Putty People The December 2015 newsletter of the Putty Community Association Inc. !

I was interested to hear at a recent Detour that someone was “reluctant to offer assistance as they did want to step on someone’s toes”! Most of our toes are encased in steel capped boots so please put your hand up in 2016- you can be assured of a warm welcome and you might even make some new friends.

Despite an unexpected negative financial surprise in September the PCA finishes the year in a strong financial position. Also in the good news section long term Putty volunteer Geoff King has now been declared cancer free – so we rejoice with Pam and Geoff.

On behalf of the Putty Community Association Committee I would like to take this opportunity to wish you and your loved ones a joyous and safe festive season and a very Happy New Year. We look forward to an even more positive and inclusive 2016 in Putty. !There will be no Church services in January. They will resume again on the 14 February 2016.

Jane Robinson, Secretary and Public Officer PCA Committee.

Secretary’s Note Well it is that time of the year again – how fast the year has gone! It has certainly been a busy and eventful 2015 in the life of our small community of Putty; progress was made on the ever so slow upgrade of the Putty Valley Road, lots of finishing touches were added to the Putty Hall (we are so very lucky that through the efforts of so many volunteers we have such a great community facility), the Detour opened, closed and opened again, we had wonderful ANZAC Day & Remembrance Day services, Easter, Halloween and Christmas were celebrated with enthusiastically attended parties, there were ‘welcome to Putty” events and the “Welcome to Putty” Pack and the Putty Library were launched, Sunday School continued to grow with enthusiastic pancake eating, the Putty Hall hosted the wonderful Balalaika Concert and a recital by Aleda’s star pupils, the community raised money for Cancer research though a very well attended morning tea, The Three Valley’s Landcare Group was saved as a unique identity, Singleton Council and Local Land Services provided welcome education opportunities and more volunteers than ever are involved in making our community a better place.

Plans for 2016 are also well under way with the proposed plans for the outdoor “conversation” area submitted to council, we await the arrival of Singleton council’s donated recycled Playground equipment, the Detour will recommence on 5 February 2016 after a summer break and there is a ground swell for a 2016 Putty Spring Fair.

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Putty People Newsletter December 2015, Page 2 of 6

REMEMBRANCE DAY Margaret Ferguson

Ken Ferguson, who led the Remembrance Day ceremony at Putty, elaborated on the two Remembrance Day posters, which featured images of Australian soldiers on patrol during the Malayan Emergency, which ran from

1948 to 1960 and the Indonesian Confrontation which continued on from 1963 to 1966.

People of Putty joined with others all over Australia to remember and pay homage to the Australian Forces who, during the 1950s and 1960s, were engaged in two conflicts involving Malaya. British Commonwealth forces played a key role in combating a twelve-year long Communist insurgency, known as the Malayan Emergency, between 1948 and 1960. From 1964, Australians served in support of the newly federated state of Malaysia. This second conflict, known as Confrontation, ended in 1966, by which time Australians had engaged in operations in Indonesian territory and on the Malayan peninsula.

FIREY NEWS from Margaret Ferguson Putty Brigade inaugural training day, with Judy Smits as Training Facilitator, was held during November. The emphasis was placed on what equipment the vehicles carry on board and where it is located on each vehicle.

After cleaning out the lockers, the trucks were given a thorough clean, inside and out and looked much better for it. The NSWRFS is placing an emphasis on training and/or skills maintenance with RFS members encouraged to participate whenever possible.

Putty and Howes Valley Community First Responders attended to an injured motor cyclist during the last weekend in November. He had collided with a kangaroo nearby the Grey Gum Café and sustained a number of injuries, none being life threatening. He was air-lifted to hospital by helicopter and we wish him a speedy recovery.

Ken Ferguson is seen here, explaining to Judy Smits how the fire hose nozzles can be used while Troy Morrison gives the Putty Cat 7 a good wash.

ALEDA JOHNSEN’S FOLLOW UP Aleda wants to thank all her wonderful friends at Putty for their support at her concert - to see John and Judy Stowe was such a treat. Following up on Nicole Hulett's career - she didn't make it through the auditions in November but she showed them that she has an abundance of talent. Unfortunately they were looking for more maturity. Her disappointment is our gain as Aleda plans another concert for 2016. Nicole will continue her studies next year in drama, dance and singing.

UPDATE ON PUTTY VALLEY ROADS From the Singleton Council

Drainage to Putty Valley Road has been corrected and main potholes filled. Drainage at Lindeman's corner and at the Golf Course is to be corrected when works are under way for sealing the section from the Fire Shed to Fr Max’s, programmed for early next year. Playground Equipment Singleton Council advise that the equipment from Townhead Park has been vandalised and may not be suitable. They have alternatives becoming available and will send photos for

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Putty People Newsletter December 2015, Page 3 of 6

Happy Christmas Putty Valley Style

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Putty People Newsletter December 2015, page 4 of 6

PUTTY CHRISTMAS RAFFLE Kim and John Grace, Grey Gum Café, generously donated goods for the raffle, which made up four very nice prizes. Jason Bomski chose two bottles of Hunter Valley Margan Estate wines, Cate Lavender, teas and a cup and tea diffuser, Marg Ferguson, a felt computer bag and Dora Bustamanti, kitchen accessories, speciality chutneys and vinegars. A perfect selection for her!

Jenny Stokes was very pleased to win a copy of Kathy McKenzie’s book, Putty Tales and Trails and a tote bag to go with it.

Judy Hobson, Jane Robinson, Kathy McKenzie and Marg Ferguson donated festive foods and toys which made up three hampers won by Jason Stokes, “Cookie,” and Peter Beckwirth. Thank you to all the people who donated items for the raffle and all those who tried their luck to win a prize. Everyone’s contribution and continuing support of Putty Hall is very much valued.

LONG SERVICE AWARDS by Margaret Ferguson At a recent meeting held at the Putty Brigade Station, David and Lesley Bayliss and John Bickle were presented with NSWRFS Long Service Awards by Group 4, Warren Welsh and Putty Brigade, President Andy Edwards. The medals and clasps were awarded to them for over twenty years of service with the NSWRFS. Sue Casey also received an award for twenty years of service but could not be present to receive her award in person. Andy Edwards received a certificate of achievement for completing the Advanced Firefighter course while Peter Smits received a certificate for completing Tree Felling Intermediate.

The members at the meeting congratulated their fellow members on their achievements with enthusiastic applause.

WEED OF THE MONTH - STICKY NIGHT SHADE by Ken Ferguson Each month Landcare will offer advice on an invasive grass or an undesirable weed and how best to control it. Since the recent rain there has been a dramatic increase in the infestation of Sticky Nightshade right throughout Putty. In some areas the plants have spread across large areas making the paddocks useless for grazing.

Solanum Sisymbriifolium or Wild Tomato, although not considered noxious, it is becoming an undesirable and invasive weed. Small infestations can be dug out and the plants burnt. To control this weed growing in large areas, it must be sprayed with a herbicide before it has a chance to fruit. Do not slash the plants after it fruits as this will spread the seeds and promote further areas of growth.

Spraying with GrazonTM or Metsulphuron 600 is the best defence. Glyphosate will kill Sticky Night Shade but it will also kill all other vegetation in the surrounding area and the bare ground created will be the perfect host for unwanted seed germination.

Before using any herbicide, always read the label on the container and follow the manufacturer’s safety instructions and application rates.

Putty People Newsletter December 2015, Page 5 of 6

Our Lady of the Valley services for 2016 will be held at Putty Hall with resident Anglican Priest, Fr. Max and re-commence on 14 February, 2016

2nd Sunday and 4th Sunday of the Month: Eucharist at 8:30am, Prayer and Bible Study at 9:30am and Sunday School at 11am.

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PRAYERS AND BIBLE STUDIES

UPCOMING EVENTS DETOUR WILL RECOMMENCE FRIDAY 5 FEBRUARY 2016. ALL WELCOME!

!AUSTRALIA DAY AT THE PUTTY HALL Details to be announced in the January 2016 newsletter.

THE DRAFT HUNTER REGIONAL PLAN - YOUR INPUT The Hunter is the largest and most populous regional economy in regional NSW, producing around twenty eight per cent of regional NSW’s total economic output. It is the largest regional contributor to the State’s gross regional product.

By 2036 an additional 117,850 people are expected to be living in the region and for the first time the eleven local government areas is being consolidated, including the Upper Hunter which includes Putty, to form a master plan. The Draft hunter Regional plan aims to guide the delivery of homes, jobs, infrastructure and services to support the growing and changing needs of the Hunter as well as providing an overarching framework to guide development and investment and consolidate strategic planning considerations for land use and infrastructure for the in the Hunter region to 2036. !If you are interested in having an input in this process, please contact: The Draft Hunter Regional Plan is at http://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/~/media/Files/DPE/Plans-and-policies/draft-hunter-regional-plan-2015-11.ashx Submissions are open until 28 February 2016.

Sticky Night Shade continued . . .

Above is a large outcrop of Sticky Night Shade, which has white to mauve flowers visible. Because of the large thorns on the plants, grazing animals cannot penetrate this outcrop. When the fruit forms, ripens and turns a bright red, it is attractive to birds which then spread the seeds far and wide.

THREE VALLEYS LANDCARE currently has available, Metsulfuron 600 at $25 for 500gm and this can be purchased by contacting Ken Ferguson on 6579 7077. !WHO IS THAT MO BRO? By Jane Robinson Fr Max spent November sprouting some kind of furry growth on his upper lip – not a great look

but certainly a great cause – he was raising funds for Movember, which supports research and awareness of men’s health issues.

Fr Max’s lip warmer raised $150 for the cause and thanks to all those in Putty who contributed to this achievement. Perhaps Putty “Mo Off” in Movember 2016 would be a good idea?

PUTTY PEOPLE ADVERTISING In publishing these ads, the PCA is not

endorsing or recommending any product or service advertised below.

TRADES & SERVICES

Fresh Food winner of the Australian Small Business Champion Awards 2013. Royal Easter Show award winning ham.

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diggers, sprayers etc

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Aircon, refrigeration, electrician, heat transfer kits. Lic: 167542C

Ph: Matt Ward 0413 850 298

LEC AIR & ELECTRICAL

NEWSLETTER CONTACT

Putty People Newsletter December 2015 Page 6 of 6

Please call with any news, activities or photographs to include in our

monthly newsletter. Martha Babineau, phone 6579 7000

mailtroika@gmail.com

Something to sell? Place an ad in our advertising

section Local Advertising works well!________________________________________

SOUTH FAIRVIEW NORTH Nov. 2015 129.20mm 117.75mm 132.00mm _________________________________________ Nov. 2014 17.00mm 18.40mm 25.00mm _________________________________________ Nov. 10 yr 98.70mm average

Year to date Nov. 2015 861.20mm 812.15mm 1,027.00mm Nov. 2014 68.70mm 550.95mm 688.00mm 10 yr av 82.86mm 719.60mm

!Recordings were taken at Fairview, Putty, with reference to the Bureau of Meteorology www.bom.gov.au. Recordings were also taken at Mellong Grove, Putty Road (south) and The Top Place, Putty Valley Road, north.

If it rains at Putty, residents are encouraged to post their rainfall on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/PuttyCommunityAssociation so weekenders will

PUTTY WEBSITE ‘Putty Valley Online’ Putty Valley Online contains many interesting links including:

• Trades & Services Directory at www.putty.nsw.au/whereis

• Weekly cattle sale prices from the Meat and Livestock Authority (MLA) at www.putty.nsw.au/rural/cattle-hotline

PCA FACEBOOK For news as it happens. If you haven’t already signed up to our Facebook page, you can do so by clicking Like at:

https://www.facebook.com/PuttyCommunityAssociation

Post your pictures and stories! !

ADVERTISING: pca@putty.nsw.au

OCTOBER PUTTY RAINFALL

Munro’s Meats

FOR SALE Gas Hot Water Service, external mount

Bosch Heavy Duty Hydro Power 16H - offers Glass top outside table and six chairs $80

Ring June on 6579 7003

KELPIE PUPPIES and MUSCOVITE DUCKLINGS CALL MICHELLE 045 727 5135