MORE MOYNEYANA SUPRISES!

Committee Chairman, Reg Harry, said the Moyneyana Festival continues to provide a wide variety of entertainment and activities drawing large crowds into CBD and other venues. He congratulated the people of Port Fairy and the various community groups who have given freely of their time to support the 60th Moyneyana Festival. A “people's festival run by the people”. The Moyneyana Festival committee has been ecstatic at the way this year's programme has unfolded.

CBD Alive all week

Every day last week the central business district of Port Fairy was provided with free entertainment of roving street performers and acts on the village green. Acts such as Harmonicas, an acappella group, Aussie Tall Stars, Billo the Clown, Aussie Al, Magician, Ventriloquist concluding with taking a walk on the wild side and the Wild Action Reptile Show who delighted both young and old.

SERENADE IN THIRTY FOUR DEGREES

On a very warm Port Fairy day the Harmoniacs strutted their stuff on Bank and Sackville Streets.

The morning performance drew larger crowds when it was slightly cooler but by mid afternoon when many people took advantage of Port Fairy beaches, there were still enthusiastic fans left to listen to 'do wah diddy diddy dum diddy do' outside Rebecca's Cafe. They joined in the chorus with gusto with 'Blue Moon' a favourite outside 'The Hub' as was 'My Boy Lollypop'. Locals and visitors relaxing at the outdoor tables enjoyed the vibrant performance of the talented trio and it was great to see people walking down the street swaying to the music and joining in choruses. Smiles all around on a hot day.

BALLOONS, BUBBLES AND BANTER

Billo the Clown roamed the streets of Port Fairy bringing hilarity and excitement to the many children in the CBD area. Stopping traffic as he crossed the street he drew a large crowd as he skillfully made balloon animals, swords, vases with hearts and many others. The littlies, try as they might to catch the bubbles he made, squealed with delight when they burst on their hands.

Adults participated in the fun and laughter and it brought an added attraction for those many people sitting at the outdoor café tables sampling good food and enjoying the pleasant sunshine.

AUSSIE AL

Aussie Al is a man of many talents and on Monday it didn't take him long to draw a crowd of children and parents as he played his ukulele. To the children's delight he then produced his magic balloons and fashioned animals. "Name an animal" he said 'a horse' came the quick reply and hey presto an orange balloon horse appeared as if by magic. His feats of magic, mystery and intrigue were very impressive bringing smiles to the faces of all who saw him.

THE PIPES IN PORT FAIRY

Warrnambool Pipe Band played in Port Fairy on Sunday 13th January. Beginning at the Corner of Cox and Sackville Streets with the SES leading the way the pipe band marched along to the Village Green to the tune of Waltzing Matilda.

On the green they entertained their audience with tunes such as the “Skye Boat Song”, “ Scotland the Brave” and “Amazing Grace”.

The Highland Dancer performed to the skirl of the pipes and held the attention of even the smallest child present. The drums beat out their tattoo and people tapped their feet.

One young visitor totally entranced by the performers, was heard to say, “I'm going to buy the Pipe Band. My mummy has lots of money”

Of course he was not the only person present to be impressed and the Warrnambool Pipe Band were warmly applauded at the end of their programme.

PORT FAIRY WORKING SHEEPDOG TRIALS

Ray Farley Memorial Open: Judge Mr. Stuart Gass

This popular event did not disappoint appreciative entrants and spectators, both local and holidays makers. Many visiting families who had never had the opportunity to see these wonderful handlers and their dogs showing their skills and endurance, which is very much a part of our Australian heritage, thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

As so often is the case, this event can only happen with the hard work of the voluntary organisers, volunteer caterers and especially the event sponsors to whom the organisers are very grateful. Competitors travel from all over Victoria and other states, many returning on a regular basis to support this event.

Organisers and competitors gave credit and thanked William Howell for the quality of the sheep he made available to the event.

This all came together to provide a great family day out.

HISTORICAL SOCIETY'S OPEN DAY SUCCESS.

Cool, sunny weather provided the best conditions for the annual Open House Day, run by the Port Fairy Historical Society, on Sunday 13 January. Over 200 members of the public took the opportunity to view five private homes, and to visit the History Centre museum and St. John's Church . Alan Thomas played the organ at St. John's adding to the ambience of this lovely old building while the Yambuk ladies catered for afternoon tea in this lovely historic building.

The private residences included the beautifully renovated "Rockleigh", one of the original stately homes of Port Fairy, and four cottages, which have been cleverly extended and decorated to accommodate modern living in historic buildings. Many people commented favourably on all the buildings they visited, and the home owners seemed to be very happy with the day.

Thank you to the home owners, who spend a great deal of time preparing for Open Day, for their generosity in offering their houses for this special event. Proceeds from the afternoon tea go to the local hospital, while the proceeds from the open buildings support the operation of the History Centre museum and archives.

NEVER TOO YOUNG OR TOO OLD FOR TABASCO JAZZ IN THE PARK

Cool tunes, hot voices and an attentive audience were entertained from 2pm - 5pm at the Annie Williams Memorial Rotunda in the Port Fairy Gardens . A record crowd turned up with folding chairs, picnic rugs, snacks and drinks to enjoy the music.

Families with young children, singles, grandmas, granddads enjoyed songs such as “I feel like making love”, “I don't get around much anymore”

Children danced in front of the Rotunda, while adults were content to sit back and relax and just listen to the cool sound of Alan Leishman on the sax, and the nimble fingers of Gavin Franklin on the keyboard. The syncopation of the drummer, Peter Hocking and the deep tones of the bass played by Reuben Shannon had the audience completely under their spell.

Wendy Goyen put her heart into each song – slow, soulful, soft tunes and then stepping up to the swinging beat of songs including “They can't take that away from me”. At 4.50 she broke into “It's too late now” as 3 more people arrived with chairs! And then, to the tune of “Somewhere there's Music”, we sadly left the Port Fairy Gardens still humming and looking forward to next year's performance.

SUMMER MOVIES SHOWING AT THE REARDON THEATRE, PORT FAIRY A EXTREMELY POPULAR

Summer Movies coordinator for the Film Society George Dummett said "Surfs Up", "Ratatouille", and "Evening" have been very popular films, but clearly the most popular film was the very funny "Death at a Funeral", with full houses for both sessions. The variety in the 20 film program has a good film to be enjoyed by everyone during their Port Fairy Summer.

This Friday, the culinary romantic comedy "No Reservations" screens with Catherine Zeta-Jones as Kate, a feisty chef whose life is changed when her niece comes to stay and another chef enters her kitchen(PG 100 Mins).

Next week there are the acclaimed, enthralling documentary, "Deep Water", on ocean racing and four Australian films. On Sunday, in "September" Peter Carstairs tells the thoughtful and sensitive story of two boys and their families, one white, one aboriginal, living on a wheat farm in WA in 1968 (M 81Mins). "December Boys" with Daniel Radcliffe tells the story of four teenage boys on holidays by the sea in the 1960's (PG 102mins). "Romulus My Father", by Richard Roxburgh with Eric Bana as Romulus, tells the story of Raimond Giata's relationship with his father in Marysborough. It won the 2007 AFI award for Best Film. This PFFS screening has been included in the Summer Movies program (M 104mins).

MARIA BRINGS THE CEMETERY ALIVE

Maria Cameron of Port Fairy Genealogical Society brings the Port Fairy Cemetery 'alive' for interested groups of visitors and locals. She tells the rollicking tale of Dick the Bushranger shot by the police in February 1859 with children always fascinated with the concept of an actual wicked Bushranger having been in this area.

Maria's broad historical knowledge of the local cemetery and its 'residents' is fascinating. The reason why the graves face east/west, the types of gravestones, flowers on graves, the strange writing on one gravestone, and the history behind the deaths of many people are just some of the questions answered on the tour. She's wonderful with the children on the tour encouraging them to glean information from the stones. She explains the reason why many Irish settlers came to the area, and the history behind the names of Belfast and Port Fairy.

During the one and a quarter hour guided walk one becomes totally absorbed by the information Maria shares. The cemetery walks are a must do for any visitor or local who wishes to learn more about Port Fairy history.

COMING EVENTS

Wednesday 16th January

5-7pm Summer Music - The Swing of Things, Village Green

Thursday 17th January

11am & 2pm Emergency Services Display on the Village Green

Saturday 19th January

9am - 2pm Community Craft Market & Farmers Market (see program for details)

9am-9pm Orford Engine Display, Hamilton Port Fairy Road. Displays of working stationary engines, vintage tractor pull and shearing demonstrations. Stalls, food and drinks

Sunday 20th January

9am-4pm Orford Engine Display , Hamilton Port Fairy Road . Displays of working stationary engines, vintage tractor pull and shearing demonstrations. Stalls, food and drinks

Noon Cannon firing . Battery Hill at Cannon Reserve.

Tuesday 22nd January

10.30am & 1.30pm CBD Alive Ticklish Allsorts high energy, musical show on the Village Green

Saturday 26th January Australia Day Celebrations (come and join us)

9am Village Green, Belfast Lions Club of Port Fairy FREE breakfast, entertainment, ceremony & guest speakers.

Followed by Moyneyana Festival's 60th Birthday Bash and the Lions Club Fun Day, come help us celebrate with lunch, cake games & and music with Canya Dantz.

Also during the week enjoy the many sporting activities, scuba diving, surfing, bowls, golf, cycling, kick boxing, fishing clinics and water sports on the beaches or in the pool, Coastcare activities, health workshops, art exhibitions, silk painting workshops, movies, guided town tour, Motts Cottage, History Centre, or for the adventurous try a camel ride or the Free Kite Flying. For more information on these or other activities see the Moyneyana Festival programme available from various outlets around town or the Visitors Information Centre in Bank Street .

Festival chairman Reg Harry can be contacted on 0438 681 237