Garden open day

THERE will be an open day at the St Matthew’s Community Garden this Saturday from 10am-4pm. The garden is at the rear of the St Matthew’s Anglican Church in Bathurst St, New Norfolk.

There will be plants for sale and morning tea will be available. Look out for the giant strawberry promoting the event on the day.

Southern Cricket Association finals

Qualifying final, 2nd Grade: Molesworth I moved a huge step closer towards a grand final berth thanks to a win over Richmond/Cambridge. Molesworth made 289 for the loss of eight wickets from 50 overs. Opening batsman Bradley Coppleman was run out with the score of 111. Nathan Eiszele gave great support with a well made 43 while Ben Eyles 28 and Ricky Martin 24 also did their bit. There was a staggering 46 extras. In reply Richmond/Cambridge was never in the hunt, being bowled out for 191 off 36.3 overs (22 extras). The Molesworth attack gave very little to their opposition with Ricky Martin capturing three wickets while Ben Eyles and Tim Nichols picked up two each. Richmond/Cambridge bowling: B. Douglas 2 for 32 off six overs, B. Wakefield 2 for 63 off 10 overs (two maidens), J. Wright 1 for 38 off seven overs, J. Griggs 1 for 49 off 10 overs, A. Bennett 1 for 65 off nine overs. Richmond/Cambridge batting: J. Wright 70, A. Bennett 38, B. Douglas 15, B. Douglas 11, J. Field 10. Molesworth bowling: Ricky Martin 3 for 25 off six overs, Ben Eyles 2 for 19 off 4.3 overs, Tim Nichols 2 for 22 off six overs (one maiden), Chris Slater 1 for 11 off four overs, Nathan Eiszele 1 for 71 off eight overs.

Elimination final: New Norfolk kept its finals hopes a live with an excellent win over Rokeby at Abbotsfield Park. New Norfolk won the toss, elected to bat and hit up the great score of 6 for 269 off 50 overs (38 extras). In reply Rokeby put up a good fight only to be bowled out for 222 off 44.2 overs (18 extras). New Norfolk batting: Ashley Morgan 55, Jamie Maddox 39, Glen Williams 33, Chris Ashcroft 28, Stewart Rice 28, Leigh Berry 25 not out, Jamie Hill 20no. New Norfolk bowling: Ashley Morgan 3 for 40 off 10 overs, Jamie Maddox 2 for 41 off 7.2 overs, Rohan Heron 2 for 57 off 10 overs, Josh Walsh 1 for 14 off two overs, Graeme Rowlands 1 for 17 off six overs (one maiden), Josh Rowlands 1 for 27 off five overs.

Qualifying final, 4th Grade: In a close match at Boyer Oval, Bushy Park suffered a two wicket loss to McRobies Gully. McRobies won the toss and sent Bushy Park in to bat. After a slow start Bushy Park got to a defendable total of 10 for 156 off 41.4 overs (23 extras). In reply McRobies scrambled its way to victory, but only just and at one stage they were 8 for 11 before finishing with 8 for 158 off 41.2 overs. Bushy Park batting: Andrew Smith 44, Terrence Pritchard 33, Shaun Fenton 29, Mitch Crosswell 10, M. Frichol 10. McRobies Gully bowling: S. Coombes 4 for 20 off 10 overs (three maidens), J. Bailey 3 for 24 off 7.4 overs (two maidens), H. Thomas 2 for 48 off nine overs, R. Mazengarb 1 for 14 off seven overs (one maiden). McRobies Gully batting: B. Hardaker 67, G. Cannan 48. Bushy Park bowling: Mitch Crosswell 3 for 15 off 10 overs (three maidens), Dylan Grant 2 for 41 off eight overs, Terrence Pritchard 1 for 28 off 8 overs (one maiden), M. Frichol 1 for 32 off nine overs (one maiden).

Willow Court fire update

Starting the demolition of F Ward

THERE has been a partial demolition of Willow Court's F Ward this afternoon to allow greater access to the still-smoldering building.

An excavator arrived on scene early this afternoon to allow the fire brigade to "punch a hole" in the eastern wing of the building. It is the brigade's policy not to enter buildings at Willow Court and the former Royal Derwent due to the extensive damage done by vandals in the 12 years since the hospitals closed.

The partial demolition has allowed greater access to the underfloor and roof space of the building, which has suffered major damage in the fire which is thought to have started late last night.

Fire investigators discovered several items which have have been forwarded to Tasmania Police forensic officers for potential fingerprint and DNA evidence.
 

The partial demolition has allowed greater access to the fire at F Ward, Willow Court

Heritage lost to fire

AN overnight fire has destroyed one of the heritage buildings adjoining the Willow Court Oval at New Norfolk. Despite heavy rain falling at times, the deliberately-fit fire gutted the former F Ward and its remains will face demolition this week.

The fire was reported just before midnight, and three crews from the New Norfolk Fire Brigade were soon on scene, finding the solid brick building well alight. Support was called in from the Hobart Fire Brigade, including an aerial (snorkel) unit.

Incident controller Peter Brazendale said the fire appeared to have several points of origin, suggesting it was a case of arson.

Firefighters remain on the scene as the building continues to smolder. The building dates to the late 1930s and is part of the former hospital site owned by the Derwent Valley Council. The council recently resolved to offer F Ward and three adjoining buildings for sale by expressions of interest.

Meadowbank open days

MEADOWBANK Vineyard has pushed ahead with its scheduled open days this weekend despite the devastation it has suffered in the last week. The Ellis family is welcoming visitors again tomorrow (Sunday) from noon until 5pm as part of the annual Southern Vineyards Open Weekend. Read more in the Mercury's report here.

Fire likely to burn for weeks

Mayors Flint and Evans with Gerald Crawford

THE Meadowbank bushfire had been caused by a car driving in long grass last Saturday, the Bushy Park community was told at a fire service briefing today.

About 20 members of the public attended the 1pm meeting at the Bushy Park War Memorial Swimming Pool Hall, along with representatives of Local Government and the Tasmania Fire Service, Tasmania Police, State Emergency Service and the National Parks and Wildlife Service.

TFS incident controller Greg Butters said rain was expected later tonight and this would help to bring the fire under control. Fire crews will remain at the scene for the next few days at least, blackening out control lines. An infra-red survey carried out this morning had indicated the hot-spots that needed further attention.

Mr Butters said the fire was likely to burn for several weeks to come, until there was significant rain.

TFS district officer Gerald Crawford urged everyone to become better prepared for bushfires and grassfires. "For those who haven't done any fire protection planning around their home, now is the time to do so," he said.

Latest advice: Current from: 3/3/2012 4:26PM until: 4/3/2012 9:30AM or further notice

There is a large bushfire at Meadowbank Rd, Meadowbank, which is in the process of being contained.

The fire danger rating in this area is forecast to be low-moderate. Fire under these conditions can be controlled .

There is no immediate threat to communities. This bushfire is predominately within established containment lines.

At times during the day there may be smoke in the area due to back burning operations near Rockmount Rd and along Ellendale Rd, from Gordon River Rd north to Jones River Rd. 

Reported road closures: Nil

What to do:

• Review your bushfire plan now; well constructed and prepared homes are defendable in these conditions.
• Unless you are a resident or on business, consider avoiding travel in this area.
• Stay informed in case conditions change.
• Monitor ABC Local Radio and www.fire.tas.gov.au for further information.

Meadowbank bushfire meeting

THE Tasmania Fire Service will hold a public meeting at the Bushy Park War Memorial Swimming Pool tomorrow (Saturday) at 1pm, to update the local community on the Meadowbank fire. This update will include information on the current situation and what TFS has planned over the next few days.

Community members are encouraged to attend the meeting to gain firsthand information on the current situation. More than 5000 hectares has been burnt but the fire is largely contained and firefighting crews will continue to strengthen containment lines.

The public is asked to remain vigilant and report any new fires or suspicious activity by phoning triple zero (000). Continue to monitor ABC Local Radio and http://www.fire.tas.gov.au/ for further information and instructions.

The Tasmania Fire Service, the Parks and Wildlife Service and Forestry Tasmania are continuing to work together to control this fire. At times there may be smoke in the area due to backburning operations near Rockmount Rd and along Ellendale Rd, from Gordon River Rd north to Jones River Rd.


There are no reported road closures.