Ruby Hyland and Indi team up

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

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.

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.