Putty People February 2019 Newsletter of the Putty Community Association,Inc.

LANDCARE NOTES – FRANKENSTEIN’S YABBY KILLER By Ian David

Fake Nature The first scientists to examine a preserved platypus body in 1799 decided it was a fake, made of several animals sewn together. This egg-laying, duck-billed, beaver-tailed, otter-footed mammalcompletely baffled European naturalists, with some considering it an elaborate hoax. However, we can reveal they do exist and they’re alive and well in Putty Creek. They live on worms and insects but their favourite tucker is yabbies. They can remain submerged for up to a quarter of an hour but they usually dive to feed on a river or creek bed for half a minute. They locate their prey in part by detecting electric fields generated by muscular contractions. The platypus is also unique because it is one of a handful of mammals that lays eggs and is venomous. The male platypus has a spur on the hind foot that delivers avenom capable of causing severe pain to humans. After last year’s December issue, local resident Shane Wilcox contacted the news desk of Putty People to inform us that he’s regularly seen the astounding platypus on his place, the ‘most southern property on Putty Creek.’ Mr Wilcox went on to say that due to the creek being dry for a year he didn’t see any platypus and wonders where they went.

After a little investigating, we think we have an answer. In a big dry, platypus will travel downstream to occupy remnant pools until the drought breaks. Moving at night, they can cover a range of up 7 kilometres. Their high calorie diet of yabbies allows them to sleep about 14 hours a day. Thanks Shane for asking.

MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL REMINDERIt’s time to renew your PCA membership! Contribute to the upkeep of our Putty Hall to keep it open and enjoy the variety of activities it offers.

Renew now - only $20 a year and ensure the Putty Hall’s maintenance.

Direct deposit details are: BSB 062 622 A/c 10444988 and include your name.

PCA AGM SATURDAY 23 FEBRUARY 2019The Annual General Meeting of the PCA will be held held on Saturday 23rd February. Bring your friends and neighbours!

Landcare Notes – continued Putty Creek Restoration The response from the Putty community about the restoration of Putty Creek has been overwhelming. Thank to everybody who has sent their congratulations and best wishes. Let me repeat an important message on behalf of the Three Valleys Landcare Group. Putty Creek has been designated a Crown Waterway which belongs to all of us. For those who border the creek, let me assure you Landcare, as a community group, has no desire or authority to do anything on or near your land without your knowledge

Putty People Newsletter February 2019, Page 2 of 5

THREE VALLEYS LANDCARE GROUP GENERAL MEETING A General Meeting of Three Valleys Landcare Group will be held on Sunday 10th February at 3pm

at Sue Casey's home, 155 Putty Valley Road, Putty.

VALE - JAN McCOOK Sad news, with the passing of Jan McCook. Jan has been suffering bone marrow cancer over the past year Jan and Mal McCook, PCA members of nearly 20 years, were regular helpers over several years at Putty Spring Fairs, at times were joined by their son, Anthony McCook. Their Putty property is the first both sides along the Lilavale track and their Sydney home is at St Marys.

Jan's funeral will be held on Friday 8 February at the Pinegrove Cemetery and Crematorium, Kington Street Minchinbury. Contact details for Mal at St Marys are: 36 Mamre Road, St Marys 2760 Phone: 9623 1036 Email: mccook1@bigpond.com

TIPS TO LOOK AFTER YOUR HUSBAND Contributed by Margaret Ferguson

Have dinner ready. Plan ahead, even the night before to have a delicious meal on time. This is a way of letting him know that you have been thinking about him and are concerned about his needs. Most men are hungry when they come home and the prospects of a good meal are part of the warm welcome needed.

Prepare yourself: Take 15 minutes to rest so you will be refreshed when he arrives. Touch up your make-up, put a ribbon in your hair and be fresh looking. He has just been with a lot of work-weary people. Be a little gay and a little more interesting. His boring day may need a lift. Clear away the clutter. Make one last trip through the main part of the house just before your husband arrives, gathering up school books, toys, paper, etc. Then run a dust cloth over the tables. Your husband will feel he has reached a haven of rest and order and it will give you a lift too.

More tips next month. Wait for it!!

Putty People Newsletter February 2019, Page 3 of 5

VALE – ERROL JAMES SMITH Story courtesy of his fire brigade friends Firefighters paid their respects to the late Errol Smith, a Fire Fighter, Group Captain and all round good guy, who passed away on January 6th aged 76. NSWRFS members, including those from Putty Brigade, formed a guard of honour outside the All Saints Church in Singleton following the service.

Errol first joined the Bulga Bush Fire Brigade in 1956 at the young age of 14. He was elected Deputy Captain by his peers in 1970, then in 1984 elected the Captain of the Brigade. He was appointed Group Captain for Singleton in 1989, his area including Putty. In 2013 Errol was awarded the Australian Fire Service Medal.

If anything took place in the Bulga community, Errol was there. He was also known for his work with the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service, Singleton Men’s Shed and the Bulga Progress Association. He attended many truck accidents along Putty Road which led to him helping to implement the Putty Road Truck Drivers Memorial at Bulga and the dedication of it in May, 2010.

However, his larger than life character was ultimately displayed when donning his iconic fire-fighting uniform. Anyone who spent time on Fire ground with Errol will remember him turning up in his iconic red Datsun Ute with its red flashing light and as he often complained the broken seat. He would arrive to oversee a fire which could be raging all around, take one look and say, “We’ll have this out by lunch time.” With his sometimes outrageous sense of humour he was able to instil confidence in those battling to control a fire. It did not seem to matter whatever role Errol took on, he was an inspiration to all he met and worked with. He will be missed by all who had the privilege to have known him.

Putty Brigade members extend messages of condolence and sympathy to Errol’s wife Judy, family Darren & Cherie, Sherrie & Ross, Wade & Amanda and families.

Photographs courtesy of the Singleton Argus

STICKY NIGHT SHADE By Ken Ferguson Solanum Sisymbriifolium or Wild Tomato, although not considered noxious, is becoming an

invasive weed. It has a pretty pale mauve/white flower and can be seen along the edge of Putty Valley Road although in open areas can become very dense. Success in controlling this weed has been achieved by the use of Grazon® plus a wetting agent or by using a mix of Grazon® and Metsulfuron 600, which reduces the cost, plus a wetting agent. The weed must be sprayed before fruiting. Control of small infestations can be dug out and the plants burnt. Do not slash the plants after fruiting as this will promote further spreading.

For further enquiries or to purchase herbicides from Putty Landcare, please contact me, Ken Ferguson on 6579 7077.

Errol – Captain Bulga Rural Fire

Col Scriven leads the parade on bagpipes. Putty & Howes Valley RFB members in yellows. NSWRFS Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons on far right.

Our Lady of the Valley Services at Pilgrims Rest 567 Putty Valley Rd

Ph: 0407 953 353 Every 4th Sunday of the Month

9am SERVICE, 10am BIBLE STUDY and 11am SUNDAY SCHOOL.

Putty People Newsletter February 2019, Page 4 of 5

UPCOMING EVENTS

HAWKESBURY REGIONAL GALLERY ENID COLQUHOUN: SURVEY 1 February - 31 March Local artist Enid Colquhoun has lived and worked in the Hawkesbury for many years. Come and see a selection of her evocative works over a lifetime of painting, drawing and sketching.

SACRED SPACES AT THE SISTERS OF MERCY CONVENT, SINGLETON

The Australian Brandenburg Ensemble will play on Saturday 16 March at 7pm - Ayres and Graces: Music from the French and English Baroque.

FRIDAY NIGHT DETOUR AT THE PUTTY HALL The Detour is in recess

PRAYER, BIBLE STUDY & SUNDAY SCHOOL

SYDNEY BALALAIKA ORCHESTRA RETURNS TO PUTTY 31 March at 7.30pm The Sydney Balalaika Orchestra will once again fill the Putty Hall stage to perform a diverse range of Russian folk and classical music played on authentic folk instruments and in Russian costumes.

Heavy infestation of wild tomato plants

Hawkesbury Regional Gallery, Deerubbin Centre 300 George St, Windsor 02 4560 4441

TRADES AND SERVICES FULL POWER

0455 120 544

OFF THE GRID SOLAR SYSTEMS

For all your building & home Improvements

* New Homes & Cottages * Alterations & Decks* Bathroom & Kitchen Renovations * flats

Jason Bomski - BUILDER Mobile: 0407 216 258

NEWSLETTER CONTACT

PUTTY PEOPLE ADVERTISING In publishing these ads, the PCA is not

endorsing or recommending any product or service advertised below.

Putty People Newsletter February 2019, Page 5 of 5

PUTTY VALLEY ONLINE Putty’s Community Website contains many interesting links including:

• Trades & Services Directory at:www.putty.nsw.au/whereis

• The PCA with a link to the membershipform at:http://www.putty.nsw.au/pca/membership/

PCA FACEBOOKFor news as it happens. If you haven’t already signed up to our Facebook page, you can do so by clicking Like at: https://www.facebook.com/PuttyCommunityAssociation

Post your pictures and stories! ADVERTISING: pca@putty.nsw.au

Please call with any news, activities or photographs to include in our

monthly newsletter. Martha Babineau, phone 6579 7000

mailtroika@gmail.com

SOUTH FAIRVIEW NORTH Jan 2019 127.50 mm 130.00mm 147.00mm _________________________________________ Jan 2018 23.75mm 46.00mm _________________________________________ Jan 10 yr 115.80.mm 127.00mm average

Recordings were taken at Fairview-Putty Central (with reference to www.bom.gov.au) “The Top Place” Putty Valley Road - North “Fairview” Putty Valley Road - Central “The Grange” Burnt Arm Road - South

If it rains at Putty, residents are encouraged to post their rainfall on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/PuttyCommunityAssociation so weekenders will know if they need to water their gardens.

PUTTY RAINFALL JANUARY 2019

FULL POWER

0455 120 544

OFF THE GRID SOLAR SYSTEMS

FARMERS WAREHOUSE SINGLETON Supplier of quality products for the farm or home. Stock feeds for all animal needs, seed, fertilizer, fencing gear & vet products. Friendly reliable service at Farmers Warehouse at 47 Magpie St, Singleton, 02 6571 5144

PAULLS RICHMOND MOWERS Sells outdoor equipment for residential and commercial use, operates a fully

equipped workshop - service and repairs to all makes and models and spare parts.

293 Richmond Street, Richmond 02 45478 1033