Belltrees Broadsheet

Yoga nuts

2011-12-14T00:59:00.000-08:00

Paulina White will be sorely missed by her yoga student, PMW, as she heads back to Sydney at the end of December 2011. Namaste

Polo in the Park - Sydney

2011-12-13T03:44:00.001-08:00

Jasper gets a crack at the social life at Centennial Park Sydney by entertaining the crowd to a fun polo day.

To kick start the entertainment, Vodaphone gave the boys (dressed in their polo clobber), a new mobile phone to hold at one end of the polo pitch whilst the orders were given for 120 girls to marshall at the other end. The gun sounded and the girls charged; unsure which was the better attraction; the phones or the boys . What chance did they have??

The crowd was noisey and encouraging. The Champagne flowed and so did the polo.

Hunter River snags Toyota

2011-11-05T23:07:00.000-07:00

Whoops. Soft river bed claims another victim after months of good rain and strong river flows.

Will getting some air in Greece

2011-08-27T14:07:00.000-07:00

World Cup Polo playoffs in Malaysia

2011-07-19T03:31:00.000-07:00

Alec White teamed up with Mat Grimes, Ed Goold and Zac Hagedoorn for the Pacific Region playoffs prior to the finals to be held in Argentina in November later this year. Australia were lucky to book a seat on the plane with a narrow last minute win over South Africa to earn 3rd place.

Cousin Jasper White travelled as reserve and father Anto helped out with the horse management. Well done Alec and well done Australia.

Polo with the Princes

2011-07-07T04:36:00.000-07:00

Will White teamed up with Prince Harry and newly-wed Prince William at the Longdole Polo Tournament (UK) for a charity match and ended up run out winners taking home the silver, the acholades and some Royal friendships.

Ruby Hyland and Indi team up

2011-07-03T02:55:00.000-07:00

We had a little friend come out for a sleep over last weekend. Ruby Hyland from Scone came out to help Serena with a Day Tour for 50 Japanese Agricultural students and meet the new pup; Indi;

When the "Master" turns 70

2011-06-29T03:58:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we travelled down to Camperdown , Western Districts, Victoria to help celebrate a legend's 70 Birthday ; John Crosby Goold. Many of his old mates including Sinclair Hill made the pilgrimage South and in typical Goold style we all dresseed up in either Hunt livery or morning suit.

John was recently inducted into the Carlton Football "Hall of Fame" along with his long term mentor and Coach, Ron Barrassi. Goold's football prowess is still talked about in sporting corridors down Victoria way. Was he mad or eccentric? Both most probably, BUT thats what makes him tick.

And when you straddle your 17 hh mount in full livery and knock back the stirrup cup at 7:30 am in preparation for a day out fox hunting with "Hunt Master" Goold and the Ellerslie pack of hounds, you will agree. There is something peculiarly special about this bloke; especially after entertaining 160 guests to a formal luncheon the day before.

We first met JG when he stayed at Belltrees back in the 1970's when he represented Victoria in the Gold Cup Polo Team. Happy 70 years Goold.

Winter chill but family keeps you warm.

2011-06-21T01:56:00.001-07:00

How good is the chill of winter with the warmth of midday sun on your face, a fire, a picnic, grilled steak, some red wine, a new pup, family and friends, kids and a kite; and a back ground of mountains and running water?

Rain at last

2011-06-17T02:04:00.000-07:00

90 mm of wonderful rain found its way to the Upper Hunter Valley in the past 3 days. Whilst others to our North (Kempsey/ Coffs Harbour measures in the 100's mm and Maitland to the South as well; we were extreemly happy to get under a shower at long last. Dams are now full and the rivers have run a banker ; Lake Glenbawn is over 90% full and there is a green tinge on the ground with, as yet, not many frosts much to record this winter. Lucky!!!

Qld Cousins drop in for a wedding

2011-05-29T00:46:00.000-07:00

Ben Greenslade exchanged vows with Victoria Godfrey at the alter of St James Chapel on the weekend Saturday 30 April. The convoy of four wheel drives, bull bars and aerials launched themselves on Belltrees. It was a great middle ground for the Maroons and Blues to catch up and discuss old times. Aunties and Uncles hit the dance floor with nephews and nieces and the Bundaberg Rum flowed freely.

Generation Y turning 21

2011-05-13T23:15:00.000-07:00

Cousins Alec White and Harry Bennett created the perfect "Y Gen" party by making us all dress up in theme "legions of music". There were lots of Roy Orberson, Cher, Michael Jackson, Danny and Sandy (ex Grease) and plenty of bling and flesh. John and Yoko joined up with Beethoven to change the World but The Jackson Five stole the show and even ABBA had a come back.

Serena on stage in Moonan Mummers Production

2011-04-27T02:01:00.000-07:00

The Bi annual stage production by the Moonan Mummers (2011) included a NEW caste member in this years highly successful production of "Opportunity Knocks". YES our own Serena "thespian" White has relished the opportunity to try her hand and voice on stage. "Madge" (a lady of the "House") along with the caste of 16, enthralled audiences (packed house every night)over three weeks in April.

Its a must do on the social calendar. Book in for the next show in 2013. Dinner /show $40. Its great entertainment.

Scott Bevan ABC, canoes the Hunter River for a story

2011-03-08T02:35:00.000-08:00

Scott Bevan has been landed with a story to tell. He has been commissioned to publich a book on his travels and tales of the Hunter River; from Ellerston (junction of Pages Ck and Hunter River) to the mouth at Newcastle. His challenge is to canoe the lot and interveiw the characters along the way. Scott called in at Belltrees to check out the river and to test the water. If you want to join us on the adventure from Moonan Flat to Belltrees (Lake Glenbawn) give us a call.

The Belltrees menagerie boasts a new baby donkey

2011-02-23T01:19:00.000-08:00

"Bindy", a Minature Irish donkey, and one of the many favourite pets around the Country House, has produced another cracker progeny; a grey jenny foal. Have a look for yourself; these things are the best pets for young kids; they're soft, gentle, easy to maintain and the kids can ride them, feed them and love them.

Belltrees boys in Australian "Colts" Polo team

2011-02-15T23:45:00.000-08:00

Both Alec and Jasper White were selected to play for the Australian Colts Polo team which toured New Zealand during the first 2 weeks of February 2011. The team played in Christchurch, Hawkes Bay and Kihikihi (Waikato region near Cambridge).

The boys won all three matches and combined well to give the Kiwis a hiding (8 - 5) in the final Test match in front of 3,000 spectators. Their game was the curtain raiser to the International match between a "World" side and New Zealand's best.

It was a great experience for the two White boys who now go on to play the forthcoming Ellerston 8, 14 and 16 goal tournamnets and have a chance of being selected in the World Cup squad to tour Malaysia later in the year.

How was your Christmas???

2011-01-08T14:49:00.001-08:00

More natives call in over New Year

2011-01-07T21:21:00.000-08:00

It seems that the Country House is still on the visiting list for natives. Two eastern grey "lankies" hopped in to say G'day at 6:00 am on Judy White's birthday; 7th January.

Canoe the Hunter River this January

2010-12-28T23:11:00.000-08:00

Book in for a fun family holiday this January at Belltrees and canoe the spectacular Hunter River all the way to Lake Glenbawn. Ample rain has kept a strong flow in the River which has made canoeing so much fun; Safe for all the family.... and there's plenty of great fishing as well; bass, perch and trout; so throw in your fishing rod and come and see us.

Run the rapids and paddle the ponds. Its soothing and rewarding with plenty of wildlife all the way downstream to Lake Glenbawn from the Belltrees Station (approximately 10 km).

Click http://www.belltrees.com/ for more information.

The playful Corella drops in

2010-12-21T13:05:00.000-08:00

With all the rain comes overgrown grass , blossoming trees and an abundance of wild life. 100's of Corellas have decided to make their playground the Belltrees Country House lawn. The noise is unbelievable. The Hunter Bird Observers club would be estatic at the volume of bird specis now present . Finch , wren, butcher bird, grey thrush, heron, duck, cormorant, cuckoo, bower bird, pigeon, honeyeater, robin, babbler, parrot ...... and the list goes on; and thats only in the garden.

Up beat season at Belltrees

2010-12-12T22:50:00.000-08:00

The river is up, the grass is up and so is the market. "The best season in 20 years" says Anto White. Outlook for beef cattle remains bouyant with feedloters cashing in on low wheat prices and restockers now struggling to find sufficient numbers of cattle to utilise the eccess feed. What a difference the rain makes.

"Belltrees Queen" wins prestigious pony prize at POLO Dinner

2010-12-12T14:06:00.000-08:00

At the Scone Polo Club Presentation Dinner held on Saturday 11 December 2010, Alec White accepted the award on behalf of both he and William for the most outstanding first season pony; "Belltrees Queen".

The night was a great finalie to a very successful year. President Mack Lee Warner highlighted the enormous effort by members in raising funds to go towards the purchase of the new grounds at Dartbrook. Scone Polo Club now stands strong as one of the largest and most secure Polo Clubs in Australia.

Phoebe completes 3 weeks prac. teaching at Belltrees School

2010-12-02T13:25:00.000-08:00

Two years into her diploma at ACPE, Phoebe has just completed her first 3 week prac teaching stint at Belltrees Primary School.

"Teaching children from kindergarten to 6 grade all in one class room has been a challenge but the experience under Mrs Jones' strict tutelage has been most rewarding. Ive learn't a lot. And the offer to go to Tonga and complete my next year's prac would be very exciting" says Phoebe.

School from Tonga visits Belltrees

2010-12-01T17:35:00.000-08:00

61 School kids from Tonga came to visit Belltrees as part of an Australian Exchange School Program. When the doors of the bus opened the atmosphere came to light as the magnificent Tongan voices sang and laughed their arrival.

Anto showed them the art of branding calves , handling young horses, weighing steers and working polo horses. What an eye opener for the kids. One of the boys, Pita, billeted at Ed and Paulina's house, was dressed "Australian" for the special occassion. He had never been on a horse before.

http://www.nbntv.com.au/index.php/2010/12/02/sounds-of-the-south-pacific-ring-out-in-the-hunter/

Seven siblings annual get together

2010-12-01T12:20:00.000-08:00

When Michael White passed away in 1999 his seven children formulated a Family Plan of Arrangements. This Arrangement set out a security agreement between the siblings for the continuation of Belltrees. Every year the SEVEN brothers and sisters get together for a catch up, a reminisce and a discussion of things 'family". In 2010 they visited the HL White Stamp collection in the Mitchell Library, Sydney. They were fortunate enough to meet with prominant philatelist Ben Palmer ( Royal Sydney Philatelic Club) and Dr Phillip Sharp, Nicky Parshal (Head of Conservation, Mitchell Library) and Sue Hunt who all helped explain the Collection. It was a proud moment.

Jasper heads to Argentina after a successful Polo season

2010-11-15T21:23:00.000-08:00

Jasper has been a very fortunate young man to have had the opportunity to play with great players and successful teams throughout 2010. The silver in the trophy cabinet reflects successes in ; Kerry Packer 14 Goal, Morton Cup 12G, Kurri Burri 12G, Dudley Cup, NSW Colts @ Royal Easter Show, NSW Colts @ Windsor pre Test, Gold Coast 10G, Willow Croft 10G, Ashling 10G, Mercedes 10G, Sydney 14 G, Ellerston Spring 14 G, Gurrangula 14G.

A very strong start to his Polo career. Go hard Jasper.....................

PW goes into hospital for running repairs

2010-11-15T21:18:00.000-08:00

A half century on and a few of the old body parts, damaged when I was 17, have started to wear out. Fortunately NSOSMC has come to the rescue with a one stop shop for body parts; a new knee and new ankle is on order for 2010. Guarenteed for 10 years.

Hopefully ill be back in the saddle come February 2011.

Phoebe takes on the big boys at Scone ODE

2010-09-30T00:08:00.000-07:00

Phoebe White (pictured); finished 3rd in Preliminary behind Tim Boland and Sam Lyle at Scone Horse Trials One Day Event riding Glenugie Maverick last weekend

What a fantastic result for Phoebe as it's her first ride back after 3 years away from the horses.

"Maverick"is a 6 year old gelding from the James Archibald stable. He was too big to play polo so Serena took him on last year to introduce him to the world of eventing. He's now ready to go pre novice thanks to Phoebe's great ride.

Triumph for local Scone Polo Team over Ellerston

2010-09-26T13:53:00.001-07:00

President Scone Club, Mr Mack Lee Warner and Mrs Judy White, Patron of the Scone Polo Club savour the moment at the victory presentation of the Macintyre Cup to home side SCONE over the weekend..

Local Scone boys; Alec White, Doug Munro , Sam Gunn and Ed Archibald (photos left) ended up victors over the well mounted Ellerston Team in the final of the prestigious Macintyre Cup. Alec White clinched the victory in the closing seconds of the game with a controlled individual goal running it in from 90 meters out through tight defence. Final score 9 -8 to Scone.

C grade victors of the Hunter Valley Cup were Alec and Will White with brother and sister combination Bingham and Philippa Fitz Henry from Qld. (Photo right)

Belltrees School Sports running hot

2010-08-31T03:56:00.001-07:00

Belltrees Primary School hosted the Small Schools Athletic Carnival again this year with kids running their little hearts out for their respective schools. Ollie and Freddie White represented Belltrees for the first time and did their school proud. Not many podium finishes came Belltrees way but there were many golden moments.

In form player of the year; Alec White

2010-08-30T14:02:00.000-07:00

Alec White in action

Polo season rearing to go

2010-08-30T13:56:00.000-07:00

Jasper; settling in to his first game at Ellerston............................

And now..........................Jasper, William and Alec White are currently in Queensland playing the 10 goal tournaments in preparation for the forthcoming Spring Polo calendar down under. Mark your diaries from September 25/26 all the way through to the end of October. There will be plenty of fast polo action at Scone and Ellerston Polo Clubs.

White cousins enjoying hols at Belltrees

2010-07-15T16:24:00.000-07:00

Judy White now has 19 grandchildren and its great to see them back at Belltrees catching up with each other.

The value of garden sculptures

2010-06-24T17:35:00.000-07:00

Some bird friends .........blue cranes (white faced herons) ..........dropped in to check out the stork sculpture on the island of the the garden pond.!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Not sure if they struck up a conversation or not!??

Photography becoming more of an obsession now as the old bkn leg patiently journeys thru the heiling process.............4 weeks now since 31 May; hopefully the brace will come off in 2 more wks.

Red sky sunrise over Belltrees

2010-06-20T16:48:00.000-07:00

Im laid up for 6 weeks with a broken leg so have taken the camera out to shoot some early morning June sunrises; waking up the world in magnificent colour. Hope you like.

Jasper White in winning Ellerston Polo Team at Dudley Cup NSW State Champs

2010-05-26T01:34:00.000-07:00

Jasper White (Ellerston) WINS Dudley Cup State Championships by a goal. A close and very tough final against Goulburn last Sunday afternoon at Windsor Polo Club saw Ellerston Polo Club run out winners of the prestigeous NSW Champion Club Trophy in its 100th year of presentation.

Quarter Horses get some fine tuning at Belltrees

2010-05-10T05:20:00.000-07:00

Leading up to the Tamworth Futurity at the end of May the Hunter Valley Cutting Horse Club gave their Quarter Horses some fine tuning in the Belltrees Arena. Billy Neveille here in action on his Futurity nomination............. looking good

Ed White and and family hit Belltrees

2010-05-10T01:45:00.000-07:00

Ed, Paulina, Ollie and Freddie WHITE have relocated to Belltrees from Sydney for a couple of years to find their country roots. They have nested into the Munro Cottage along with chooks, goat, kids ponies and Streak the family dog. Ollie and Freddie immediately fitted into the Belltrees Primary School and Paulina has slotted into her casual teaching role at Scone Grammar School. Ed is now on the Belltrees Pastoral Co books and is loving the "dirty hands" trade of farming.

Belltrees Polo Horses For Sale

2010-03-09T23:31:00.000-08:00

We currently have a selection of polo horses for sale. These horses have been playing in the Scone Polo League throughout May this year and are now ready to go.

Visit our website for all the details.

Welcome to the Belltrees Broadsheet

2010-03-09T23:01:00.000-08:00

We will keep you updated with all the lastest news from Belltrees and events that are happening on the property and in the Upper Hunter.

For further details visit our website. http://www.belltrees.com/

Or phone 02 6546 1123.