Around Cootamundra | November 22

They were abroad for close on a month, beginning the trip in Calgary, then onto that stunning village Banff. There Ashleigh and Sue rode on horses whilst Wilma brought up the rear on a chuck wagon! From there into Jasper, where they cruised over Lake Maligne out to Spirit Island. Then caught the Rocky Mountaineer Gold Leaf train to Vancouver where they spent a day or two. It was onto Volendam from Vancouver where they cruised the Inside Passage up to Juneau, the highlight there a helicopter ride over four glaciers, landing in a camp to enjoy a dog sledge ride through the snow (check out Wilma in the photo).

From there it was back into Vancouver for four more busy days, followed by a float plane ride over yet more glaciers, landing in Whistler, heading out from Granville for a spot of whale watching.

More exciting travels through Canada followed, then they flew to Hawaii for three nights where Wilma took a short tour of Pearl Island.

Oh, what a sensational trip and top lady Wilma Hayne (all of 88 years young) 'never missed a beat'.

The girls wish to thank the staff at Cootamundra's Hello World who booked the trip in detail for them and there wasn't a hiccup.

Next on Wilma's 'bucket list' is a trip to Italy mid next year (rumour has it it's already booked!)

Delighted to be kept informed by Dot Woodman from Wattle Grove of all the 'social doings' that take place there.

Where is Wattle Grove? Just off Adam Street, into Short Street, then through to many lovely flower gardens which front the many spacious villas spread throughout.

The hub of the residents' social life is the Village Centre building there by the creek, where family gatherings and other events take place. A number of Wattle Grove ladies recently hosted a large group of residents from the nursing home to a delicious afternoon tea and much chatter.

Members from our local Fire Brigade called recently to chat to residents about fire safety and install fire blankets in each villa. Dot commented that she is loving her life at Wattle Grove.

The Wallendbeen Red Cross Christmas Fair is set to take place on Saturday morning, November 30. This gathering has been taking place for more years than I can remember and is always a resounding success.

The venue is the Wallendbeen Community Hall, where when you arrive a 'mirror maze' of stalls will greet you filled with Christmas gifts, Christmas cakes for sale, plants, pre-loved books and much more. A highlight is always their Devonshire morning tea.

As the year comes to an end, the CADAS Kids look back on yet another busy year highlighted by its on-stage production of 'Bollywood Crazy'.

They are frequently in demand at many events around the district because of their talent FACE PAINTING.

In October, they attended the highly successful Harden Kite Festival, where the Kids did no less than 200 faces.

They will be in attendance at the Lions Christmas Fair on Saturday, December 7, which will be held at Fisher Park, commencing after 4pm. They are also busy organising their annual Christmas party which is set to be a hoot with a fun dress-up theme.

Each year the first box of cherries to arrive at the Flemington Markets from Young is auctioned with the money going to a children's charity. Well, this year members of the Young Cherry Festival Committee plus the cherry Festival Queen Entrants were present to witness the auction and thrilled that $20,000 was the final bid. The money will be distributed to two children's charities.

Again a busy weekend is happening in the district - beginning Saturday, November 23 with the EA Southee School street stall taking place in the Lions van outside the Westpac Bank. There is sure to be yummy delights on sale.

The Jugiong Art Exhibition kicks off tonight (Friday, November 22) with a cocktail party and is open to all over the weekend at the Jugiong Community Hall, from 10am to 4pm.

Sunday there is a Foodie Night Market at the lovely Cootamundra Racecourse under the palm trees, with the revamped grandstand, afternoon tea room and outbuilding there a must-see. Beginning at noon and providing eight hours of food, glorious food - do try the international food on offer, relax and listen to music, there will be a bar on-site and a jumping castle for the kids.

Finish the weekend on Sunday evening in Jubilee Park (after 5pm) with the Annual Prayer Rally taking place. Come along, sit under the trees and participate in song and prayer or just take the time to listen and enjoy the company of those present.