The book details much of the history of the Limekilns area from early settlement to the present day and community members with links to the district really enjoyed the book launch and will treasure the memories.

Copies of The History of Limekilns are available from Col or Joy Ferguson on 6337 7234 at a cost of $30.

MURRAY Grey stud breeder Bruce Clydsdale tells me that he is busy direct drilling fodder millet on his Hobbys Yards property.

He is a regular contributor to this column and gives me an update of pastoral conditions to our north at present.

He says that from Tamworth and across the Queensland border, pastoral conditions seem excellent, but through Mudgee, Ilford and back to Bathurst it still has a pretty sad appearance.

Company reps who criss-cross much of the state in their work regularly report that Bathurst/Mudgee are the most rain-deprived areas they see. 

Current stormy conditions are causing improvement to areas where rain falls, but many parts of our Tablelands are missing out.

THE recent deaths of two close family members have brought sadness to our relatives.

Judith Seaman, wife of Len, was a Bathurst girl and lived in our city for many years and their children were raised here.

Judith and Len moved to Sydney some decades ago, but their circle of Bathurst friends remember Judith as a busy lady and a valued friend.

Glenda Seaman, wife of Bruce, was born at Turondale and their family was raised at Wyagdon, Peel.

Glenda was noted for her hospitality and love of her extended family. Both ladies will be sadly missed by all who knew them.

MANY thanks are due to the leadership team at Central Tablelands Local Land Services as they are moving strongly to support the wild dog control groups across our district.

This problem is occurring across all states and has caused a lot of producers to cease sheep farming because of serious ongoing losses.

In many cases, young calves become the target for wild dogs after the sheep have been moved out.

Affected producers assure me that problem dogs are not pig hunters’ dogs that are left behind, but are big yellow dogs that must be dingo related.

Group organisers realise that LLS has a very low profile and a limited number of staff at the coalface, but they greatly appreciate the assistance from chairman Ian Rogan and senior staff.

THE Weekend Advocate carried an article by Matt Watson on the Bathurst AH and P Association president Sam Farraway and it detailed much of the successful management of our annual show.

Much credit is due to president Sam, secretary Brett Kenworthy and their busy committee, as the showgrounds are packed with competitors and exhibitors for the three days of the annual events. 

Honorary life memberships to Jeff Cox (cattle), Brian Seaman (wool), John While (horses) and Vicki Blenkinsopp (showgirls and young rural achievers) are well justified and appreciated by all involved.

Bathurst should raise its collective hat to all the volunteers who organise and operate our excellent Royal Bathurst Show.

YOU don’t stop laughing when you grow old; you grow old when you stop laughing.

***

SHE heard a strange noise in the night, but George didn’t get up.

“What’s wrong with you; I thought you were so brave when you married me,” she said.

“So did everyone else,” George mumbled.

***

THEY were in a classy cafe when a gorgeous redhead whispered: “Nigel, darling, how are you?”

“Who’s that?” his wife scowled and Nigel replied quietly: “Not too loud, dear, it will be hard enough trying to explain who you are.”