On the Grapevine

Being very much a teenager who loves to be ‘hands-on’ she discussed her career options with dad Rodney. One thing was certain however, she did not want to undertake any girlie-type career, it just wasn’t her thing.

“My friends are not really surprised with my career choice, one is keen to become an electrician while another wants to get into the beauty industry.”

After undertaking work experience last year with Matt Avery from Intune Automotives in Year 11, she was offered an apprenticeship as a motor mechanic. One of four students given a three-month trial to judge their ability for the industry, Grace was rewarded when she came out way ahead of the others and the only female.

Grace began at Intune Automotive in March this year and she is absolutely loving it.

“There is a wide variety of vehicles coming through the workshop and I am learning something new every day. I love to problem solve and I don’t mind getting my hands dirty,’’ said Grace, who also added that she is not so keen on the paperwork.

Matt Avery is pleased with his choice, “I think it is great to see girls getting into the industry which has always been male dominated. Grace is our first female apprentice and a good choice. Always happy, she is smart, she listens and asks the right questions. Nothing is a problem when asked to do it and she is catching on quickly. It’s really good to have her on our team.”

Grace is completing a school-based apprenticeship this year, working each Monday and every second Wednesday at Intune Automotive, the other Wednesday’s at Goulburn Ovens TAFE in Shepparton and attends school on Tuesdays, Thursday and Fridays.

Her week is relatively full but the teenager is happy and looks forward to completing the course full time over the next three years.

Reaching driving age of 18 in October, Grace ultimately would like to buy a Nissan Skyline R31 which she would love to work on. “I love the style of the car and there definitely won’t be any bush bashing with it,’’ laughs Grace. While she has seen a particular car she likes, she is also looking at others. “There are a few around, I just love them.”

Grace has six siblings, the four older ones live in Melbourne and two younger ones are cared for by Grace and dad Rodney Cogdell after having lost their mum Kaye Bernshaw in 2020.

It’s the first day of winter

It’s a little ominous to read that today is the first day of winter. June 1.

It can bring with it the notion of cold mornings, cloudy skies and if we are lucky the occasional sunny day followed by extremely cold nights.

So how do we deal with winter, do we make the most of it or do we snuggle down for three months in our homes and wait until it’s all over?

Oh no! Life is to be lived. No matter our budget or capabilities, there is always something to do, whether indoors or out.

There are many friendly groups and organisations in town worth going along to on a cold winter’s day for a little friendly cheer.

Or, if it is difficult to you to get out and about, make a pot of delicious soup and invite your friends around to share it with you. Add hot crispy bread rolls, lots of laughs and conversation and that grey old day suddenly appears much brighter.

If you feel you could do with some exercise, yet don’t enjoy the outdoors in the wintertime why not try this for a change, line dancing.

You don’t need a gym membership to stay fit, there is no joining fee just $10 covers the class and includes tea, coffee and something to nibble on. There are classes for beginners to the more advanced held in a warm environment with lots of other folk, both men and women who love it with a passion.

Instructor Margaret Murphy of Boots ’n’ Us began teaching line dancing 27 years ago in Melbourne and at one stage conducted classes both in Melbourne and Tocumwal but two years ago made the decision to move up to Barooga where she and husband Norm had held a property for many years.

Seeking something larger, the couple purchased a 1.61-hectare property in Tocumwal with a large shed which has become a dance studio and where Margaret conducts her classes three times a week. Wednesday nights for intermediate dancers, Friday mornings for beginners and on Sunday afternoons for beginners and the more advanced and people of all ages.

“Its great fun and a wonderful way to get fit while doing something you totally enjoy,” said Margaret who is convinced she made the right decision to move to Tocumwal.

“It’s a great life up here, I conduct the classes, which keep me fit too, play golf twice a week and there’s not much time in between, but I love to be busy,” she added.

The classes run for 2.5 hours and you can sit it out if you are feeling in need of a break, yet it appears that most don’t want it to end. They love the activity, the music and the company and eagerly look forward to their next class.

If you would like to learn more contact Margaret Murphy on 0406 520 036.

Fundraiser a huge success

Tocumwal’s combined Op Shops Biggest Morning Tea exceeded expectations this year when it raised the magnificent sum of $4500.

Both Hunters Haven and Tocumwal Community Op Shop volunteers put in an enormous effort to ensure the day was a huge success.

Tocumwal and Finley businesses were praised for their continuing support of this special community event, generously donating an amazing array off fabulous prizes for the continuous raffle which has become a feature of the morning tea.

With delicious food, an opportunity to win a prize, good company and some light entertainment, the morning was an enjoyable event once again. Entertainment was provided by singer/guitarist Ray McCartney and combined with demonstrations from Boots ’n’ Us line dancing and the Finley Tai Chi group definitely delighted attendees.

A fantastic plant stall did a roaring trade and Julie Stava and her hard-working team raised the amazing amount of $1400 from the sale of a huge variety of potted plants.

Throughout the month of May 19,250 morning teas were held around the country and to date the fundraiser has reached $5,166,390 and will continue during the month of June for the Cancer Council to assist Australians impacted by this insidious disease.