General Chit Chat

The wonderful life of environmentalist, writer, film maker, teacher, activist conservationist, Vincent Serventy, and long time Patron of MAC, has come to an end with his recent death. What a lot of changes Vincent saw from his first historical battle to stop the building of a swimming pool in Kings Park Perth; the mining in Dryandra Forest in Western Australia, the fight to save the Franklin River and Lake Pedder. His years as a life member of the Wildlife Preservation Society and his many other committees which worked to preserve our environment. He wrote more than 70 books; wrote columns for the Daily Telegraph and the Herald, made many documentary films for television and campaigned relentlessly for public access to the Sydney Harbour foreshores and more. We send our condolences to Carol his wife since 1955, his children Natasha, Catherine and Matthew and their grandchildren. A memorial service was held at Pearl Beach Memorial Hall on 23rd September to honour a man of integrity, who loved the world he lived in - Vincent Serventy.

The inaugural "Fatherhood - Heart & Soul" Exhibition held in partnership with the Benevolent Society 24 August - 2 September, was enhanced by the wonderful portraits done by students at Brisbania, Empire Bay, Ettalong, Holgate, Narara and Umina Public Schools. Each child received a 'thank you' certificate for participating. Two prizes kindly donated by Eckersleys of Erina, were presented to a child from Narara Public School and Brisbania Public School who both received the most public choice votes. Thanks to Gosford Libraries for receiving the works. Thanks to Dr John Irvine for his support. The winner of the Adult Public Choice entry, was Jan Stark who wrote a poem to accompany her painting. The number of entries by adult artists was disappointing, but hopefully next year, the artists will be more prepared. Many thanks to Helen Polkinghorne, Manager of Community Services, Gosford City Council; Debra Schleger, Manager Arts and Culture, Gosford City Council, Donna at Gosford Council Printing, Terri Graham at the Gallery for helping design the posters and invitation, the teachers and students and artists who made it all possible. Thanks also to the MAC Board members who did the catering and Robert Boyle of the Benevolent Society for his initiative.

We welcome new members Phyllis Horne, Christine Burge, Sandy Eager, Gabriele Richter.

Congratulations to Gosford Chamber of Commerce who launched their book "Celebrating 60 Years" at a Cocktail Party on 14th September at Iguana Joes. The book makes interesting reading with photos of our old town & people, plus histories going back in time. The book is available from the Chamber for $15. Phone 4323 1735 or call at the Tourism Office in Mann Street Gosford.

Congratulations to Rhonda and her team at Gosford Senior Citz. Centre for organising the 25th Grandma Moses Exhibition held 12/13 September. Winner of the Open Award - Bernie Smith. Watercolour winner Susan Gilbert; Senior Citz Centre Art Group Award, Elsie Jollow. Novice Group - Keith Bungey; Central Coast Inspired Work - Jan Wulf. Many thanks to Gosford City Council for supporting this exhibition and donating the prize money. The judges were Bev. Whyte, Indigenous Curator and Education Officer Gosford Regional Gallery, Jean Carney, CC Art Society and Margaret Hardy.

CONGRATULATIONS to our Sculptors who sold work at the Sculptors Guild Exhibition in Sydney. Leila Desborough,and Fay Smith. Kay Allibrand was the winner with a mosaic burqua over a veiled shape.

Wyong's Theatrefest happened 8th September with Jill Mather's play "What's the Matter with Dulcie" taking out the Best Play Award. Jill was also invited to allow NIDA to re-work the script to perform. Pollyanna won the best actress award, Joan Dalgleish the most versatile actor (she performed in 3 roles) Woy Woy Little Theatre won the Best Ensemble. Jill Mather's other play "Colettes' Feast was also acknowledged. Congratulations one and all.

Brenda Logan is preparing a play "Bury the Dead" for International Women's Day 2008 on the Peninsula. An Art Competition plus Central Coast Troubadours performing will make this an interesting IWD. Thanks to Gosford City Council Grants program.