This year has definitely gone by faster than any I can remember – which means Christmas festivities are about to begin.
For Mathoura the fun starts with Carols in the Park in the Soldiers’ Memorial Gardens on Sunday evening.
I know it’s a while until Christmas Eve, but some of us have to put our hands up to help Santa out with an early run.
The free family event, organised by the Mathoura On The Map Committee, will get underway around 5.30pm with a sausage sizzle.
From around 6pm there will be entertainment by the very talented Echuca Salvation Army Choir and friends. Carol books and candles will be available.
Later in the evening there will be a lot of ‘HO! HO! HO!’-ing, as Santa arrives with a police escort.
The old fellow will hand out lollies to the children before he himself receives a gift of a Christmas cake, which he can sit back and enjoy at the end of his rounds.
To thank the Salvos and their team organisers, it would be appreciated if you could make a gold coin donation for the vital work they carry out, not only in our area but throughout the region.
A collection will be taken up during the evening.
•••
I believe Murray Cod Season opened this week, to the delight of many anglers I imagine.
However, with the river still up and access to many favourite fishing spots not currently available because of flood water catches may be low.
They might have to set up on the edge of the causeway on Picnic Point Road.
•••
Mathoura Public School has done it again.
The school has secured the services of yet another rural experience teacher.
Miss Streader, who hails from Grafton, will be making a 14 hour journey to be the third teacher under the program to join the ambassador school.
She will be teaching the 2/3/4 class and can be assured of a very big Mathoura welcome when she arrives for the 2023 school year.
•••
I don’t really know what happened to Spring – but Summer has arrived and swimming will soon be on everyone’s minds.
Fortunately for local youngsters aged three and above lessons will be available as soon as tomorrow.
Elena’s Swimming Lessons will be providing lessons on Saturday December 3 and Sunday December 4 at the Mathoura Swimming Pool between 1pm and 6pm.
Both group and one-on-one 30 minute lessons will be available – one-on-one will be $22 each while the group charge will be $7 each.
Preference will be given to children able to attend on both days.
Interested people should message the Elena’s Swimming Lessons page – or talk to Zowie Crump.
•••
Pennant finally got under way for Mathoura bowlers last weekend.
The results were mixed with Divisions 1 and 4 defeating Echuca and Divisions 2 and 3 going down to Rich River and Deniliquin respectively.
The club has welcomed two new bowlers, Roland Parry and Ray Cassar.
Ray is new while Roland is on the come-back trail after a while in SA.
The club is mourning the loss of long term local, Charlie Phippen - a great clubman, life member and winning pennant player.
Sincere condolences to his wife, Coral.
•••
Residents are advised that the Mathoura On The Map Committee’s Christmas lights competition is on again.
There are two sections - Best Decorated House and Garden and Best Decorated Business.
There will be $100 in prize money awarded in each category.
Judging will take place on Friday, December 23 – after dark.
Entries should be lodged with Eileen Day on 0427 843 526.
Please provide your name, address and phone number.