Wildflowers: The wildflower season is well and truly with us, and the Visitors' Centre is a good source of information for the best places to find them. Call in and talk to the helpful staff. Close to town, the Karak Trail between the cemetery and Allanson is a good place to search.
School holidays: Don't forget you need to book for the tours organised by the Visitors' Centre. On Sunday, October 6, 11am, there will be Replica Mine Tours. $5 adults, $2 children under 12. On Wednesday, October 9, a tour to Gnomesville and Donnybrook Apple Park is on offer. $35 adults, $20 children under 12. Thursday, October 10, Harris River Winery Tour, $35 adults, $20 children, includes lunch and wine tasting. Ring 9734 2051 to book these tours.
Museum holiday hours: The Coalfields Museum will be operating on its special school holiday hours and rates for the rest of the holidays. The Museum will be open every day of the holidays from 9am to 3pm. Children accompanied by an adult will be admitted free. There is an 18 minute-long video presentation of the 1964 Collie floods running. You may be able to help out with naming people or places that appear in this video.
Garden competition: Entry forms are now available for this year's garden competition, from the council office, the library and the two garden centres. Entries close on October 18, so pick up your form, fill it in and return it to the council office. A new section this year will cover garden ornaments or furniture made from recycled material or re-purposed objects.
Funeral parking: The well-attended funeral last Saturday highlighted the parking problem that can occur when a large funeral is held. There is room for a lot of parking at the cemetery, but please remember to leave access ways clear at either end of the area, so that all parking spots can be reached. A little thought for others goes a long way.
Ladies' golf clinic: Ladies interested in playing golf are invited to a free clinic at the Collie Golf Club, run by golf professional Shani Waugh. This will be held on Sunday, October 13, at 3.30pm. All equipment is supplied, and light refreshments will be available after the clinic. Ring Bev on 0410 062 228 to register your interest.
Members sought: The Collie wood turners are looking for new members, both ladies and men. There was a small error in the phone number for president David Saunders last week. His number is 0427 341 117.
Dates:
* Collie Adventure Race will be on the weekend of October 12-13.
* The Bowling Club is holding a garage sale on Saturday, October 12 from 9am to 2pm. There will be heaps of goods, collectables and books.
* Sportsperson of the Year nominations close on October 22. Nominate your club champion.
* The Hearing Bus will be at PCYC on October 29, from 9.30am to 3pm. Go to hearing.com.au for information.
* St Johns First Aid one day courses, October 14 and December 12, from 8.30am, ring 9791 4999 to book.
Music at the Shell: Music at the Shell for Liam will be held on Saturday, October 19, from 11.30am to 4pm. There will be live music, popcorn, donuts, curry, sausages, slushies, a bouncy castle and face painting. This is a community effort, and all proceeds will go to help Liam.
Lions Trash and Treasure: Collie Lions are holding a Trash and Treasure at the Old Ewington School on November 8, and they are looking for donations of goods. This is a great chance to de-clutter in a burst of spring cleaning. If you can help, contact Greg Bates on 0498 481138. He can pick up goods, or you can bring them to the Old Ewington School on October 26 and November 2 between 8-10am.
Retired Miners: The Retired Miners' Association will meet at the Union office on October 7, at 2pm. Old and new members welcome.
Swimming pool to open: The swimming pool season will start on October 12. New opening hours this year are: Monday to Thursday, 6.30am to 7pm; Friday and Saturday, 10am to 7pm; Sunday, 12pm to 7pm.
Send it in: Items for not-for-profit organisations are welcomed for this column. Email info to nrg@highway1.com.au by 5pm Mondays, or drop off notes in my mailbox at 87 Jones Street.
