Winter chill but family keeps you warm.

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

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

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

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

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

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

"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.