Whatever it is, it's taking shape

A COLOURFUL structure is taking shape at Tynwald Park, where the Derwent Valley Council announced it was building a "sound shell" for public entertainment.

The council's recently-released annual report refers to it both as a "bandstand" and a "stage facility". Regular readers of the New Norfolk News know that the NewsBlogger is a grumpy pedant and he should be grateful to the Federal Government for providing $150,000 to make it happen.

The stage is being built at the furthest end of Tynwald Park, New Norfolk's highly regarded parkland and sportsfield complex. It looks out over the football and cricket ground and will be a valuable public facility.

Willow Court funds under scrutiny

A SPECIAL meeting will be held to analyse every detail of the expenditure of funds intended for the redevelopment of the Willow Court historic site. The move was one of a raft of measures put forward by new councillor Damian Bester at his first council meeting last month. Cr Bester consented to a minor amendment by Cr Jim Elliott which saw the term "line-by-line analysis" replaced with "an analysis", and the amendment was then supported by all councillors with the exception of Cr Barry Lathey who had declared an interest and left the meeting room.

In debate, Cr Elliott said it would be "quite interesting" if councillors were tied up for a week conducting the review. He suggested that Cr Bester should provide a precis of his own investigation of the financials, as a line-by-line analysis would be a lengthy process. In contrast, Cr Scott Shaw said it may be necessary for a series of meetings to be held. A lot of new information would be brought forward, he said.

Deputy mayor Craig Farrell said a close look at the Willow Court financial report was warranted. He said the council was now in a position to seek funding for the heritage property and future funds would have to be managed "properly and responsibly".

Cr James Graham said he had been asked many questions about Willow Court during the recent election campaign. He supported a review of the financial report, no matter how long it took.

Dazzling Derwent Dollar smiles

THE Derwent Dollar Draw is always guaranteed to put some smiles on the faces of several lucky winners after the New Norfolk Christmas Parade. The tradition started when the parade was revived by Ngaire Glover and Damian Bester 11 years ago and it couldn't be simpler: complete a coupon published in the Derwent Valley Gazette and place it into a box at the Christmas parade. The prizemoney is issued as Derwent Dollars, which can be spent at about 80 participating businesses in High St and surrounds.

This year's lucky winners, photographed with Mayor Martyn Evans, were, from left, Narelle Lane, of Lachlan (500 Derwent Dollars); Maxine Adlard, of New Norfolk (200 Derwent Dollars); Marlene Adlard, of New Norfolk (100 Derwent Dollars); Helen Hynes, of New Norfolk (100 Derwent Dollars) and Danielle Triffett, of New Norfolk (100 Derwent Dollars). Thanks to Ngaire Glover for this great photo.

Nearly perfect day for Christmas Parade

THE crowd at today's 11th annual New Norfolk Christmas Parade was generally regarded to have been the best yet. The weather was almost perfect, with only just enough wind to blow over the council's small road-closure signs after the event.

There were 39 entries in the parade, which once again covered a wide area of community life in the Derwent Valley. As always, the Derwent Valley Concert Band and Derwent Scottish Pipe Band earned a cheer as they passed by. A pleasing feature of this year's event was the vastly increased number of walking participants and fewer trucks.

Derwent Valley Mayor Martyn Evans and his son Campbell judged the contest for the best floats in various categories. These were:

• Best overall presentation: St Brigid's School nativity scene (prize: 50 Derwent Dollars)
• Runner-up: New Norfolk Cubs and Scouts (prize: 25 Derwent Dollars)
• Best school presentation - Glenora Early Learning Group "A Very Fairy Christmas" and Glenora District High School human powered vehicle (prize: 50 Derwent Dollars)
• Runner-up: Blair Street Kindergarten - "How Does your Garden Grow" (prize: 25 Derwent Dollars)
• Best decorated vehicle: Norske Skog bumble bee (prize: 25 Derwent Dollars)
• Mayor's special prize: New Norfolk Primary School - "Peace across the World" (prize: 25 Derwent Dollars)

Check out our photo gallery:

Valley Vision loses Willow Court

THE Derwent Valley Council has resumed direct control of the future development of Willow Court. Newly-elected councillor Damian Bester made Willow Court one of the key elements of his first council meeting and was able to gain enough support from his fellow councillors to see economic development group Valley Vision lose its long-held responsibility for the historic site.

Cr Bester moved (seconded by deputy mayor Craig Farrell) that the council resume direct authority for Willow Court and its redevelopment and that the project officer provide a written update at each monthly council meeting, in open session. In discussion, Cr Bester said it was time to make a move. He said Valley Vision had been dealing with Willow Court for about 10 years and had failed dismally. He said it was time to make a move. "It appears that the Valley Vision project officer is also the council’s economic development officer, so there will be no loss of momentum or corporate memory," he said.


Cr Bester also spoke of the importance of working with the community. "We need to formalise the status of the Willow Court working party and open it to the public as was originally promised," he said. Crs Jim Elliott and Barry Lathey asked what impact the move would have on the Willow Court working party. Cr Lathey said he was a member of the working party and would not like to see it disbanded. Cr Bester explained that the motion sought to formalise the working party, not disband it.

Cr James Graham said he liked the intent of the motion, and deputy mayor Farrell said he would like to see experts from the Tasmanian Heritage Council brought in as advisors.

Ernie Dingo drops in again

TELEVISION personality Ernie Dingo visited New Norfolk last week. The Channel 7 and Southern Cross Television presenter was seen relaxing at Banjo's Bakehouse in High St - the same place he was seen when last in New Norfolk several years ago. Dingo is the host of several programs including The Great Outdoors, a travel show which has visited the Derwent Valley several times.

Christmas panto coming up

EVERYONE who enjoyed the local production of Puss in Boots in 2007 will love Cinderella when it hits the New Norfolk War Memorial Hall later this month as a Christmas pantomime. The sweet and kind Cinderella will be played by Holly Ackerly, while Allison Butterworth and Maria Josey are the cruel step-sisters.

Sharon Hutchison will play a delightfully mean granny who likes a bit of a bop. There is also a soccer-mad prince, a king and queen with a problem, the long-suffering Dandini with a constant migraine called Prince Charming, the love-sick Buttons and a 21st century, technology savvy fairy god mother.

The show times will be 1pm and 5pm on December 19 and 20 at the New Norfolk War Memorial Hall, Circle St. Tickets are $5 for children, $10 for adults or a family pass for $20. Tickets can be booked through Roz Chapman on 0403 858 210 or call in to 20th Century Artifacts at 56 High St, New Norfolk, between 11am and 5pm daily..