It is my pleasure to pass on to everyone in the Gloucester and Taree areas, who helped to make the New Years Eve dance at Krambach a good night, the thanks of the organisers. To those who attended the celebrations on the night many good New Year wishes from said organisers for their support. To those who helped supply supper the best of wishes, too.

Of course we must not forget all the people who bought tickets in the raffle, whether they came along to the festivities or not, a huge “thank you” as it was a booming success. The eventual winners were first prize Neil Paterson, second prize Chris Mansfield and third was Indo Wright. The lucky door prize, which was kindly donated by Margaret Morgan, went to Helen Cox. It is hoped they enjoyed their winnings. To all who helped the night be such a wonderful one we wish you all you could possibly wish yourselves for the upcoming year.

Once again I am afraid I have to report some unhappy news. Last week we, quite unexpectedly, lost another of our friends who used to live in Mount George. Most of us will still remember when Alistair, Leslie and Kylie Robinson were part of our community, living on a dairy farm behind the old mill on Nowendoc Road for years. Kylie was a pupil at the local school when I first came to teach at Mount George in about 1988 and her parents were dairying then. Before that time Alistair had made a name for himself as a cricketer, a tennis player and a storekeeper. He was also a patron of the Red Cross and their auditor for many years.

It was a huge shock when I was called up and told he had passed away. He always seemed so happy and positive when one met him in town. He never forgot anyone he had known out here and always had something to talk and joke about when you bumped into him when shopping.

His funeral service was held at Pampoolah last Friday at 2pm. I feel I must apologise to Leslie and Kylie as it was impossible for me to attend. The whole town sends their condolences and want you to remember you both have many friends at “the George” who would be only too willing to do anything they can for you at this sad time.

He will be missed by his family and many friends. May he rest in peace.

When I noticed all the school gear in the shops last Friday I checked my calendar and saw that there are only two more weeks before school goes back. I hope the children make the most of the time remaining, but keep safe and build their energies up so they are ready for another year of learning and study.

To all who left school at the end of last year I say: “Have a good life and may you all find suitable employment soon (if you haven't already)”. To those entering high school or doing further studies elsewhere this year, remember to do your best and, if you don't understand something, have the courage to approach whoever is teaching you and ask for an explanation.