Just over 12 months ago, Mathoura’s popular Easter Fair was at a crossroads with a distinct possibility that it would not go ahead.
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However, a group of locals picked up the banner and ran with it, enabling the tradition to continue.
The recent 2019 event was once again a great success, with lots of fun for the whole family, including a variety of stalls, a petting zoo, Wicked Games, egg and spoon races, Easter egg hunt, Miss and Master Mathoura contest, handball competition and a special K/1 colouring event.
The event raised just over $3,500, which, together with sponsorship and individual donations, will go to the local community.
In the short time since the group’s journey began it has supported the Bunnaloo Campdraft (juvenile event), provided a free barbecue and refreshments for the Carols By Candlelight night, treated a community member to a care gift package, donated funds to the Bra Fence and the Prostate Cancer Thong Tree projects, made a meat value pack available for a fundraising activity and provided sponsorship to the 2019 Mathoura Speedshear event.
The committee is now looking to assist both individuals and organisations that may require some additional assistance.
So if you, or your group would welcome an injection of funds don’t hesitate to contact the committee for more information on mathouraevents01@gmail.com.
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A good crowd turned out at the Pastoral Hotel on Saturday night to support a fundraiser for their friend, Tony McCormick.
They enjoyed great food and music with loads of fun and laughter throughout the night.
Raffles and auctions conducted during the event helped organisers to raise about $3000.
They are grateful to all who supported the event, as well as those who donated items to help make it a great success.
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There were two very excited little girls in town last week. It was all because they became big sisters!
Leah and Bonnie Ellis now have a baby sister, Felicity Jessica Ellis, who arrived safely on Thursday night.
Felicity, who weighed 3710g (8lbs 30oz) was also welcomed by mum and dad, Daile Ann and Ben.
She is a granddaughter for Pam Fitzpatrick and Trevor Lawlor (Mathoura), Mary Ellis (Greta) and Sput Ellis (Thoona)
Congratulations also to great grandparents Denise and John Fitzpatrick of Mathoura.
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Mathoura Preschool will take us back in time when it hosts a ball next month.
The event will give people a chance to get their glad rags on and trip the light fantastic on the night.
More details will be provided in the coming weeks.
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Congratulations to Mathoura Public School student, Shontai O’Callaghan, who has been selected as part of the Western Riverina Squad in the Public School Sports Association Netball trials.
Shontai gained selection following her performance in recent trials held at Narrandera.
Her next contest with the squad will be held in Wagga Wagga on May 21.
The school and town community both wish Shontai well in her aim towards state representation.
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Mathoura has been saddened by the passing of popular local woman, Jan Sim, this week.
Jan came to Mathoura with her husband, Bruce, and family several years ago as licensees of the Pastoral (Middle) Hotel.
They quickly settled in to life here and remained valuable members of our community even after their stint at the pub came to an end.
Their particular attachment to the Mathoura Football Netball Club through their grandchildren will see players wear black armbands during their match against Blighty tomorrow.
A 2pm function to celebrate Jan’s life will be held where it all began for the family at Mathoura — at the Pastoral Hotel — Sunday.
Sincere sympathy is extended to Bruce, Kate, Angus and Elli and their families.
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Don’t forget Mathoura’s Biggest Morning Tea on Wednesday.
Organised by the United Hospital Auxiliaries of NSW Inc Mathoura Branch, the event will enable locals and visitors to raise funds for cancer research while having a good time.
Guests will be welcomed with tea and scones before they view the latest range of items in the Blumes Fashion range.
This will be followed by luncheon and entertainment. Admission will be $15 with raffles and a lucky door prize during the afternoon.
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After last week’s success, Mathoura Football Club’s seniors and reserves returned to the winners’ circle again on Saturday.
The seniors snuck home by the narrowest of margins, 70 to 69, while the reserves made it look easy, defeating Katunga by 52 points.
Success was not with the netballers in the latest round with just two teams — C Grade and Under 15 — tasting victory.
It was a five-goal win for C Grade with Under 15 enjoying a 36 goal win.
While success on the paddock and the court delighted club president, Melyssa Banks, she was equally pumped by the tremendous behind the scenes input by club members whose contribution was above and beyond the call of duty.
They included Tim McCormick, Deena and Andrew Pridham, Kristen Wright and Regan Emery.
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Locals featured prominently in the winners’ circle of Mathoura Bowling Club’s Cadell 2 Bowl Triples Tournament, sponsored by Tarragon Lodge, last weekend.
Twenty-eight teams fronted up to play but when it came down to the business end of the competition, it was the locals who were in the mix.
Saturday’s play resulted in a trio of three game winners. They did have to meet each other on Sunday so it was up to others to do the heavy lifting. The ensuing play resulted in all-game winners reduced to one.
Winners were Mathoura’s Mark Quor, Craig Hillier, and Garry Hulm. Runners-up at the end of the day were skip Les Bates, Mick Beeche and Wal McConchie.
Highest winning margins on the last two games were won by K Walsh of Tongala (Game 4) and P Clear of Mathoura (Game 5).
The club’s next tournament will be the Mathoura Gulpa Creek Fours on June 15 and 16, and there are still some places left.
Interested bowlers should register with the club on 58803200 or Rod Werner on 0408568338.