FARMLET BECOMES A B’N’B
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When a small farmlet that previously milked a few cows in the small dairy on the property has a change of ownership and a new identity, what does it become?
In 2016 new owners Jamie and Gareth Adams had a plan when they purchased the 1.214-hectare property in Baulkamaugh near Numurkah but it came with a lot of hard work and dollars spent, to create their dream of opening their own Farm Stay/Bed and Breakfast.
Much of that work is now complete and the property transformed by the couple who named their B’n’B ‘The Olde Creamery’ in recognition of the old dairy which remains operable today and where the duo milk their Jersey cow and make their own butter.
Gareth is a trained chef at Numurkah Hospital and while Jamie milks cows each day on a nearby Jersey stud, he was formerly a probations officer with the Department of Justice in Shepparton.
The morning I arrived to meet the couple, I was met with delicious aromas coming from the kitchen, for Jamie had just taken from the oven his freshly made and very delicious coffee-scrolls with an apple glaze.
While bubbling away on the massive chef’s stove a large pot of Berrigan beetroot would soon be transformed into Beetroot Relish by Gareth.
The pair produce a range of delicious paddock-to-pantry products under the label The Olde Creamery that are high in demand, made from home-grown and locally sourced products in their own registered kitchen.
Opening in 2018, and listed on Air B’n’B, it took some time for the Farm Stay to attract attention on the website, however their first guests were two young Asian women on a road trip in the area who left an excellent review much to Jamie and Gareth’s delight! They now have a rating of 4.9* from 48 reviews.
During COVID-19 business understandably was a little slow, however since restrictions were lifted they are generally booked every weekend and sometimes during the week.
City guests can have that great rural experience, they can milk the cow, make butter, help prepare and cook dinner or go out to the river with Jamie and Gareth who will cook a delicious gourmet barbecue.
Woodfired pizza around the campfire under the stars is also proving hugely popular with guests.
The pair has an undisputed passion for good food and dedicated to showcase what the region has to offer.
Yet they also have style which is obvious when you see the transformation that has taken place throughout the entire property with views of the attractive gardens from every window.
Quality and attention to detail has absolutely no boundaries.
The Olde Creamery is a unique experience and offers guests something rarely available, showcasing life in the rural area that combines the best in dining in a totally relaxed environment close to nature!
Animal lovers will be in their element, with two lovable border collies Wispa and Skye, Kylie the cat, Ramsay the goat, Harold the turkey plus a variety of livestock.
Oh and of course Daniel, the chatty colourful parrot who welcomes guests inside the home.
The Goulburn Valley is fast developing into a popular tourist area and it appears that Cactus Country is quite a drawcard with a number of guests booking a night or two because of the popular tourist attraction.
Jamie and Gareth are working with Moira Shire Council at present to register the business to be able to provide food and operate a café on the premises for afternoon teas etc.
“it’s a long and lengthy process and very frustrating but we are doing everything we can to comply with shire requirements! But sometimes we feel a bit dejected! In the meantime we are busy with our day jobs and producing our range of jams, relishes and pickles under the Olde Creamery label and thrilled with our number of bookings for the B’n’B,” said Gareth.
Are they glad they took the plunge to open their Farm Stay/Bed and Breakfast, most definitely!
NAPONDA HOSTS GARDEN EXPO
Sophie Thomson of Gardening Australia will be the special guest at a Garden Expo conducted by Naponda Hospital Auxiliary on Sunday, March 20, at the home of Sue Muenster at Marong Station a magnificent farming property on Drivers Road, Lindifferon, just outside of Deniliquin.
Two workshops will be conducted by this self-described ‘obsessive compulsive gardener,’ who brings with her years of experience and is widely recognised Australia wide for her amazing knowledge.
Sunday, March 20, workshops are: (1) 10.30am — Gardening for Health and Wellbeing, (2) 12.30pm Drought proofing your garden.
Lunch and morning tea are provided and a coffee cart will be on site.
On Monday, March 21, there will be a Community Day held in the Deniliquin Community Gardens.
Included in the price of the tickets are the two workshops, morning tea and lunch and if you wish to book please log onto Naponda 2022 Garden Expo-Open Garden Day. Or Eventbrite.
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JAMES STRUTS HIS STUFF AT MELBOURNE FASHION FESTIVAL
Amputee James Parr, 25, is set to strut his stuff this week at the Melbourne Fashion Festival.
Approximately 20 male models under direction from New York stylist David Bonney will take to the catwalk at Federation Square to showcase the designs of nine of Australia’s top male designers.
Each model is allocated a dresser and James will wear designs from Solid Ochre and Bassike, of a smart casual style.
To strut their stuff on the catwalk models generally undergo hours of preparation including hair and makeup, a review of their look by the stylist, then a rehearsal, followed by two shows on the catwalk, the second show is viewed by recognised industry makers, celebrities and local fashionistas.
Good on you James! There’s no end to your talents!
(Footnote: While writing this piece, I flicked on the television for a little background sound and to my amazement I was confronted by the final of the Australian women’s Beach Volleyball championships and the fabulous publicity coming from the commentators of Thompsons Beach undoubtedly would generate interest in this amazing and unique inland beach.)
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BREWERY COMING TO TOCUMWAL
I have it on good authority that Tocumwal is to have its own brewery.
Designer beers and a range of other beveridge plus food will be available and I can’t wait to see just what it has to offer!
Tocumwal is coming alive with new business operators who understand that tourism is a big part of the survival of the town and there is a need for drawcards to entice people to visit and spend their hard earned dollars!
BUDDING ENGINEER SAM IS A-1
Budding engineer Sam Nuttall is headed for a great career with A-1 Engineering, showing that having completed his second year, he has the right determination and initiative to make it all the way, recently awarded the Best 2Nd Year Engineering Student at Shepparton Go TAFE.
After completing his VCE at Cobram Secondary College Sam applied to and was accepted to study engineering at RMIT in Melbourne yet made the decision to take up an apprenticeship at A-1 Engineering and remain in Cobram and firmly believes he made the right decision.
“I love being at A-1 Engineering, it’s a good environment and a great place to learn and you learn so many different things!” said Sam.
“I believe I have made the right decision,” the 20-year-old added.
Obviously he has the right amount of determination to succeed in his chosen career and according to A-1 Engineering business owners Anthony and Luisa Barca, he has what it takes: “We congratulate Sam on being awarded ‘The Best Second Year Apprentice 2022.’ He is an ambitious and dedicated employee who has shown the work ethic and skills he has learnt over the years has proven that he can now play a successful role within the business.
We are delighted to see his hard work has paid off and look forward to seeing him continue to thrive in the engineering and manufacturing industry,’’ said the couple.
*A-1 Engineering is ASSDA accredited and a leader in its own right, designing and manufacturing to each clients’ specific requirements in the dairy, fruit, wine and olive industries together with heavy industrial and light commercial industries
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