Events January 2010

"CHIP n SIP' is a great social day out for friends, family or groups.   It is a game of golf that lies somewhere between "Real Golf" and "Mini Golf".   The game is played across 9 holes, each located on a different property.  The majority of properties are small boutique wineries with others being local food producers  situated around the Blackwood River Valley adjacent to Bridgetown and Greenbushes townships.  Apart from playing the game, the day out will take you through a variety of picturesque countryside and you will meet some great people and be able to sample some fine wines and local produce.

The game costs nothing to play and golf clubs, balls etc are supplied at each stop.

A map and score card can be collected from the Visitor Centre or at the first hole.  The idea is to play the hole and get your scorecard stamped by the property owner and move on to the next.  At the completion of the game if you have 9 stamps you can fill in your details in the space provided on the card and lodge it in the box at the last winery for the chance to win the monthly prize of a gift pack of wine or produce.

For further information please phone 9761 1740

7.00am to 12 noon variety of stalls including fruit & vegetable sales, bric a brac, homemade produce,trees & shrubs etc.  Dates for 2010 are every fornight commencing Sunday 10th January

Yornup Family Dances are held every two months on the following dates

06.03.2010

01.05.2010

03.07.2010

04.09.2010

06.11.2010

31.12.2010

Old time dancing for all the family held at the Yornup Hall, South West Highway, Yornup (12 kms south of Bridgetown) commencing 8 pm.  Live music, raffles, fun for all ages.

Procees from all dances except New Year's Eve, go to support local charities including Red Cross, RFDS, and Bridgtown Hospital Auxiliary.   Contact 9761 1740

Cost $8 under 12 yo Free.   Starts 8 pm

Events September 2010

WORDS IN THE VALLEY writing festival presents a series of workshops drawing on the creative experience of visiting and local authors and artists.  The festival, to be held from 2 - 5 September will provide inspiration to those seeking to use the written word to express thoughts and connections to make personal stories come to life.

Through the workshop experience, people will be taught various techniques on recapturing the past and can be inspired to bring the drama of family history and personal memoirs to the written page.   While for younger writers, the opportunity to workshop and learn writing styles may forge inspiration in new and exciting ways.

Presenters include -

BRUCE RUSSELL - will capture your imagination in helping you tell your family stories.  Bruce began writing short stories in his early thirties and has had works such as "The Fall of Icarus" and "Dire Straits Rules" published to critical acclaim

GERALDINE HALLAHAN - aims to inspire the younger generation by offering a schools workshop as a part of the festival.  Geraldine has had a rich and rewarding life full of experience and travel, consequently putting pen to paper in her book "My Feathered Friend Magoh Magee".

GABRIELLE EVANS - is an internationally recognised illustrator.   His work being most recently showcased in the 2009 book "Born to Live Frogs".  Gabrielle who is only 18 years old, has won many awards including Gold in the Australian Britain Scoeity Art Idol.   He will team up with Geraldine Hallahan in presenting the schools workshop

DEB FITZPATRICK - is a freelance editor and writer aiming to encourage young people write.  Her latest book "90 Packets of Instant Noodles" was written whilst she was living in a Costa Rican shack and targets teenage boys as her main audience.  Deb's workshop will be vocused on Writing for Young Adults.

KATE WILSON - is a speech and drama teacher and performance poet who started performing her poetry at the 2008 Spring Poetry Festival in Perth.   Kate who openly admits to 'jumping up at any open mic she can get her hands on" will entertain us with her words and style at the Literary Dinner at Bridgetown Pottery Restaurant.

SARAH EVANS - is a writer living in Bridgetown.  Her book "Creations in a Teapot" has received a wide and captive audience, inspiring people to take a more holistic approach to life and the art of cooking.  Sarah will be running a workshop on Short Stories at this year's Festival.

For those wishing to spend a spring day listening to writers speak, there are two workshops taking in the art of performance poetry at the River Markets and Bridgetown Cidery.

To book for any of the workshops (excluding school workshops) please go to www.bridgetown.com.au and go to 'events'

A day of  healing and mediums:

Mediums, Healings, Displays, Palm Reading, Astrology, Tarot, Clairvoyance, Psychometry, Discussion Corner

Entry Free

Sessions $15

Friday 7pm to midnight  Blackwood River Country Music Tribute Concert

Saturday begins at 10am - 4pm with the Rural Health & Well Being Expo, at midday the ALF Grand Final will be shown on the wide screen, 4pm to midnight Teegan Brede, Kate Linke, Paul & Max, Mort Hansen, Markus Meier Band, Rowan Powell & His Highwaymen

Sunday - 10am - 6pm "Kevin Sambell's Link to the Stars" featuring Allan Spowart, Mort Hansen, Riders in Disguise, Wild Dogs, Peter Robson & Friends

To book tickets online go to www.harveydickson.com.au closes 19th Sept. Tickets will also be available at the door

Harvey Dickson's Country Music Centre is 5 kms out of Boyup Brook on the Boyup Brook-Arthur River Road. Weekend camping available.

Phone 9765 1125 or mobile 0429651125 or email harveydickson@westnet.com.au for further information and details.

This Fair is a community event offering a fun filled day in support of SolarisCare South West - a unique new support centre for cancer patients and their carers within the region.

The Fair commences at 10 am and goes through to 4 pm on Sunday 26th September 2010

Phone Susie Delaporte on 0417 411253 for further details regarding the Event or if you wish to be a stallholder (stallholders application forms are available from the Bridgetown-Greenbushes Visitor Centre.)

Events October 2010

The Prelude is held each year as a lead up to the Main Festival of Country Gardens (which is held first week in November each year)

Bridgetown Football Club proudly presents JASON AKERMANIS, former Brownlow Medallist and triple Premiership player with the Brisbane Bears, Brisbane Lions and Western Bulldogs who will be visiting Bridgetown for the Football Memorabilia Auction to be held at the Football Clubrooms in Bridgetown on Saturday 9th October, 2010 from 6 pm (bar opens) with Presentation from 7.30 pm.   $40 per ticket includes light supper.   

Tickets available from Bridgetown Newsagency & Hart Mensland (Manjimup). 

Pre-purchase your ticket to avoid disappointment.    Limited Door Sales.

This is an annual event organised by the Visitor Centre Association of  WA and is a gala dinner at which the GWN Top Tourism Awards are given for the top town/city/region in WA, along with other category winners sponsored by West Australian Country Newspapers.For further details see the website www.vcawa.com.au  or phone the Exec Officer, M/s Dee Smith or local VCAWA Board Member , Barbara Johnson on 9761 1740.

A fabulous collection of entries from around the state come together in one central venue.

For more information, visit www.blackwoodvalleywine.asn.au

Friday 30th October - Rodeo Shindig.

Saturday 31st  - Gates open 9.30 am for Rodeo 2 pm - Licensed Bar, hot food, drinks, camping available.

Huge music program 6 pm til late.

Log onto www.harveydickson.com.au and click bookings or phone 9765 1125 or mobile 0429 651 125

"CHAMPAGNE & CHERRY BLOSSOM"

S.W. Opera Company performance featuring highlights from "Die Fledermaus" and "The Mikado"

Musical Director, Marguerite Monagle;   Artistic Director, Rob Hill;   Designer, Debbie Prentice;    Conductor, Rachel Brogan;                                                                                                   Stage Manager, Sharon Lancaster

2 pm Sunday 31st October 2010 at the Bridgetown Theatre

Adults   $26             Concession $23                Children $15

Enquiries at the Bridgetown Visitor Centre  9761 1740

Events November 2010

 Art & Photography exibition, open gardens, vintage cars, Garden Fair on Saturday 6th Nov.,Holberry Sculpture Walk, Vintage Gowns & Hats display, Floral Arrangements, Thylacine Exhibition, Musical Soiree, Devonshire Teas, Historical Society Display, Taste of Nannup Artisans Trail 

This is the main component of the Festival of Country Gardens after the Autumn Festival in May and the Prelude in October.  Dates for the Prelude are Friday 8th  to Sunday 10th October.

The Festival is held over 4 days starting Thursday 4th November featuring gardens throughout the Blackwood Valley area (Bridgetown, Balingup, Nannup, Boyup Brook areas)

For further details contact the Co-ordinator on 9764 1111 or www.countrygardens.com.au

Blues at Bridgetown is in it's 18th year (2010) and will once again bring international, interstate & local WA artist to Bridgetown for Blues fans to enjoy a range of "Blues" music.  The Festival is held in 4 venues - Blue Owls Nest, Geegeelup Marquee, Festival Club and the Repertory Theatre.  Music will also be in the Hotels and some Restaurants during the weekend. The Street Party will be held in Hampton Street on Saturday 13th. Nov with artist performing in the street with other entertainment for both children and adults, food outlets and numerous merchadise stalls, the local business houses, restaurants and hotels will also be open.  Blues at Bridgetown will have their  merchandise and CD sales, ticket sales and arm band exchange area.

Earlybird tickets can be purchased thru the Blues office 9761 2921, or online www.bluesatbridgetown.com as from Monday 19th April

Prices for Earlybird Weekend Tickets are Adult $137.00  Youth (13yrs - 17yrs) $62.00 .....(also available including white signing T-Shirt for $160 and $85 respectively)

Weekend Tickets Adult $ 163 ,  Youth $73

Friday only Adult $83,                  Youth $ 53

Saturday only Adult $113  ,         Youth $68

Sunday only Adult $83,               Youth $53

The 12th Jalbrook Concert this year will feature celebrated tenor and composer David Hobson.  David will be joined by Australian theatre and television stars Rachel Beck and Ian Stenlake.

David Hodson is one of Australia's best known operatic and recording artists and is internationally recognised in musical theatre.  Along with his award winning role as Rodolfo in La Boheme, Hodson has also had leading roles in Opera Australia's Pirates of Penzance and Pearl Fishers.

Rachel Beck, who performed at the concert with Todd McKenney in 2005 is looking forward to returning to the Balingup event.  Beck is one of Australia's most sought after performers with leading roles in Les Miserable, The Sound of Music and Beauty and the Beast - a role she played alongside Hugh Jackman.

Best known for his current role in TV's Sea Patrol, Stenlake's background reads equally impressive with standout roles in Oklahoma, The Pyjama Game, Sleeping Beauty and Cabaret.

The support act is high energey West Coast bank, PeaceLove and All That Stuff, featuring energetic frontman Tod Johnston.

Gates open at 4.30pm with the concert commencing at 7.00pm.  Tickets are $90 for reserved seating; $80 for grass area.  Jalbrook is fully licensed, no BYO.  For furither information and bookings to to www.jalbrookconcerts.com.au

A day showcasing local produce & livestock. Commercial stalls, sideshow alley, dog high jumps and entertainment for the children. The show finishes with a fireworks display.

Events December 2010

Events January 2011

Events March 2011

Events April 2011

During the month April each year Bridgetown is a blaze of colour with flags flying for the annual Flag Festival. Over a thousand flags are displayed throughout the town by businesses and private houses. Pupils at the town’s schools make their own flags to join in the festival.

A display of animals, produce, small farm equipment, craft and all related products - main venue is Balingup Oval.

Gates open 9 am - 4.30 pm - Trade and market stalls, garden & nursery supplies, animals, demonstrations, sheep shearing, fashion parade and entertainment, gourmet food and wine tasting, plant and garden advisory and much much more

Free parking.   Adults $6, Children $3, Family $15 (2 adults & 3 children) - NO DOGS OR BIKES ALLOWED PLEASE.

Phone 9764 1272 for enquiries or further information

Annual Tennis Tournament with teams from all over the State For further details on this event and how to enter, click on to www.tenniswest.com.au

A Dawn Service is held in Greenbushes A Morning Service is held in Bridgetown with the march starting at the Steere & Hampton Street intersection at 09.45 am and finishing at the War Memorial in the Memorial Park for the service at 10 am followed by morning tea at the Town Hall.

The Blackwood River Chamber Festival is a private venture directed by its founder, Vincent Moleta.  The Festival brings fine chamber music to one of the most beautiful regions of Australia, the Blackwood River Valley, 270kms south of Perth; a verdant district of rolling orchard, forest and farming country settled in the late nineteenth centure, on the orthern edge of the giant karri and jarrah forests.  Performers comprise of national and international artists and various young Perth-based musicians, playing as soloists and in ensemble.  The Festival is an occasion for serious aspiring musicians to work with seasoned visiting artists over the weekend, while the intimate venues, the informal arrangements, the meals and the travel in common bring artists and the Festival audience together in a way not possible in the concert venue.

The Festival in 2011 will be held on the weekend of 29 April to 1 May.  Bridgetown and surrounding areas offer a broad range of accommodation.  Bookings for accommodation and the Festival can be made on-line at www.bridgetown.com.au click on "events" (for the Festival); or phone the Bridgetown Visitors Centre on 1800 777 140.

Events May 2011

Festival of Country Gardens – Autumn Delights Date: 30 Apr-2 May Venue: Balingup, Boyup Brook and Bridgetown This mini-Festival of Country Gardens highlights gardens open that have brilliant autumn colour from deciduous trees and shrubs, late roses, sasanqua camellias and/or other garden subjects that appeal in this mellow season. In the mornings we will have themed walks and in the late afternoon a demonstration of grape vine pruning for gardens and vineyards. In the evenings we’ll have talks and some special dinners. We have a harvest theme so expect hot chunky soups and warm puddings made from fresh vegetables and fruits of the season. By mid April we will have available the Autumn Delights programme – Guide to the Gardens – which will give descriptions of the gardens, entry fees and how to find them as well as the details of the events of the Festival.

Events June 2011

The Nannup Cup commenced in 1989 and is a 90 kms power dinghy race from Nannup to Sue's Bridge.

Commences at 9.15 am - Contact Race Director, Dean McKinley,  for further information on 0421 851 371

Events August 2011

The Greenbushes annual Wattle Walk will commence at 12 pm from the Greenbushes Discovery Centre.  Participants are requested to arrive 15 mins early.  This year the walk will be to the Greenbushes Pool for the official opening of the Greenbushes Pool Loop.  A sausage sizzle will be held at 1.30pm.  There is an option to continue the Wattle Walk for approx 1 hour or retrace the train to Greenbushes.

There will be free entry into the Discovery Centre for Wattle Walk participants on this day. The walk will be approx 2 hrs in duration and it is free.   There is a possibility that this year both a long and shorter walk will be offered.

On return, afternoon tea wil be available for a gold coin donation.  

For further enquiries contact Leonie on 97825717.