Hectic week
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THIS past week has been a very hectic one with special events including the Zone 4 Red Cross Conference at the Tinonee Memorial School of Arts Hall on Wednesday, the 10th birthday celebrations of the Tinonee Historical Society and Tinonee Historical Museum on Saturday and high tea at 'The Cottage' on Sunday afternoon, and not forgetting the Tinonee Friendship Group's visit to the Manning Entertainment Centre to enjoy 'Wild Weather', a production of the Manning Valley Choral Society on Sunday afternoon.
Red Cross conference
PRESIDENT Judy Cluss and her fellow members of Tinonee and District Red Cross members hosted the 2013 Zone 4 Red Cross Conference at Tinonee Memorial School of Arts Hall on September 19 and welcomed members from Camden Haven, Taree, Wingham, Mount George, Forster-Tuncurry, Gloucester, Stroud Road and Tea-Gardens/Hawks Nest Red Cross branches who joined them for the conference. Special guests included 'Aunty Barb' Mrs Barbara Clarke OAM of Wingham, GTCC Cr Alan Tickle, Ms Linda Parker, NSW Telechat co-ordinator and Paul Smith, Hunter/Central Coast Regional Red Cross manager along with Zone 4 representative Eugenie Williams from Forster.
Members renewed friendships over morning tea and took their seats at the tables which were decorated in red and white, in keeping with the colours that signify Red Cross world wide.
With a call to order and welcome by president Judy the conference began at 10.30am. Branch secretary Pam Muxlow introduced 'Aunty Barb', Biripi elder who gave a 'Welcome to Country' and read her prayer of unity followed by a vote of thanks from president Judith and presentation of thank you gift.
Tinonee Public School junior choir and concert band were introduced by Helen Kerville and the choir assisted with the National Anthem followed by a delightful item 'Proud Mary' under direction of teacher Darcy Horgan. Then it was the turn of the concert band under the baton of Roger Griffiths. Rosalie Lawrence of Stroud Road branch moved a vote of thanks and president Judith presented relieving principal Robin Middleton with a donation and certificates of appreciation for the choir and band.
The Red Cross Pledge and Principles were read by Camden Haven branch president Beverly Edwards before Greater Taree City Council councillor Alan Tickle was invited to officially open the 2013 conference. The vote of thanks to Cr Tickle was given by Jennifer Wenham of Tea-Gardens/Hawks Nest branch.
President Judith introduced the morning's guest speaker Paul Smith, regional manager Hunter/Central Coast. Lyn Macinnes of Taree Red Cross moved a vote of thanks to Mr Smith.
Zone 4 representative Eugenie Williams was able to present the first half of her annual report on the branches before lunch and resumed the second half after lunch.
Lynne Ferguson of Forster-Tuncurry branch read the Friendship Statement before a delicious finger food lunch was served by the wonderful ladies from Manning Valley Camp Quality Group.
The afternoon's session was highlighted by the presentation of two special awards by Zone 4 rep Eugenie, a long service medal for 10 years to the branch's youngest member Beth Kerville and a third bar to her long service medal for 40 years service to Gillian Kirton.
The afternoon's guest speaker was Linda Parker, NSW Telechat coordinator and former Telecross area coordinator. Mrs Lorraine Gibson of Mt George Red Cross club moved a vote of thanks to Linda.
Wingham branch president Lorraine Simpson moved a vote of thanks to host branch Tinonee before the official close of the conference by zone rep Eugenie.
25th anniversary
I WAS delighted and overwhelmed to be recognised for my 25 years of serving the Wingham Chronicle as 'Tinonee Topics' correspondent with a special morning tea and presentation by the girls from the office - journalist in charge Samantha Brownrigg and sales consultant Elaine Turner and also editor of the Manning River Times and Wingham Chronicle Toni Bell, fellow Wingham Chronicle correspondent Pam Nipperess who does 'Mt George Memos', my first ever Wingham Chronicle editor Lesley Summerville (formerly Penfold). We were also joined by Barbara Waters from Manning Valley Historical Society for the lovely cup cakes and birthday cake before I was showered with flowers, a framed certificate of appreciation and a silver pen. My first edition was printed on September 21, 1988 and contained much of the bi-centennial events held in Tinonee. I am not sure if there is another 25 years ahead for me reporting the local events, or whether there will still be a newspaper, but I will definitely do my best to keep Tinonee in the headlines.
Many thanks to everyone for the lovely morning and the good wishes it was a something I will remember always.
10th birthday
AFTER weeks of planning the day had finally arrived for Tinonee Historical Society's 'birthday bash' to mark an important milestone in the society and the establishment of the museum. The day dawned fine and sunny to make for a perfect day for the open day and birthday celebrations on Saturday within the museum grounds at 32 Manchester Street, Tinonee. There was a real party atmosphere with balloons and streamers, music from locals Allan Polley, Ken Lyons and Roy Eccles that even had one couple up and dancing, and lots of delicious eats and a cuppa. Visitors were most impressed with what the museum had on display and the society is very grateful for the generous donations which will be used to further the upkeep and maintenance of this important part of the town's infrastructure. President Jenny Cherry outlined briefly the establishment of the society and museum and thanked all for their continued support especially the grants that have been received for purchase of much needed equipment, before inviting local patron Mrs Neita Middlemiss to accept her patron's badge and cut the birthday cake.
Member for Myall Lakes Stephen Bromhead, who was accompanied by his wife Sue, congratulated president Jenny and her members. GTCC councillor Kathryn Bell representing heritage officer Lillian Cullen and also the council added her best wishes. President Barbara Waters of Manning Valley Historical Society Inc. Wingham added her congratulations and best wishes whilst Alan Wright, president of Great Lakes Museum Inc. of Tuncurry added his best wishes.
It was good to welcome former members of the original Tinonee Town and Parish Chapter of the Manning Valley Historical Society, fore-runner to the society, including Mrs Muriel Adair, Bob Gribble and wife Anne, Greg Smith and wife Narelle. Also attending was Ivan Ransom (a direct descendant of William Wynter, first settler of Taree) and his wife Joan (a direct descendant of Joseph Clarkin, first police constable of Tinonee and pioneer of Nabiac) with us for the day and many folk who had connections with Tinonee.
Members and intending members are reminded that the September monthly meeting is being held tomorrow night commencing at 7.30pm at the museum when all are welcome to attend.
High Tea at Tinonee Cottages
A VERY pleasant afternoon was spent at Tinonee Cottages in Manchester Street when owner Tanya Nielson and husband Lex hosted afternoon tea for guests to view the delightfully restored cottage.
Noticed Samantha Brownrigg from the Wingham Chronicle amongst the guests and there were several other well-known faces in the crowd. Well done Tanya on the excellent job you have done with the restorations and good luck with your business venture.
Wild Weather
A NUMBER of Tinonee locals and members of Tinonee Friendship Group headed to the MEC for the Taree Arts Council and choral society's latest production "Wild Weather" which I believe was a most enjoyable afternoon's entertainment.
The friendship group meets on the first Wednesday of every month at the Tinonee Memorial School of Arts at 10am and all over-55-year-olds are most welcome. Outings are also organised and there is no fundraising involved. Contact Elaine Crossman 6553 1588 or Judy Cluss 6553 1450 for further details.