Last year they were able to purchase the much needed Nocospray Decontaminating Machine which is in constant use. Thanks go out to all those who contributed to the ladies’ fundraising efforts.

This year they are working towards the purchase of a Portable Oxygen Concentrator which will allow residents to go to appointments or just out for the day without the need to carry cumbersome oxygen bottles. With this in mind, their first venture for 2017 will be the annual Easter Street Stall, to be held on Saturday morning, April 15, outside the Pambula Op Shop in Toalla Street. There will be an Easter Egg hamper, plus homemade cakes, slices, jams etc.

The next meeting will be on Wednesday, March 8 at 10.00am at Imlay House.

The Eden branch of the CWA is meeting this Friday, March 10 at 10.30am at the Eden CWA Hall on Imlay Streets. Members are excited to hear from Lyn Lawson of Cobargo who will be speaking about Bowen Therapy. Bowen Therapy can be used to treat a wide range of conditions including common physical problems like back, neck and shoulder pain as well as knee, ankle and foot problems. All are welcome. 

The ladies in the Eden VIEW Club will be having morning at Di’s on the Wharf at 10.30am on March 10. See you there. Also the next meeting will be on March 27 at the Eden Fishermans Club at 10.30am for committee members and 11.30am for all other members and visitors. 

As you are probably aware the volunteers of the Wanderer Replica are often out in the community promoting the build of the Wanderer, encouraging membership and also fundraising. We need your help to assist with these tasks.

Below is a list of events that we are considering attending in March. 

No experience necessary, we will provide you with enough details to confidently speak with others to spread the word of our ambitions for the ship rebuild.

If you can donate a few hours to assist us at any of the listed events would you please contact Jon Gaul on 0414 603 133. 

When “Barry” the Cape Barren Goose first arrived to live at Potoroo Palace many years ago, it was believed she was a he, as both sexes look so alike – hence the name chosen at the time. 

However, when Barry began laying eggs her true gender became rather apparent!

She developed a close bond with long term staff member Casey Hawkins. Barry tries to help Casey when she is gardening in her enclosure and when the train goes past, Barry rushes to the gate with her magnificent wings stretched out for all to admire.

Recently, staff at Potoroo Palace had quite a scare when Barry became dangerously unwell. She had contracted an illness that left her struggling for breath. Casey, ever attentive and like a doting parent, rushed her to the vet. Antibiotics were prescribed and Barry was then given very special treatment.

Casey saw to it that Barry had all that she needed and more. She was taken into quarantine to Casey’s home where she had around the clock observation and attention. 

That first night, Casey reported “She leaned over and kissed my face all through the night. Her breathing was so bad.” Casey barely slept during Barry’s most critical time and said “it was like sharing the bed with a wedge tailed eagle! She would stand in the night flapping her huge wings in my face!”

 It was with enormous relief when after the most dangerous period for Barry had passed, that she began eating again and preening herself. Both very encouraging signs. 

The DVD Earthflight was put on for her to watch, which showed migrating Canada Geese. Every time the geese honked, Barry would join in with her own loud honk! 

“Barry is the funniest smartest goose in the world,” Casey said.

The next Merimbula and District Arts Group meeting will take place at the Merimbula RSL commencing at 2pm on Saturday, March 11. Members are preparing to present their Easter Arts Exhibition of Paintings and Craft at Merimbula’s Twyford Hall.  All works are by local artists. The Group welcomes new members whether you are artistic or just appreciate the Arts and looks forward to catching up with current members at the meeting.

Young adults in the Bega Valley are using social events to create positive change in the local community.

For the third year in a row Sapphire Coast Rotaract will be hosting it’s popular boat cruise event, this year with the aim of raising money for Funhouse Studio in Bega. 

Rotaract treasurer Sarah Lam said the boat cruise is a fun event where local 18 to 30-somethings are able to get together, meet new people and have a good time all while raising money for a good cause.  

“There are a lot of events for children and seniors in our area but there’s not much happening for people in their 20s,” Ms Lam said. “Rotaract wants to fill this hole with fun events while also raising funds to go back into the local community.” 

The masquerade themed boat party aboard the True Blue promises to be an evening of music, drinks and beautiful sunsets while cruising the beautiful waters of Merimbula. 

The evening will kick off at 6pm at the Merimbula Marina (Jetty opposite the Lakeview) on Saturday, March 18 where the boat will cruise around the pristine waters of Merimbula.  

Tickets at $30 and include a free drink and light refreshments with extra alcoholic drinks available for purchase.  

Proceeds will be donated to Funhouse Studio which aims to provide refuge and a platform in the Bega Valley for freethinkers from all over the world, while sponsoring more opportunities for creativity and play locally. 

Ms Lam said there is room for up to 70 guests and while it is possible to buy tickets on the night it is recommended that people book online at the Sapphire Coast Rotaract Facebook page. 

If you have a love for photography or you’re interested in learning more about capturing precious moments then Panboola is the place to be this Saturday. 

The Pambula Wetlands and Heritage Project is running a free landscape and wildlife photography workshop with internationally awarded photographer Sam Nerrie. 

The workshop part of the 2017 'Seniors Festival' and those over 60 years of age are invited to bring a camera or phone and be prepared to view Panboola in a different light.

Participants will learn to find and use the magic light and how to use quirky compositions that will add some zip to their photos

This will be followed by a Sapphire Coast Instameet at 6.30pm at Watson’s Waterhole.

Panboola project coordinator Michelle Richmond said they are hoping to hold a pop up art exhibition in the coming months with all the pictures taken on Saturday. 

This workshop is by appointment only and places are limited simply email panboola@gmail.com. 

The Knitting for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) project is seeking donations of small hand crafted toys, newly knitted or crocheted items such as beanies or baby items, for the Emerge Australia stall at Forest Hill Chase Shopping Centre ( Melbourne) in  May to raise much needed funds to allow Emerge Australia Inc to support those who have been diagnosed with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.  Donations can be sent to PO Box 120 Prahran, 3181. Alternatively, tax deductible donations can be made via the website www.emerge.org.au More info email knitting@emerge.org.au