both her hospitality and a chat.
ROCK AND ROLL DANCE NIGHT – 22nd AUGUST
My main task in this column is to tell of the Rock and Roll dance night which is coming up in the Mt Mee Hall on Saturday 22nd of August.
For some time, Hall Committee has been considering ways of adding some variety to the monthly dance diet of Oldtime and New Vogue without disturbing what is becoming an increasingly popular event.
But quite a few local people have been saying that they too would come to the dances, if only they had a more modern content. So Committee decided to put them to the test and has planned a fun night, with live music from Greg Henderson’s rock and blues group “Stone Lane”, plus quality cabaret entertainment from Nick Comino –the amazing alter ego of Elvis “the King”. Believe me, away from his greens, Nick really is a born entertainer!
The evening is themed around the classic rock era of the sixties and seventies, so expect all the trimmings – even to hot dogs and Coca Cola! There will be a supper and, most importantly, the fully licensed bar will carry beers, spirits and a selection of very drinkable wines.
Adult admission will be $15.00, with school age children free.
So, book a table! Phone Neil or Deb on 5498 2148 or Kay on 5498 2104. Remember that if the event is supported it will be repeated – but apathy will mean death!
SAVOYARD SINGERS – 13th SEPTEMBER
It is also timely to mention the regular September Sunday afternoon concert with the Savoyard Singers. A delightful afternoon is guaranteed – details appear elsewhere in this edition of the Grapevine (see page 14). Bookings are already strong, so don’t delay!
It is good to see that the aftermath of the Settlement Road tree-felling is being tidied. Vern Duncan has spent many hours there. “Bigfoot” Bliesner has cut some useful timber with his portable sawmill and great heaps of firewood and mulch have been created. If you want some firewood for next winter at very competitive prices, it could be worth giving John Lind a buzz on 3425 3198.
FERAL DOGS
Rod Thomas continues to account for feral dogs on the Mountain, despite the unequivocal success of the recent 1080 baiting program around the periphery of the Mt Mee State Forest. This just continues to illustrate the old theorem, viz constant pressure on the population is required, using a combination of shooting, trapping and baiting. Many thanks indeed to the new subscribers to the “Rod” fund who have come forward, and also to the considerable number of foundation subscribers who have already renewed. A full account reconciliation will appear in the August Mt Mee Newsletter.
And finally (for those interested), I have had the opportunity to walk the circuit and see the facilities which were put in place for the TownsvilleV8 Supercar meeting. It is a superb venue and Townsville did an extraordinary job with the arrangements. The only downside I am aware of is the rumoured loss of breakfast suffered by our esteemed Premier after a “hot” lap with the younger Johnson!
