A MEMORIAL service for former Taree man Michael Clancy and his wife, Carol, who were among the 36 Australians killed when the Malaysian Airlines aircraft MH17 crashed over Ukraine last Friday, will be held at St Clare's High School at Taree on Saturday, July 26. This will start from 1pm and is open to the public.

Weekend Sport Preview: On Sunday Wingham Tigers make the trip to Kempsey to play Macleay Valley while Port City and Forster-Tuncurry clash at Tuncurry.

Read our full weekend sport preview to find out what's on and who is playing who.

Magical Mystery Tour: The Manning Valley Choral Society (MVCS) is bringing its Manning Winter Festival inspired 'Magical Mystery Tour' to the Tinonee Hall on Saturday commencing at 2pm. A mixture of popular,'magical' music, inspired by life, love, nature, night and music itself, will have audiences singing along and enjoying performances of beloved music. A real-life magician will add another dimension to the experience. Family and Child friendly, cost of admission is only $10 per adult, $8 for concessions, $20 family, and free for children seven years and under. 

Conductor: Kim Billingham; Accompaniest: Joan Saxby; Director: Rowena Meldrum; MC: David Billingham 

More information call the secretary on 6553 9561

The Mount George Village Markets are on Saturday morning. These local community markets sell everything from crafts and vintage clothing to locally grown fruit and vegetables.

Mt George Hall, Nowendoc Road, Mt George

On Thursday the community paid a "fitting tribute" to Australia's first Victoria Cross recipient, former Manning Valley doctor Neville Reginald Howse VC and the people who left this region to go to war.

More than 100 people attended the dedication of the Neville Howse VC Rest Area at Ellenborough Falls and heard special guest speakers including Dr David Gillespie, Mayor Paul Hogan and Mayor Peter Besseling (Port Macquarie-Hastings) and Lieutenant Commander Dr Charles Howse Royal Australian Navy Reserve (grandson of Neville Howse VC). To read more and see our photo gallery click here

New lights: The Manning Valley Historical Society Museum is lighter and brighter than ever before. Thanks to 26 new LED down lights, historical artefacts are easier to see and better preserved for generations to come.

Youth Summit: Three Wingham High students are still on a high after attending the Luminosity Youth Summit in Port Macquarie last week.

Grace Callaghan, Jai Harrison and Brianna Xuereb spent two days hearing motivational talks, attending a master class and even performing at the event.

The youth summit is aimed at inspiring youth to follow their dreams.