In another win for the community, The Forrest and District Neighbourhood House received a boost via a recurring grant from the State Government. The $25,412 grant doubles the funding for administration to 20 hours, which is considered the minimum requirement to operate a functioning Neighbourhood House.

‘This is great news for Forrest as one of the requirements is that for each hour of funding received, the Neighbourhood House program delivers 2 hours of activities back to the community,’ said Program Manager, Gillian Brew. ’This will mean more courses, community development activities, events and projects for Forrest and District.’

‘Neighbourhood Houses are an important part of our communities, they

provide an avenue for people to connect, learn and contribute in their community through social and educational activities and this funding means that the Forrest Neighbourhood House can further strengthen their capacity to meet the growing needs in the Forrest community,’ local MP, Mr Mulder said.

Programs are developed in consultation with the community and through a volunteer committee of management

(pictured above).

‘The responses gathered through the upcoming community survey will form an important part of our planning so let us know how the Neighbourhood House can serve you!’ said Gillian.

Susan Langridge of the Forrest Hall Committee has also confirmed that the disabled toilets are expected to be completed by Christmas, increasing the potential for participation in events.

A camping trip on October 25 ended with a terrifying ride off the edge of Kaanglang Road for four visitors to Lake Elizabeth.

According to Forrest’s Senior Constable Dale Menzies, the driver was unlikely to have been speeding, but driving a bit fast for the conditions.

The car left the road and plummeted in the direction of the reservoir, narrowly missing three large gums. Three men and a woman from Footscray were in the vehicle.

‘They took out a couple of smaller trees on the way down which probably slowed them down,’ said Dale.

Two bike riders heading up Track 2 were first on the scene and called the police, the car coming to rest against

a tree only a couple of metres above the trail.

All four climbed out of the wreck, the front seat occupants sustaining some minor bruising and general soreness, while the rear passengers were shaken up but uninjured.

Debris from inside and outside the car remains strewn downhill for 30m, which indicates how lucky its occupants were to come away largely unscathed.

Less than a week later Dale Menzies was called to an accident at Barwon Downs from which he says the occupants were lucky to survive.

‘People need to adjust their driving to the conditions,’ said Dale. ‘Roads can be slippery with the rain or turn icy and drivers need to be prepared.’

1

Funding grants to boost programs

Four crash over the side of Kaanglang Road

November 2014

November 2014

Beautiful baby!

Liza, Jason, Elijah and Reuben welcome a baby girl to their family, born 10:10 on the 10th of the 10th!

Just marriedCongratulations to Louise and Walshy (Mark) who tied the knot in New Zealand early this month after about 25 years together.

Looking back up to Kaanglang Road from the wreckage

November 20142

The conditions in late October allowed DEPI to undertake a number of planned burns in the Yaugher and Gerangamete areas, north of Forrest. As a result, the Yaugher mountain bike trail network was closed, with some trails remaining closed in early November.

‘Burnt areas generally need ongoing assessment for a week or two,’ said David Rourke, District Manager for DEPI Otway District. ‘Fire-affected trees need to be assessed and, if required, removed to ensure that they or their limbs do not fall onto the trails and create hazards for users.’

‘There was also a significant amount of debris on the trails from the strong winds that occurred in late October,’ said David. ‘As a result, we brought in teams from Parks Vicoria’s workcentre at Anglesea to help clear the trails not impacted by the burns so as to reopen them in time for the long weekend.’

Crews are alert to the safety of wildlife in the area. Spring increases activity of echidnas and reptiles, which have been recently spotted by riders in the area.

‘We burn slowly and progressively, often taking over eight hours to complete 100 hectares which allows many animals to leave our planned burns,’ said David. ‘We are vigilant in checking for wildlife and often relocate them as the burn progresses. There were significant numbers of echidnas and ring-tail possums observed crossing into safe areas by our firefighters.’

‘Planned burning will return to areas around Forrest after the fire season to continue this important risk reduction work for the Forrest community,’ David said.

Updates on trail conditions and closures are available via the www.rideforrest.com.au website.

Trail blazing

The Forrest Post is an initiative of the Forrest and District Community Group. Every effort is made to remain current, accurate and non-partisan. Feedback, submissions and advertising input are encouraged. Submissions may be edited. You may request an electronic version by email delivery.

Contact theforrestpost@gmail.com Editors Mandy Bishop, Mary Dracup Layout/design Laura McKinnon Printed by Geelong Printworks Pty Ltd, Grovedale© Forrest and District Community Group

November 2014 3

When Julene Cook discovered mushrooms in Forrest in February, she knew this was a place to call home.

‘I’ve always been fascinated by anything beautiful, especially from nature,’ said Julene, who moved to town with husband Les 3 years ago and began photographing the fungi around her new home.

‘There are around 6,000 varieties of fungi in all of Europe, but Australia has over 200,000 species,’ she said. ‘It’s exciting to come across a new variety, but it’s rare that I go out and don’t find new stuff.’

Julene has developed a free interactive phone app which catalogues more than 300 varieties found in and around Forrest. FungiOz is a beautiful and informative photographic guide

to identifying fungus found on and around our trails and gardens. It is complemented by a website which provides comprehensive information about everything mushroom.

‘The app starts to teach you about what to look for in mushrooms,’ said Julene. The user can look up

categories such as whether the variety has ‘gills’ or ‘pores’, whether it’s more like a coral or a globe, has spines or even ‘jellyish’. The search function allows the user to investigate options like ‘grows on trees’ or by colour or shape.

‘There are an awful lot more than 300 out there,’ said Julene, who encourages people to photograph what they find and upload their images and details to the app to help grow the database.

According to Julene, only about 5% of Australia’s species have been named and described. ‘I’ve

photographed several varieties that can’t be found in guidebooks or on the internet,’ she said.

Mushrooms are amazing. They are used in medicines, for decontaminating soils and can even be used for water filtration. Few are edible, and even those that are need to be from clean soils as they can

absorb up to 10,000 times the level of radiation in their surroundings.

Building an app was a new experience for Julene, who has no programming skills and was originally planning to put a book together.

‘I looked into app building programs on the web and went for a catalogue approach’ she said. This allows an interactive experience, including uploading new species to live albums and submitting sightings. Julene also offers recipes and a range of printed products to help support her work.

‘This is a labour of love for me, but I am also looking to future income so I can be in Forrest fulltime,’ said Julene. She is hoping to develop fungi-based tourism – people coming for the experience of

finding and photographing something different from nature’s wonderland.

Download FungiOz free from app stores or visit www.fungioz.com for ‘All things Mushroom’!

It’s all app-ening for fungi!

Julene up close with mushrooms

Fungi at your fingertips with free smartphone app, FungiOz

4 November 2014

phone 5236 6170forrestbrewing.com.au | Apollo Bay Road, Forrest

phone 5236 6170forrestbrewing.com.au | Apollo Bay Road, Forrest

Spring is here! Come out and enjoy the sun and our new Spring menu!

Open all day Thursday - SundayServing dinner on Thursday, Friday & Saturday

Seasonal Menu - Craft BeerCasual Atmosphere

Bike Friendly - Kid Friendly - Dog Friendly

Thursday night is neighbourhood night, Serving rockin’ PIZZAs from 6.00pm onwards

Or join the Brew Crew, on a socially orientated mountain bike ride from 6.15pm, followed by PIZZA

Takeaway pizzas also available

APPLIANCE

REPAIRSWAShINg MAChINESDRyERSDIShWAShERS

Darryl DiffeyPh 0424 054 914ddiffey75@gmail.com

Lately Finland is getting colder – about +5 most days, but this week has got to +12 and everyone is excited about how warm it is, even me! In the northern parts of Finland the Northern Lights are out and about most nights, and there’s heaps of snow. My area is still rainy and windy and no Northern Lights yet!

In a month I will go to Lapland in the northern part of Finland and have a weekend with all the exchange students from Finland. I’m very excited! We will go skiing and snowboarding, visit a husky farm and have a husky sleigh ride and a reindeer sleigh ride, but the best thing is a guaranteed seeing of the Northern Lights!!!!

I’m very excited but now I’m counting days until I’m home – only 2 whole months left! It has gone so quickly. I’m so keen to see Forrest and everything that’s changed - if anything has :).

Are you enjoying the flocks of stunning birdlife this Spring? Do you own a cat? Did you know that a wandering or feral cat kills between 5-30 animals a day/night?

Unfortunately cat bells just don’t do enough. The RSPCA encourages the containment of cats in an enclosed area, at a minimum from dusk until dawn. Just doing this has shown to reduce kills by up to half. However Dr Hugh Wirth, President of RSPCA Victoria, recommends 24/7 confinement, for both the safety of your cat and our native wildlife.

Confinement is not prison! It can be relaxing indoors with you, having fun in an outdoor escape-proof activity run, or walks on a leash.

De-sexing your cat means so they don’t contribute to the estimated 15 million feral cats descimating native wildlife.

You can get more tips on how to confine your feline friend, on the RSPCA’s website.

Finnish line!

Keep our native wildlife safe from wandering catsJasmine Walsh is a local schoolgirl

on a 12-month Rotary exchange in Finland.

J.Craig Walker B.App.Sc. (Pharm) Phc. M.P.SABN: 34 249 381 476

Open Hours:Monday to Friday 9.30am to 12.30pm - 1.30pm to 5.30pmSaturday 9.30am to 11.00am

40 Main Street, Birregurra VIC 3242Ph: (03) 5236 2288 Fax: (03) 5236 2280

5November 2014

You’ve recently returned to the kitchen, Simon

Simon: I got out of the kitchen because we were about to have our first baby and I wanted to be home more. I was in the garden one day and got a call from Emma from the Forrest Guesthouse out of the blue to ask if I would be interested in cooking two nights a week. She told me I could ‘do what I liked with the dinner menu’.

I finally found a place where I had free rein in the kitchen and two nights gave me a chance to see if my ideas for the menu were viable before committing to full time. This is the only kitchen in the area that allows me to explore my shared dishes concept.

Your wife Kara now works at the restaurant as well.

Simon: This is the first time we have worked together. Kara’s parents live in Gerangamete and they have been looking after the children so she can work part time.

Kara: I worked in a cafe in Melbourne years ago. We had a full time barista, so I’ve had to learn to make coffees and I’m getting plenty of practice to make them perfect.

What’s your vision for the restaurant, Simon?

Simon: Ultimately I want to get to the point where you don’t have to choose your lunch or dinner – you get a taste of the region. I want to be able to put out plates with 80% of produce from the area and to use it as a platform to educate people on sustainable harvesting practices. I want people to know that we have gone to someone’s garden and harvested yesterday what they are eating today.

A listing in the Good Food Guide would be good, but

we’re not aiming for hats. Emma and I think that it’s important for all the restaurants in Forrest to work together so that the town gets a reputation for having great places to eat.

And things are going well?

I wasn’t sure if the locals would find it too big a change from what the Guesthouse did, but they have been our biggest supporters. We don’t have a huge seating capacity, but we have been booked out Fridays and Saturdays for 6 weeks straight and are having to turn people away. Word is getting out and local growers are coming to us. Recently we’ve had fishermen and a fennel farmer, and even a local potter who would like to supply our crockery.

Who’s New

Simon

Stewart & Kara Grist

Loved & lostCommiserations to the Douglas family and to the Prudens, Knights and Jen and Tina who said goodbye to much-loved pets in October. Tom Pruden

Soxy Doulgas

6 November 2014

How long have you been in Forrest?

I came to Forrest in 1978, with my husband Joe and four kids. We later divorced and I went to live in Lorne for 16 years, but eventually I came back to Forrest.

Why did you come back?

I’ve loved Forrest from the first time I saw it. The bush—it’s beautiful. When I walked to the dam for the first time there were lots of pine trees along the river and I thought I was in the Black Forest, back in Germany. It was dark and really lovely!

Can you tell us about your life in Germany before you came here?

I was born in Berlin, just before the Second World War. During the last two years of the war we moved out to a place called Poznan, which is in Poland now. Then the Russian Front came and we had to go back to Berlin, through the snow and ice. It was 20 degrees below zero and a lot of people died on that journey. Then in Berlin we had six weeks of bombing, day and night, we were lucky to survive.

When I was 18 my brother was living in West Germany and I applied to the East German police for a special pass to see him. It was unusual, but they gave it to me. Then I just didn’t come back. I met Joe in West Germany, and we emigrated to Australia in 1960.

What is a remarkable change you have noticed?

In total, I’ve been in Forrest 20 years. The first change was when Thea opened the Guest House, and now there is so much accommodation! I like the development, but there are some negatives as well. When there are big events it’s pretty full-on living on the main street. And there’s a lot of dust from the service road in the summer, with all the cars. Still, I will stay here as long as I can. My son Peter lives here and my other kids aren’t far away. It’s good!

Who’s

Who

Baer

bel

Schoe

nhof

en

...or get your just desserts - Slip into

your sharpest threads and cruise down to

the Forrest Hall for a 50’s style Dance with Dessert! $20 at the

door 8.30pm on

6pm Starters: Bespoke Harvest Forrest Guest House

7pm - Mains: Wonky Donkey Hotel

8.30pm Dessert & Dance:Forrest Public Hall

Tix $50DrinkS aT Bar PriceS BookinGS eSSenTial For Full GrazerSVP: 8th noVeMBer

BookinGSRaelene 5236 6142or Gillian 5236 6591 Email: forrest.nh@gmail.com

LIVE Fabulous

50’s band

THE HIp CaTS

Rock Your Socks Off!Rock Your Socks Off!

Forr

est &

D

istrict Neighbourhood H

ouse

Forr

est &

D

istrict Neighbourhood H

ouse

& Danceprogressive DinnerForreST Graze

Forrest & District Lions Club in partnership with the Forrest & District Neighbourhood House

invite you to the

Sat 15thNovemberSat 15thNovember

TRIPP BUILDING

Peter Tripp 5237 7348 / 0429 799 829

PTYLTD

Reg. Builder: DBU-12327

New Homes... Extensions...Renovations...Small jobs and all other building work

MBA Member: 099036

All your hairdressing and beauty requirements for ladies, men and children.

Services include cuts, colours, perms, hair ups for weddings and special occasions. Also body and facial waxing, tinting and spray tanning.

Trading hours: Tuesday - Thursday until late, Friday , Saturday.

7November 2014

at the Yeodene Hall on Thursday evenings. Practice

starts before Christmas ahead of competition in April.

Interested? Call Nellie on 5233 4503

W h a t ’ s H a p p e n n i n g !

Otway Ranges guided walks

Road ride November 15-16 ‘Pan y Agua’ double granfondo ride weekend. 70k/140k-120k ride options over the weekend, fully supported, free of charge. Dinner at the Forrest Brewery Saturday night (dinner is not FOC, sorry!). www.topbike.com.au

Sunday November 9: Take a walk along part of the Great Ocean Walk. Phone Allan Dow on 0400 404 046

Sunday December 7: Starts with a long, gentle climb along the Wild Dog Track before a steep climb up to the Crow’s Nest lookout. Approx 12 km. Phone Les Roe on 0431 286 820.

Like walking? Join the club! Go to www.otwaywalks.com

Brew Crew Social RidesDepart 6.15pm every Thursday

from Forrest Brewery

ChurCh ServiCeSAnglican services2nd & 4th Sundays, 11.15am

uniting services1st Sunday, 10.30am

St James Church, Grant St, Forrest

Come play Carpet Bowls

Looking for accommodation. New Chef at the brewery looking for modest self contained accommodation or share house. Budget $100-$150 per week.

Call Sharon 0414 669 026

November 20148

MATHEW SILVEY PLUMBING

Mobile: 0417 342 531

• Newhomes&renovations• Hot&coldwaterservices• Spouting&downpipes• Stormwater

• Motoriseddraincleaning• 1.5texcavatorhire• Solarhotwaterinstallation• Roofing

LicenceNo.47995

Barwon Downs is set to receive new facilities for community use. The new building will be attached to the CFA shed and will be shared by a number of groups within the town.

‘We have been working towards this for 2 to 3 years,’ said Brigade Captain, Gavin Brien.

‘In total, the build is a $250,000 plus project,’ said Gavin. ‘We received $180,000 in funding from the state government, and the brigade, tennis club, Barwon Downs Community Group and the Shire all contributed funds.’

The new building will house an office for the CFA, a large meeting room for 30 or more with a kitchen, storage space and toilets. It will act as clubrooms for the tennis club, with a large veranda overlooking the courts.

Gavin looks forward to having some space for training and meetings. ‘The heating and air conditioning will make meetings and stand-by days for bushfires more comfortable,’ he said. ‘We don’t have a lot of room in the shed with two trucks.’

‘There have been a lot of groups working cooperatively on this project and it’s great that it’s underway,’ said Michael Swanson,

Acting Manager of Economic Development at Colac Otway Shire.

Council contributed $25,000 through the Small Towns Improvement Program. ‘We take pride on working with communities on projects that may otherwise take many years to get off the ground,’ Michael said.

The project is expected to be completed in February.

Community Hub on the way

November 2014 9

Enjoy a full cooked country-style breakfast

Relax in our large hydro-therapy spa pool

Soak up the Otway Valley views from your private suite

Your Hosts - Bob & Carol

www.forrestrivervalley.com.au

Couples ACCoMModAtionGeotechnical RepoRtsRisk assessmentscomputeR DesiGnslope stabilityWateR supplyFaRm Damsbush FiRe assessmentsite classiFications

Consulting EnginEEr

MICHAEL DELAHUNTY beng mieaust

ph 0428 141 441Fax 03 5233 4608

mddelahunty@bigpond.com

www.2020es.com

Local historian John Callahan recounted amazing stories of local pioneers’ lives, taken from their letters and diaries, at an event organised by the Forrest & District Historical Society late in October.

Around 30 people heard tales of hair-raising trips from Birregurra to Cape Otway, through forests of ‘trees 400 feet tall and 20 feet across’, with barely a bridle path to follow. The route went via Barramunga, Wild Dog and ‘Bust my gall’ hill (Busty) to Apollo Bay. John also showed skilful cartoons drawn by one of the pioneers, Edward Snell, to record such journeys.

John’s grandfather Philip was the first of the Callahan family to arrive in this area, emigrating from Ireland in 1820 and fathering 13 children.

John’s presentation covered the period from the arrival of John Batman and fellow graziers from

Tasmania (then Van Diemens Land) in 1835 to the closer settlement of the big runs around 1870. He told the story of the disappearance of Gellibrand and Hesse, who had set out to explore the upper reaches of the Barwon River. Amongst the rescue search team were people who were attracted to the potential of grazing land from Winchelsea to Gerangamete and were the original squatters in our region.

John showed the earliest maps

of squatters’ runs in the area, with prominent names including Armytage, Dennis, Vickery and Roadnight.

The diaries and letters contained rich detail about crops, troubled relations with local Aborigines, great floods, entertainments such as picnics, and the introduction of the first rabbits at Barwon Park, near Winchelsea.

The event was video-recorded, and will be saved in the archives of the Forrest & District Historical Society.

Tales from the pioneers

THE EARLY SETTLEMENT OF OUR DISTRICT

We are very lucky to live at a time when we are only two or three gen-erations from those early settlers who pioneered our district. Future

generations will possibly lose contact with their past.

Here is a unique opportunity to hear an account of how our district was settled by one of our pioneer families .

You are invited to hear

JOHN CALLAHAN

At Forrest Community Hall

Sunday 26th October, at 11am

(Tea and coffee from 10.30am)

John Callahan’s grandparents came to the district in the mid-1800’s. The family’s continuous history with all the

events that have occurred over more than a century and a half and the immense changes in lifestyle virtually sum up

the history of the whole area.

FORREST AND DISTRICT HISTORICAL SOCIETY New members welcome: Tel 52 366 327 Email Kenw@pipeline.com.au

November 201410

Caspers Accommodationa true Ride-in Ride-out experience

Located in the heart of the Yaugher Trail Network

Fully self-contained apartmentSleeping up to four

Contact Rob or Deb0408 982 880

pindanredangus@gmail.comwww.rideforrest.com.au

The Cob Clinic in ForrestAcupuncture &

Massage TherapiesAndrew & Shizu

(03) 52366 493colacotwaychinesemedicine.com

A slightly different breed of cyclists hit town in October aboard a mix of mountain bikes, road bikes, cross bikes and commuters. Amongst the regulars to the local trails were many first time visitors to the Otways, with some even new to riding.

Chase the Dog is a new non-competitive cycling event covering 85km of rail trails, dirt fire tracks and quiet back country roads, starting and finishing in Forrest.

This was not a race so riders were e n c o u r a g e d to take their time, enjoy the scenery and stop at local cafes and restaurants to really ‘make a day of it’. The unique format meant riders of all ages and abilities were

able complete the beautiful course in a safe, supported and friendly manner.

Partnering with Beyond Blue, the event raised funds and awareness for mental illness.

‘This event was about removing the stigma of mental illness, to start talking about it, to support our friends and family and to simply get out together for a great day on the bike,’ said Kylie

Hayles of the Corner Store.

‘There were numerous rider aide stations and friendly marshals offering food and water scattered throughout the course as well as the ‘Rider Angels’ out on bikes offering words of encouragement or a push up a steep hill when needed!’ said Kylie.

Organisers Norm and Jess Douglas along with staff and volunteers have been overwhelmed with the positive feedback, with one rider saying it was his “best day out on a bike ever!”

The team raised over $2000 for Beyond Blue. Preparations have already begun for next year’s event - save the date now: October 10, 2015.

Photo courtesy of Shane Wetzel (Cycl1n)

Chase the dog

The Wonky Donkey is a newly renovated family friendly pub in Forrest Victoria

wonkeydonkey.com.au

• Good honest hearty pub food• Weekly changing specials• Beer garden

• Woodcutters Bar with pool and sports TV• Children’s playground• Take away menu• “Kick Ass” coffee

November 2014 11

I’m not a technical facts and figures kinda girl, but this is my methodology.

In Forrest, a mountain bike that has front suspension is ideal. The front fork is made to move up and down like the hydraulic suspension of a 4WD – great for trail riding.

What wheel size – 26”, 27.5” or 29”?

For me at 5’6” tall, I have found the perfect wheel size is the 27.5”. It’s like the mama bear in Goldilocks - not too big, not too small. For a tall and heavy set person, a 29’er is a Godsend.

Does price matter?

The 3 key factors are gears, wheels and brakes. The more you spend, the greater the performance.

If you ride the heavy old klunker that never seems to stop in time, with gears that have their own personality and wheels that seem to stop in their tracks the moment you stop pedalling, I salute you for I am cheating with my

light-weight speed machines!

Spend $500 on a new bike: it’s a ride to the shops kinda thing.

Spend $1000-$1500: this is called ‘entry level’ and I promise you will upgrade in a year.

Spend $1500-$2000: this is a whole new level, bottom end of the race machine.

$2000+ and up to $10,000: you can start to cheat like me. Light-weight, fast, effortless gears and brakes, free-rolling wheels and looks to go with it.

Good luck with your bike.

Jess Douglas, World 24hr MTB champion

The Corner Store

YOURRIDESTARTSHERE

CNR STATION ST & BLUNDY STBIKES - COFFEE - CULTURE

Jess’ MTB tips: What bike is right for you?

Choosing the right bike can make all the difference!

Ami Hillege from Gerangamete has just returned from a trip through India focusing on sustainable farming and food practices, vegetarianism and all other things green (did I mention no alcohol!). Upon returning to our lovely countryside, Ami has been heard reminiscing about the juicy steak she tucked into, and is pleased if she doesn’t see rice or curry on her plate for quite some time.

Kay Batson has also just returned from an amazing trip, walking the Camino de Santiago through Spain. There are various pilgrimage routes through France and Spain to reach the apostle St James in the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. Kay is going to share her journey and learnings with the group.

Come and join us for a cuppa and what promises to be a fun and inspirational account of an ‘armchair traveller’s journey through India and Spain’ at the CWA rooms, at the Kinda in Main Street, on 19 November at 8.00pm sharp. Gold coin donation for non-members please.

CWA Birregurra Branch

Hold onto your armchair, CWA is bringing India and Spain to Birregurra...

12

The Otway black snail (Victaphanta compacta) is by far the largest carnivorous land snail in the Otways, and lives in treefern gullies and wetter forests. Unlike pest snails that damage gardens, black snails hunt worms, smaller snails and other small invertebrates, seizing them with long, recurved teeth and swallowing them whole.

The snail’s body is dark-grey to black, and the smooth, glossy shell is usually black, or sometimes a deep chocolate colour. Officially this species only reaches 28 mm across the shell, but the mating pair in the photo were close to 40 mm in diameter.

The snail is usually found less than a metre or two above the forest floor, but only comes out at night in warmer, drier weather. The most likely time to

see one in daylight is on a mild Autumn morning after a few rainy days.

Blackbirds and native ground thrushes feed on these snails, which is probably why they aren’t often seen by day,

though not long after we moved to Forrest we saw literally thousands crossing Roadknight Creek Road on a wet day.

Nick Romanowski

Otway black (carnivorous) snail

November 2014

Forrest Cricket Club was faced with a dilemma in round one – not enough blokes to field a team and staring at a forfeit for the start of the season.

Enter the team saviour – Annie Heritage. Partner Brett Ruffin had offered to fill in, but the team was still one to short, so Annie donned the baggy whites and took the field.

Her preferred spot was next to the bowler, but this meant she had to catch every returned ball and pass it on to the bowler.

‘I was scared stiff I was going to drop the ball,’ Annie said. ‘But after watching them spit on it and rub it before they threw it, I didn’t know what

was worse.’

Forrest had the game in the bag before Annie had to front up to bat, but with her help they chalked up a win in game one. Unfortunately they lost the next and the Melbourne Cup weekend game was a wash out.

Maybe Annie is their lucky charm...

Heritage makes history

Annie Heritage encourages bowler Dale Menzies

Two unique, fully self-contained, 3 bedroom cottages

Centrally located in the township of Forrest

For bookings:www.ozbook.com.auPhone 5243 3579

5 Grant Street FORREST