Snake sightings are not so uncommon in our area that it warrants headlines, until a recent sighting by Col McMahon.
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On one of his regular fundraising walks (see page 5) Col came across a whopper of a brown snake in Sanctuary Lane.
This is the small road that runs alongside the Deniliquin Island Sanctuary, behind shops in End St.
Col described the reptile as being about six feet long, and by the photo you can tell it is quite strong and healthy.
Determined on his walk and with headphones in, Col initially did not spot the snake.
He counts himself lucky he spotted it in time to avoid a tangle.
It’s a timely reminder that while the weather may be cooling down, there are still snakes about.
And while they usually trend to steer clear of built up and heavily trafficked areas, sometimes you never know where you will find them.
Please be aware of your surroundings.
Large hay fire
Smoke may continue to be spotted in the district for coming days after a large hay stack fire in the Blighty area on Wednesday.
Report about midday, the blaze destroyed about 800 bales of hay at a property on Blighty Hall Rd.
NSW Rural Fire Service firefighters from Blighty and Birganbigil were on scene for a few hours assisting the landholder to tackle the blaze.
But the RFS says the bales had to be left to burn out, which can take some time.
RFS staff will continue to monitor the burning bales and provide assistance to the landholder as required.
Cool down continues
On the weather, our descent into autumn and winter is well and truly underway.
While some days have still been filled with warmth, the mercury has dropped a little lower than most of us like this week.
Yesterday was particularly chilly, with the Bureau of Meteorology recording a low of just 4.6ºC.
That’s the lowest of the month so far, by almost 4ºC, and lower than the predicted low for yesterday by almost 3ºC.
Milder conditions are predicted for the next seven days, with tops of between 24ºC and 28ºC and lows between 9ºC and 12ºC forecast until at least Wednesday.
Mark your diaries
Deni and district men, mark your diaries or put it in your digital calendar - the Rotary Men’s Educational Rural Health Van is coming back to Deniliquin.
The visit is scheduled for May 17 and 18.
The Men’s Health Education Rural Van is a regional project made possible by fundraising, generous sponsorship and time freely given by hundreds of Rotary volunteers.
A custom built caravan with a dedicated registered nurse, it travels throughout NSW offering free health screenings to regional and rural men who are notorious for being completely in the dark about the state of their health.
More details will be released soon.
Talking books ... and more
The Mathoura Library is starting a book club.
The first ‘Book Club Coffee and Chat’ will be hosted at the Mathoura Visitor and Business Centre from 10am to midday on Thursday, April 4.
Your invited to come along and discuss what you’re reading now.
Bring a friend with you, and meet with others who just love a good read.
Not into reading, the discussion group will also cover talking books and whatever you’re watching or listening to as well.
There will be free tea, coffee and biscuits provided.
Book club kits will be available on request.
Register for Rediplan meetings
Those people intending to attend next week’s Rediplan meetings are reminded they need to pre-register.
The free Australian Red Cross Rediplan workshops are based on the premise that emergencies can happen anywhere and at any time, and often leave significant and long-term impacts.
Sessions will be hosted in Conargo, Deniliquin and Wanganella in conjunction with the Riverina and Murray Joint Organisation (RAMJO) and member council Edward River Council.
Local workshops are as follows:
• Conargo - Monday, March 25, 6pm-8.30pm, Conargo Community Hall.
• Deniliquin - Tuesday, March 26, 6pm-8.30pm, Deniliquin Town Hall.
• Wanganella - Wednesday, March 27, 6pm-8.30pm, Wanganella Community Hall.
A light supper will be provided and all participants will go in a free raffle to win an emergency kit worth $200.
Community members can RSVP to RAMJO project manager Emily Sharp on 0436 370 722 or emily.sharp@ramjo.nsw.gov.au.
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