Previous Activities
The following is a list of some of the past Activities run by BLOG.
A big thanks to John Lindsay for helping with text & photos.
Organic Vegetable growing
August 28th [Saturday]
This will be a talk-fest of topics close to the organic gardener’s heart.
We will hear from Rex Maddocks on vegetable growing and from Philippa Hambleton we will learn about collecting and grafting hardwood cuttings.
Remember to bring a hat, a chair and a plate to share(either morning tea or lunch) as well as a cup, plate & cutlery.
The ever popular Bring and Buy stall will be held, so if you have any surplus produce, seedlings, jams etc., please bring them along as the proceeds will go to charity.
The venue is to be the Wallangarra School of Arts, Wallangarra in Merinda Street, Wallangarra. Turn east off the highway into Margetts Street At the 2ndcrossroad turn right into Merinda Street. Look for the BLOG signs.
Bee-Keeping at Ballandean Hall
July 24th [Saturday]
The event will be held at Ballandean Hall.
Joe Olley, a local beekeeper, will talk to us about beekeeping.
We will also hear a report from John & Julie Lindsay about their recent visit to Findhorn in Scotland. Please see the website at www.findhorn.org.
As usual, it looks like being an informative and enjoyable event. We hope to see you there. Remember to bring a hat, a chair and a plate to share(either morning tea or lunch).
Organic Lamb at "Mallow"
June 19 (a Saturday)
The June BLOG field day will be held at Andrew & Helen Ferrier’s property, “Mallow”.
View the website on www.mallow.net.au/
“Mallow” is a certified organic property and Andrew will explain how he produces fat lambs without the use of harsh chemicals.
As a treat he will be cooking some of his product in an outdoor oven on the day for all to try. Many of us know already how delicious this is.
As usual morning tea is at 10am with Andrew’s talk commencing at 11am. Lunch will be at approx. 12.30pm. As Andrew is kindly cooking some of his delicious lamb for us could you please bring either morning tea or a salad or bread to share for lunch.
Also don’t forget cups, plates & cutlery as well as a chair and a hat. It would be great if everyone could bring their own cup to reduce the amount of washing up at the end of the day.
We will be having the usual Bring and Buy. The proceeds are to go to a charitable organization connected to healthy food production. Please bring any surplus vegetables, plants, seedlings, jams etc. that you think others would like to purchase. These usually sell like ‘hot cakes’ and are a good way to obtain chemical free products while at the same time helping those less fortunate.
It will be a fun, information packed day, so see you there.
“Mallow” is at 1957 Texas Road, Stanthorpe, approximately 20 kms from Stanthorpe. To get there, follow the signs to Texas Rd from High Street, Stanthorpe. Follow Texas Road past Greenlands School, then once you go over the grid it is 2km on left.
Biodynamics
May 15 (Saturday)
The BLOG field day on 15 May will be at The Summit hall. The topic is biodynamics, a subject we all want to know more about. The presenters will be Doug Fox and Harley West, with maybe another biodynamic practitioner if we can get him. As usual, we arrive at 10am for tea and coffee, and the talk will start at 11am sharp. Please bring a plate to share, for either lunch or morning tea.
After lunch there will be a seed swap. If you have any seed you want to give away, put it in a bag or envelope, and clearly mark on the package what type of seed it is. It doesn't matter if you don't know the variety or date you collected it. For example, I have some seeds of a climbing stringless bean that produces all season until the frost kills it. I have no idea of the variety, I have named it after the woman who gave me the original seeds, and she named them after the man who gave her the original seeds. So I will mark the package "stringless climbing bean". There will be recycled envelopes there and biros to write on them, to carry seed home.
Also, don't forget the Bring and Buy. The aim is to raise some money for a charity that has something to do with healthy food production. Just bring along any surplus vegetables, seedlings, plants, bags of manure, or anything that you have too much of and somebody else might like to buy. It is a great way to pick up some chemical-free produce at a very reasonable price, and help someone less fortunate than ourselves.
Environmentally friendly termite control and then Dowsing
March
27 (a Saturday)
Environmentally
friendly termite control will be the main topic of this day. Ted Williams will
teach us about termites and their fascinating lives, as well as what to do
about them.
He
will also show us another form of dowsing.
This
event will be held at the home of Dell Tierney, “Dacelo”, Scrub Road,
Tenterfield.
To
get there travelling from the north through Tenterfield, take the last street
on the left before the 80km sign going out of Tenterfield. This is Clifton
Street. Go to the end and turn right into Scrub Road. Continue on the road
about 13km.
At
the Y junction, take the left fork, becoming a dirt road, continue for about
2km. At Mill Lane turn left at the “no through road” sign, over the ramp
and the house is on the left. Sounds complicated, don’t worry, just
follow the BLOG signs.
Landcare Adventure - Tenterfield
April
21 & 22 (a Wednesday & Thursday)
Tenterfield
is hosting this year’s adventure, with activities planned at Deep Water,
Tenterfield and Mole River. It is necessary to book for this, and once the
programme is finalised registration forms will be sent to all BLOG members by
the Tenterfield Landcare Office.
Maximising the potential of your location to minimise your energy requirements.
Saturday February 20th
This will be held at Rockwell Street, Wallangarra at the new block of Gerry Voigtlander. Here is a unique opportunity to follow the development of a garden literally from the ground up.
Gerry recently purchased this land, and so far has added a shed, a tank, and the foundations for his house.
He will explain how to start planting a garden so that the early plants create microenvironments for the plants that are to come later. Other considerations for planting are how to plant trees around the house for shade and warmth, where to plant deciduous trees and where to plant evergreens, how plantings will affect air quality and energy flows, how to make the most of a limited water supply by utilizing grey water, and the strategic use of insulation materials.
To get there travel to Wallangarra on the New England Highway. Turn off the highway opposite the Driver Reviver park, and look for Margetts Street. Follow this street until the end where Margetts meets Rockwell Street, and Gerry's property is directly across the road. There is plenty of parking outside.
Arrival time is 10am Qld (11am NSW) for morning tea, and 11am for Gerry's presentation. Bring a plate to share of morning tea or lunch, and a chair (and a hat etc).
Symara Organic Farm
November 28th 2009.
Ray and Samantha Palmer’s certified organic vegetable farm at 45 Dunns Road, The Summit, is the venue for the final BLOG gathering this year. The previous occasion BLOG visited their farm was in February, 2007. Since then they have come a long way, now having over forty different vegetable lines.
All were
impressed by the huge variety of vegetables they grow and how successful they
are at growing these without chemical herbicides and pesticides.
The day began with morning tea at 10.00 am followed by talks and farm walks at 11.00, and then lunch at about 12.30.
Samantha Palmer
(left) explaining details of vegetable farming without chemicals.
To get there turn off the New England Highway opposite The Summit Bowls Club, then immediately turn right. A short distance along turn left into Teale Rd. This road is windy, don’t turn off until you get to Dunns Rd, a left turn. Look for the BLOG signs.
Hands on gardening day
Saturday October 24, 2009
Fifty to sixty adults and children enjoyed a hands-on gardening day at the home of Linda and Chris
Desgrande. Attendees learned how to make no-dig gardens and divine for
underground water, while the children had a delightful time playing garden
games organised by Linda.
The day was hosted by Linda and Chris at 'Rivendell', 1416 Eukey Road, Eukey, not far on the Ballandean side of Eukey Hall.
For the children:
- a treasure hunt
- planting their own bean plant to take home
- bubble blowing
For the adults:
- making a 'no-dig' garden
- learn about dowsing
- how to make weed and manure teas
- see a bokashi bin in action
Human health day with Margaret Vincent and Peter Esdaile.
September 26 2009
Margaret Vincent is a Naturopath and Registered Nurse. Margaret talked about the link between soils, nutrition and health in the 21st century.
Peter Esdaile is a kinesiologist and chiropractor for people and animals. Peter talked about herbicide poisoning, viruses, sunspot activity on the sun and seismic activity, chemical exposure and genetic memory.
About seventy people attended the human health day in The Summit Hall with presenters Margaret Vincent and Peter Esdaile. Both speakers gave the audience a wealth of information on the importance of healthy food from healthy soils, and the long term dangers of exposures to herbicides and pesticides.
This was held at The Summit hall . Turn off the New England Highway opposite The Summit Bowls Club, and then immediately turn right. About a km along the hall is on the left, a bit back from the road, before Sam’s fruit store.
Pruning with Tom Dunn
August 15 2009
At 58 Wallangarra Road, Stanthorpe. Tom has been farming all his life, and will demonstrate pruning and let us have a try. Tom and Rosemarie Dunn have a fruit and vegetable farm full of interesting plants and varieties, and also goats and bee hives.
Coming from the south off the New England Highway, Wallangarra Rd is the main street into Stanthorpe, and number 58 is on the left.
Recycling with David Friend
June 20 2009
At David Friend’s property, BLOG members discovered the amazing qualities of Dunder, a waste liquid from the production of yeast. David showed participants the lush pastures and healthy fruit trees that have been responding so well to his applications of Dunder. Earlier in the day, David explained to members a variety of recyclable products that are useful for encouraging plant growth, and included a few good yarns.
David runs a recycling business and will talk about recycling industrial, household and commercial waste for use as organic fertiliser and mulch, with huge cost savings and benefits to the soil. He included examples of brewing wastes and dried human wastes.
The day will begin at The Summit hall at 10.00 am with morning tea and David’s talk will start at 11.00. After lunch there will be a paddock walk where David will show examples of what he does. Participants will leave the hall at 1.00 and travel to David’s nearby property on Newlands Road.
Energy day with Jonathan Rihan and Bruce Teakle.
June 20 2009
Last month, about fifty BLOG members jumped on a steep learning curve to find out about energy; where it comes from on the planet, how we can get it and the costs and benefits, not just for us personally, but also for the Earth. Jonathan Rihan and Bruce Teakle took people through some physics and history lessons and ended with practical demonstrations of equipment harnessing solar and wind energy.
Jonathan demonstrated some hardware, including a solar panel circuit, and wind generator.Both Jonathan and Bruce live in solar powered houses, raise children, run households, offices and workshops, but each uses less than a tenth of the average Qld electricity consumption.
To be held at Adrian and Esme Hobba’s place. From Stanthorpe go to Texas Rd, about 10k from town turn right into Elks Lane, first left into Spring Creek Road, left into Sonego Lane and follow the BLOG signs.
Forge, Tool repairing, Charcoal making & cooking on coals at Dragonweyr Forge.
May 23 2009
At the forge of Adrian and Esme Hobba, 10 Banksia Lane, Greenlands. We will do tool repairing and sharpening, charcoal making, and cooking on coals including damper. Bring along your tools that need attention.
This will be hosted by Adrian and Esme Hobba, family and friends with skills to assess, advise and assist BLOG members to execute repairs on garden tools.
The morning and afternoon work sessions will have a variety of activities going on concurrently. You may wish to participate actively or observe. To work at the forge you must have eye protection and leather shoes. Ear muffs or plugs are recommended. A selection of relevant hardware will be on hand if your tool needs handle, wedges etc. These will be available at cost. Burke and Gilbert have to travel. You will be asked to donate a small gold coin or two to cover their fuel costs.
On a cold, damp, wintry May day, about fifty BLOG members crowded around Adrian Hobba’s glowing forges to watch experienced blacksmiths breathe new life into their old gardening tools. Crowbars were sharpened, picks and forks reshaped and the tasty morsels coming from the Hobba’s pizza oven were devoured with gusto.
PROGRAMME.
9.30 - 10.00 Arrival and smoko.
10.00- 10.30 Morning talk; safety, organisation etc.
10.30- 12.30 Morning work session.
12.30- 1.30 Lunch. Bring and share usual lunch etc OR Make your own pizza, BYO toppings. We will provide dough.
1.30- 4.00 Afternoon work session.
Seed Saving & Food Storage
April 18 2009
A
seed saving and food storage day is to be held at the Summit Hall, on the old highway at The Summit.
A separate email has been circulated about collecting seed, which will be sorted and packaged on the day.
Also, in response to requests for advice on the proper storage of our wonderful home-grown produce, we have invited some people who still know the traditional methods for storing food and can pass on this valuable information to us.
Over sixty BLOG members attended the April gathering where they learned some of the traditional food storage techniques from two experienced growers who grew up on farms in Europe. Dick Rochford and Hilda Corney, both of Tenterfield, related some valuable information and entertained people with their fascinating anecdotes.
After lunch saw a hive of activity preparing and packaging seeds for storage and sale at the markets.
Sustainable Gardening at Glenrock Gardens
March 28 2009
This is an award winning cool climate garden. It has been featured in Gardening Australia and Country Style magazines, and won the Better Homes and Garden Australia-wide competition in 2005.
Carolyn Robinson talked on sustainable gardening, including hard and soft mulching.
Other features included the Blue Hills nursery, vegetable garden, chooks and ducks.
As well as
appreciating the beauty of this extensive 12 acre garden, members learned how
Carolyn had developed the garden over 20 years, including the use of local
resources such as love grass mulch. They were inspired by her achievements in
creating such an outstanding garden using organic methods without herbicides
and pesticides. Carolyn’s extensive gardening experience was demonstrated by
her ability to answer the many questions and problems members posed.
Glenrock Gardens, Washpool Ck Rd, [near the Deetswood Winery] Tenterfield.
Turn of the New England H’way into Old Ballandean Rd, opposite the Bruxner H’way turnoff. Next, turn left at the crossroads and look out for the BLOG signs.
The New England North West Landcare Adventure
March 24 & 25th 2009
For more information, contact:
Tel 02 6736 3500, Fax 02 6736 3500
Poultry
February Sunday 22nd 2009
The poultry club has invited us to be part of their field day. Although this is not an organic club, they are anxious to use as little chemical as possible, and are doing a marvelous job of preserving the old breeds of poultry. The day features a vet as quest speaker .
It will be held at 569 Eukey Road, Eukey via Stanthorpe.
Organic Garlic Growing.
Saturday October 18th 2008. 10am [NSW time]
Organic garlic growing at Dick and Dora Rochford’s place, “Carrigbyrne”, Geyers Rd, Tenterfield.
For those travelling from Stanthorpe, Geyers Road is off the New England Highway to the left and very well sign posted. It is not long before you get to the Bruxner Highway turn off.
If you are travelling from the south along the New England Highway it will be a right hand turn into Geyers Road, not long after the Bruxner Highway turnoff.
"Carrigbyrne" is about 1.5km along Geyers Road, so just look out for the BLOG signs.
Queenslanders please note: NSW is on Daylight Saving Time, so it will start at 9am Qld time.
Telephone 02 6736 3062
Horn retrieval
Sunday October 12
At Gerry Voigtlander’s , Wallace Court West, Glen Aplin. 
Again, be prepared to get dirty.
Devereux Organic Fruit Orchard.
Saturday September 20, 2008.
We will visit the orchard of Joe and Kath Devereux where they produce organic fruit and fruit juice. 
Joe's father began converting to organic when he purchased the farm in 1946. It has certainly been organic much longer than most, and if you have any questions about how it is done, Joe is the man to ask. 
Although Joe doesn’t cultivate anymore, he still has the Percheron horses he used to use for ploughing. 
Arrive from 10am onwards and have a cuppa and a chat. At 11am Joe will show us around and answer any questions about organic farming, and tell us a bit about Twin N, a dried bacteria preparation which they use to increase soil Nitrogen. 
At about 12.30 we'll break for lunch. 
Joe and Kath Devereux are at 17 Devereux Lane, Cottonvale.
The directions to the farm are as follows:
Turn off the New England Highway, left if you are travelling northward, into Middleton Road which takes you into Cottonvale. 
After crossing the railway line turn right, then left into Cottonvale School Road (Heritage Winery is on the corner). 
Follow this to the T junction, turn right into Newlands Road, then right again into Devereux Lane. Look for the BLOG signs. 
The usual applies - bring chair, lunch to share, boots, hats etc.
See you there,
Telephone 07 4685 2458
Buildings made from Earth and Recycled Materials.
August 24th 2008 [Sunday]
BLOG day at Allan & Kate’s farm, “Bestblock”, 513 Ellwood Road, Applethorpe, will be in two sessions. 
10am – 11am: for non-BLOG members only 
One hour talk and inspection of house and farm sheds made from earth and re-cycled materials, 
12 midday: BLOG members and interested people for share lunch at their campground, followed by detailed talks, demonstrations and inspections of alternate building materials and methods. 
Numbers are limited for both sessions, so bookings on 4683 2093 are essential.
Seeds, Soils, Minerals, Rocks & Harmonics.
Sat 19th July 2008
Saturday's BLOG day (19 July 2008) will be at the home of John and Julie Lindsay, 541 Dalcouth Road, Stanthorpe.
To get there from Stanthorpe, turn into Sugarloaf Road from Wallangarra Road. 
(For those travelling from Tenterfield, Sugarloaf Road is the second last turn to the right off the main drag before you cross the bridge into town).
Travel 4k then take the left fork (staying on Sugarloaf Road) then go another 2k to Dalcouth Road, which is a dirt road on the left. The entry to the property is 100 m on the right. 
We have organised a series of speakers, and in the usual style of a BLOG day, everything will run with clockwork precision (ha, ha).
The program runs like this:-
9.30am Arrival cup of tea
10.00 am sharp (yeah well) Welcome by John & Julie Lindsay 
10.15am Harley Granite Borders Landcare Committee
10.35am Barb Seed Savers 
10.45am Sarah Soil Foodweb 
11.10 - 11.30 Short break to stretch the legs 
11.30am Doug The rock around the rock 
11.50am Kim Christie Minerals? 
12.10pm Gerry Harmonics.
Don't forget to bring a chair, and lunch (or morning tea) to share.
Then lunch, and all finished in time to go to the Rare Wildflower Consortium's slide show in the afternoon, if you want to.
Please bring some ideas for next year's activities, and think about doing a stint on the organising committee - it is a lot of fun!
If you havn't done so already, it is once again time to pay the annual $12 donation.


Introduction to Biodynamic 
Agriculture, Viticulture & Fruit. 

Thursday 19th & Friday 20th June 2008
Queensland College of Wine Tourism, Stanthorpe QLD.
Presented by biodynamic vigneron Anton van Klopper and biodynamic educator Hamish Mackay.
This workshop will assist land managers, primary producers, horticulturalists & vignerons to improve overall farm health, quality and yields. The biodynamic preparations are one of the cheapest and most powerful activators for soil, plant and animal health.
Time: 9.00 am to 5.00 pm (both days)
Local Contact: Lel Doon ph. 07 4683 5180.
Download brochure at link at bottom of this page 
'Biodynamic Workshop, June 2008'


Bushcare at Red Bridge 

Saturday 14th June 2008
This will be a hands on day helping the Bushcare Volunteers with maintaining bush at the Red Bridge. 
Parking is at the end of Anzac Street, outside the Army Reserve gates, Stanthorpe.
Bring hat, gloves, Weeding forks, buckets etc. 
Start 9am, picnic lunch at 12 noon. No toilet at site.


Organic - Biodynamic Orchard 

Saturday May 24
Neil & Ruth Cook have an organic, biodynamic orchard which they do not irrigate. 
Neil will talk on farming operations, their reasons for entry into organics/biodynamics, preparations, types of produce, and marketing. 
There will be a farm walk, and possibly apples, apple juice and apple cider vinegar for sale.
The farm is at 66 Ridge Road, The Summit.
Telephone 07 4683 2233


Biodynamic Horn Burial

Sunday April 27
Gerry Voigtlander is hosting this day.
He lives at “Frog Hollow” on Wallace Court West. 
Turn off the highway opposite the Service Station at Glen Aplin. Turn right straight after the railway line, then left into Wallace Court, and left again at the T junction. Take the first driveway on the left.
Be prepared to get dirty.


Solar Power & Sustainable Living. 

Sunday April 20
A Solar Power day with Jonathan Rihan will bring us up to date with the latest developments on how to harvest this free, clean source of energy. 
Also see some alternative building styles, and learn about composting toilets.
The address is 163 Sonego Lane, Greenlands, west of Stanthorpe. 
From Stanthorpe go to Texas Rd, turn right into Elks Lane, first left into Spring Creek Road, left into Sonego Lane and follow the BLOG signs.
Telephone 07 4683 3241


Landcare Adventure 08 
Rejuvenation with Water 

Wed 2nd & Thur 3rd April
Rejuvenation with water is the theme at Bingara
Anyone & everyone welcome. Cost $55 per person.
Talks, Site visits, discussions and Awards. 
For more information contact: 
Granite Borders Landcare 
Tel 02 6736 3500 
Email landcare@halenet.com.au


Crystals and Natural Earth Powers 

Saturday March 15
Gerry Voigtlander is hosting this day, when he will share his interest in crystals and Natural Earth Powers. 
He lives at “Frog Hollow” in Wallace Court West, Glen Aplin. 
Turn off the highway opposite the Service Station at Glen Aplin. Turn right straight after the railway line, then left into Wallace Court, and left again at the T junction. Take the first driveway on the left.


Worms 

Sunday February 17 2008
Our speakers will be Rod and Crystal of Aussie Worm Works, with a different sort of operating worm farm to see in action.
This will be held at Ian & Sue Mahoney’s place, 65 Mungall Lane, Ballandean. 
Turn off the highway at Ballandean School into Bents Road. After the first crossing veer right into Emu Swamp Road, then take the first laneway on the right (Mungall Lane). Pass 1 house on right, 2 houses on left, no 65 is the next driveway on the left. Watch for BLOG signs. 
Telephone 07 4684 1001


Backyard organic gardening and Christmas party. 

Saturday November 24th, 2007.
The theme is backyard organics. We want to start early as there are two places to visit. 
Starting time is around 9am at the home of Brian and B at 48 Denham Street Stanthorpe. 
For visitors from NSW, turn left into Folkestone Street at the first round-about. The next left is Denham Street, and you will see the BLOG sign about half-way up the block.
Here you will see an attractive front area planted out with natives, mostly local ones. 
Around the back is a mini-farm with all kinds of vegetables, flowers, fruit trees, worm farm and a chook run.
The kettle will be boiling here for morning tea.

At around 11am, if you can drag yourselves away, the second site is at Suzette and Sarah's place, 5 Pioneers Parade. 
You could probably squeeze in voting on the way over. A voting centre is at Blue care at 10 Day St, just around the corner. 
To get to Pioneers Parade from Denham Street, go back south across the bridge on the main drag along Wallangarra Road, take the second left after the bridge into Sugarloaf Road. Follow this until you cross the railway line and Poineers Parade is the next left. 
No 5 is right at the end, look out for the psychadelic letter box. 
As there is limited room for parking inside, please park in the street.
Sarah and Suzette are striving for a habitat garden. Much of the original native vegetation is still there, and basicly if something comes up they leave it there unless it is a major fire threat to the house or in the middle of the driveway. 
They have an organic vegetable garden, inadvertantly in the style of the square foot garden, but not stricly so. 
They have a mobile chook pen, with the aim of improving the soil through animal impact. 
The barbeque will be ready for anyone who wants to cook, and lunch will be held there.
It should be an enjoyable day, and we look forward to seeing you then.
Any questions, you can phone Brian and B on 07 4681 4737, and Suzette and Sarah on 07 4681 2962.


Organic beef & dairy herds, and cheese-making.
Saturday October 27, 2007.
(
Meet at 10am at Thulimbah Organic Beef & Granite Belt Dairy Farmhouse Cheese, Ross Burnett and Karen Deeths’ property.
Enjoy a guided tour of the cheese making plant. Karen will also give us a brief talk on what is involved in cheese making. 
Others may be more interested in a farm tour with Ross who is very accomplished at feeding animals, and uses an intensive cell grazing approach for weed control, worm control and fertilising. 
Ross and Karen's property is at 4 Duncan Lane, Thulimbah. 
At the big apple [Vincenzos] on New England Highway, turn left if heading out of Stanthorpe. Cross the railway line into Thulimbah, go diagonally into Amiens Road. 
Pass the Glen winery on the left, and turn right into Duncan Lane. 
For further information call Karen on 4685 2285 or Vicki on 4683 3206.


Creating Vegetable gardens. 

Saturday September 22nd, 2007.
This will be a practical hands-on day at the home of Janita Pitkin, 145 Rogers Road Applethorpe. 
Bring gloves, boots and some tools because we’ll be making foot-square elevated vegetable gardens. 
Travelling north along the highway from Stanthorpe, pass the Applethorpe State School and turn left into Ellwood Road, then right into Rogers Road.


Amiens School Environment Centre & Jean Harslett.
Sunday August 19, 2007
At Amiens State School Environmental Centre, this is an opportunity to see what they are doing at the centre, and hear renowned field naturalist and local historian, Jean Harslett, speak. Her talks are always highly informative and entertaining . 
To get there turn right off Texas Road at the industrial estate into Amiens Rd. Keep following Amiens Road until you get to Amiens School on the left. 
Take the next left turn (just past the shop), and pull up outside the Environmental Centre on your left.


Charcoal-making for soil improvement - Terra Preta

Saturday 28th July 2007
At Adrian and Esme’s property “Dragonweyr”, 10 Banksia Lane, Greenlands. 
If you are serious about changing the world, don’t miss this. There will be a practical demonstration of making charcoal high in carbon, which can then be added to the soil to provide the house that microbes live in. 
This is part of the story behind Terra Preta.
From Stanthorpe to Texas Rd, turn right into Elks Lane, first left into Spring Creek Road, left into Sonego Lane and keep turning left. Telephone 07 4683 3324.


Poultry day at Rod-Lyn Poultry at Amiens

23rd June 2007

Anyone interested in backyard hens will get a wealth of knowledge from the poultry information day on Saturday 23rd June. 
Rodney and Lynette Spencer are dedicated chicken breeders specialising in rare breeds who will be speaking from 11am to lunch with a tour of the breeding area after lunch.
The topics to be covered on the day will be –
* different breeds and their suitability to egg and meat production as well as temperament;
* reproduction and breeding tips;
* feeding at different stages of life for best health and production;
* common health problems and diseases.
Directions to Rod-Lyn Poultry 66 Quirks Rd Amiens – from town take Amiens Road, turn right into Bapaume Rd then 1st left into Quirks Rd. Follow the BLOG signs. If you get to Giardinos Restaurant you have gone too far.
BYO lunch to share with plate and cutlery and remember a chair for your comfort.


Biodynamic horn burial. 

Saturday May 19
In May we met at Harley and Siobhan West’s home at Lyra to discuss Bio-dynamics (BD) and how this simple method can improve soil health and moisture retention properties. 
After a sumptuous lunch we all pitched in to make a BD compost heap in the vegetable garden under the guidance of Kim Christie and Harley. 
The weather was perfect for this type of activity with a bit of moisture around after welcome rain on Friday. 
BLOG members will benefit from the wonderful compost in 9-12 months time. Can hardly wait!


Permaculture, mulching, salicylates & migraines. 

Sunday 22nd April 10am EST.
At Rex and Christine Maddock’s property at 698 Bryans Gap Road, London Bridge, Tenterfield. 
From the New England Hway in Tenterfield get on to Mt Lindsay Road, then into Bryans Gap Road, total distance 6.3 k from the highway. 
Some Permaculture, seedings & mulching of the future vegie garden, a demo of the world’s best mow, collect and place mulching system. 
Also Christine will talk about her win over Salicylates and migraine headaches. 
Telephone 02 6736 4259


Landcare Adventure. 

Wednesday & Thursday, March 21 & 22.
The ninth New England North West Landcare Adventure hosted by GWYMAC at Inverell. 
Property visits featuring riparian zone restoration, conservation farming etc, and a 1000 head environmentally friendly feedlot. 
Cost is the same as 2005, $55 per person, covering bus, motel and meals.
20 BLOG members attended last years Uralla adventure and were overjoyed to hear Peter Andrews talk.
Contact GB Landcare office 02 6736 3500.


Certified organic beef farming. 

Sunday 18th March 2007
At Shane and Maree Gregg’s property “Mossvale”, Kia Ora Rd The Summit. 
Turn off the highway opposite Vincenzos. Follow the road past Maryland station, and where the road takes a sharp right, turn left over a grid. Cross 4 more grids, and Mossvale is on the left. 
Certified organic beef farming operation integrating cell grazing, biodynamics and Vibrational Kinesiology.
Telephone 07 4686 1247.


Organic commercial vegies and cattle

Saturday 24th February 2007
At Ray and Samantha Palmer’s property, 45 Dunns Road, The Summit. 
In conversion to organic commercial vegetable growing and cattle. 
Learn about inputs and marketing. Telephone 07 4683 2332.


Christmas get-together. 

December 2006


November Field Day

25th November
2006
BLOG meets Granite Borders Landcare at Del Tierney’s place. Rex is also inviting Tenterfield Naturalists and a horticultural group.
Del’s place is 17k from the Tenterfield PO. Follow Logan St southward and it becomes Scrub Road, and goes past the dam. 
The BLOG signs will be out.
Starting time will be 11am EST (12noon DST). 
BYO Lunch to share, chair etc.
Sounds like a good day!


Horn retrieval. 

October 21st 2006
Biodynamics: Horn retrieval at Carrig, 161 Kanga Lane Lyra. 
Also the usual mix of other activities: seed packing; nursery work etc.


Bushcare joins Landcare. 

September 23rd.
Bushcare joins Landcare for the day at a selected site to regenerate some bushland.


Grafting and Budding. 

August 26th
Grafting and Budding at Tom Dunn’s place. 58 Wallangarra Rd, Stanthorpe.


Geology/geomorphology of the Northern New England tablelands. 

July 22nd
Martin I’Ons on the geology/geomorphology of the Northern New England tablelands. 
This will also be a “get to know each other” day also, at Geoff and Margaret Meredith’s, Pegum Rd Applethorpe.


Pat Bundocks at Wallangarra. 

June 24th 2006 10am
Follow the BLOG signs from the highway at 'Garra. 
A talk about the Newman Venture Mushroom Farm (tour is not possible due to quarantine etc). 
A look at Kurts old block which is now under the stewardship of Dick and Dora Rochford. 
Pat's place is at 43 Callandoon St, Wallangarra.


Dung Beetles

May 27th
With Pam Wilson at Gary Very's Place. Mt Lindsay Rd at Wilson's Downfall. It will be well signed and can't be missed.
Rod Dowe will not be available that day, and Gary Very has stepped in to host the day.


Horn Burial at Carrig. 

April 23rd SUNDAY
161 Kanga Lane Lyra, off Andersons Rd, off New England Hwy at the little church at Lyra.
Also seed saving stuff, nursery activity and another cow pat pit. 
Ph Harley et al 07 46845184 for more info.


Landcare Adventure. 

April 5th - 6th [Wed & Thur].
"Innovation in Agriculture" is the focus of the 2006 Adventure in the Uralla district. 
Contact the Granite borders Landcare Office, Tenterfield 02 6736 3500 by Friday 24th March. 
Numbers will be limited.


Autumn Gardening refresher. 

March 18th 2006
Homestead Rd (off Geyers Rd off the New England Hwy, north of Tenterfield).
Autumn gardening refresher. 
Sarah Caldwell talking on things to do over winter, and will have some plants available. 
Doug Fox will introduce members to the tool library and give some demos on safe operation etc .. and more.


Microbes, seaweed & molasses in the orchard. 

February 25th
Shane Gishford will lead us on farm walk at Ross Cannavo’s (Mt Stirling Rd, Glen Aplin next to the school),
looking at microbes, seaweed and molasses for control of pests and diseases.


2006
Nursery Activity day at Carrig. 

January 28th.

Possibly setting up watering system, 
a bit of “ where to from here” and repotting some Aloe Vera Barbadensis plants. 
Also demo and show and tell of some of the toys in the tool library.
'Carrig' is at 161 Kanga Lane, Lyra. Kanga Lane is a right turn off Anderson Rd, south of Ballandean.
Contact Bernadette Hayes 07 4684 5120 for more info.


Christmas get together. 

December 17th 2005
At Basil and Valerie Drinkwater’s place. 268 Neilsen’s Rd Dalcouth.
4PM BYO and there is no BBQ there; come earlier for farm walk etc.
More info: call one of the contacts or Basil/Valerie on 07 4683 7012.


Holistic Farm Management. 

November 26th 2005
AN INTRODUCTION TO MANAGING HOLISTICALLY

Helen Lewis will conduct a one-day mini course on Holistic Farm Management. 

10am start

Parts of the puzzle to be explored include... 
Holism what is it? ...Consequences of our management tools on the land? ...Why animals are critical for healthy land? ...Decision making- considering people, profit and the land ... The importance of time, & humidity ...How your values are the key to success? ... 

Throughout the day your participation will help solve the puzzle. You will go home with new ideas about working in groups, decision making, looking at the land, and a positive hope for our future. There is a way to look after people’s needs, the land and our profitability. 

Look forward to having you along.
Contact me: Helen Lewis 07 46617393
helen@insideoutsidemgt.com.au 
or our website www.insideoutsidemgt.com.au 

A small cost of $10 will ensure that you have some materials to take home.

At Tom and Rosemary Dunn’s, 
58 Wallangarra Rd, Stanthorpe (driveway in at the old tractor on the rock.

Bring lunch to share, a chair and a hat.
Bauer's Organic Farm in the Lockyer Valley. 
October 29th 2005.
(01-Nov-05)
A bus trip to Bauer's Certified Organic Farm in the Lockyer Valley.
See and hear how Organic Farming Systems are able to be green and black.


Bauer's Farm produce 1,200 - 1,400 tonne of Certified [AOC] Organic vegetables each year and will supply to the largest organic supermarket in the Southern Hemisphere with over 12,000 lines at Crow's Nest in Sydney.
 The farm also has 150 head of certified organic cattle on their scenic 250 hectare
Horn Retrieval. 

October 21st 2005
At Carrig Organic Farm 161 Kanga Lane, Lyra. About 5 kms south of Ballandean, into Anderson Rd (opposite the church), then right into Kanga Lane (through the grapes), and 1.6ks along, left into our driveway.
Start around 10am.
Bring food for a share lunch.
Ph 07-46845184 or 0408-276094 if in doubt.

toxic Termite Control. September 24th 2005
(01-Nov-05)
Interested in non-toxic termite control? So is Ted Williams! Learn about termites and their fascinating lives as well as some of the up to date info on the environmentally friendly ways of keeping your house to yourself.
Also today is the annual 'year in review'. Bring your thoughts of the last year's activities and your ideas for the next year.
Bring lunch to share, a chair and hat.
Further information can be obtained from Harley West 07 4684 5184, Geoff Meredith 07 4683 2471 and Rex 02 6736 4259.
Thanks to Rex Maddock for hosting.



Composts.
August 20th 2005
Bevan McLeod from McLeod's Compost will discuss the ins and outs of commercial compost manufacturing as well as the benefits etc that can be derived from its use. Thanks to Rob and Trish McCosker for hosting.


Soil advisor, Carolyn Ditchfield, to revisit Tenterfield.
July 23rd 2005
(01-Nov-05)
Respected Inverell based soil consultant, Carolyn Ditchfield, will return on Saturday 23rd July 2005 to the Tenterfield Primary School, to present a much anticipated one day seminar titled “Improving Fertility By Working With Nature” for hosts Border Landcare Organic Group (BLOG) and Granite Borders Landcare.


Backyard Chooks with Russell Parker
24th April 2004.
Russell Parker will talk on chooks for the backyard. He is well regarded for his knowledge of fowls and his ability to make this knowledge practical. The venue is to be confirmed.


Biodynamics: Horn Burial and Compost Preparations
March 27th 2004.
Horn Burial for making Biodynamic Horn Manure (BD 500) and the making of some of the Biodynamic compost preparations. If you are interested in Biodynamics, this is a must do item! To be held at Kim Middelton's place on the Bungoona Rd, Sandy Hills.


Visit To Molevale Herb Farm
Feb 28th 2004.
Trip to Molevale Herb Farm. Just past the Mingoola Hall. Bob South will keep the answers coming and will take us on a tour of his herb farm.


