Hartwood & Boggabri CampfireFestival April 2025

         Once again Hartwood did not disappoint. Great to catch up with friends and the weather was perfect. The entertainer's did a great job. Rob Breese and The Hartwood Festival Band had us tapping our feet. Lawrie and Shelly Minson plus Roydon Donohue and many more were great entertainers. The Bush Poet's Mel and Suzie had us in stitches with their humour. Excellent show.

         After a great festival they packed up their vans and headed to Boggabri for the Drovers Campfire. I left home on Wednesday 23rd with rain happening. Rain all the way till I turned onto Hunter Expressway then sun - lovely. As I continued along New England Hwy then pass the Dubbo turn off I drive over a hill and --  WOW What a view. Beautiful countryside and so green.

 That night I stayed at Willow Tree Recreation Ground. $10.00 unpowered, $15.00 powered. Level with hot showers, toilet, BBQ and bins with plenty of room. Great spot. Called into Quirindi the next day to see the painted silo's which were unusal. The artist does not paint their faces.....different.

          Upon arriving at Boggabri was greeted by very friendly, cheery ladies with young children helping. Family affair. Backed into my spot and there behind me is Christine and Eddie, whom I met  when did Gunnedah, Hartwood and Parkes Festivals a few years back. So coffee and catch up first then sort the van for next few days. Say hi to Marcella and Ian and Mick and that Happy Hour did go for more than an hour. Late tea but was fun to catch up again.

          Next day was Anzac Day and we went into the town to watch the march and a moving service. One of the wreath's laid was made of the natural cotton balls and wheat. Impressive. Afterwards went to the Community Hub where the ladies had a morining tea for $5.00. Sandwiches and homemade cakes, delicious. Then a walk to burn off the calories where we found Boggabri Sign and the "Pink Slugg."  Not sure of the significance of it. Back at camp watched Rex Baldwin and Caitlyn Matthews. In the arvo was the Yabbies Races. Haven't seen it before. There was heats then the winners raced off. Marcella and mine think were going back the the farm for tea. Was fun.

         A walk around the grounds where there was old machinery on display and watched some dogs working goats. The dogs are so talented. I came across a " Horse Float " that had a sign Men's Shower. Naturally had to investergate, and yes it worked with hot water too. There was food stall where the CWA sold fresh hot scones with jam and cream. Also Anzac biscuits and one day a stew. Also the Lions Club had steak or sausage sandwiches, Pies, Sausage Rolls plus lolly bags. No one should go hungry.

         Saturday saw us all board a tour bus to a Longhorn Cattle Farm. On turning into the driveway we saw cattle with very large horns. Thought don't want to get in the way of those's.Jeff, the owner, greeted us and gave a very informative talk. He had worked in a bank for 45 years and now has his hobby farm with his family. His family has 17 cows and Longhorns all with a name. The colouring on some of the beasts were so unusual. Then back on the bus and up to the farm house for morning tea. And what a spread. All his family was there  -- Son and daughter plus there partners  with 7 Grandchildren too.Jeff explained that he put the tour on especially for us and all the money would be going to Boggabri  Joey's Playgroup. Fabulous morning. Even had a drone shot of us all taken.

          Back at camp where we caught the last of the Whip Cracking Competition. Even the kids had a go but the 18 times champion, well he showed us how to   cracked 2 whips while riding a Unicycle. Wonder how long it took him to get it right ??? It was Market Day too with about 15 stalls set up with the usual, jams, jewellery, clothing and nick knacks. There was also Gunnedah Uke Alypts playing on stage followed by Stuart and Dave. That afternoon the black clouds rolled in so all the eqipment for the stage was moved inside the large shed. Just in time too before it fell down. That night the ladies put on a Roast Lamb Dinner which was mouth watering. A entertainer was singing but unfortunately the sound wasn't good due to the tin on the shed. Still the ladies of the committee were very cheerful and made us feel happy.

         In the morning was raining but after a while eased up and just cloudy. Very wet under foot though. In arvo Dave Clark gave a talk on driving safely while towing and also be careful of your weight distrabution. Still so many retirees -- buy a car and van and find out they are not compatable. You really need to do your reseach. Marcella and Christine caught the bus into the club to play Bingo. Christine had a win. That night we all went to Trivia. Our team name "Friendly's" There was about 15 tables with the $5.00 per head we paid going to the local Public School. We could even buy "Cheat Sheet" which consisted of a row of stars ( 5 ) for $5.00. There was 10 questions per sheet and we could use 3 stars per sheet. Still didn't help us to win but was a lot of fun.

       Monday morning the sun was shining brightly as we all packed up after a great Drovers Campfire and headed home. About an hour out of Boggabri, still Kamilaroi Highway, had to slow down for cows grazing on the side of the road. Only in the country.

Report by Bev