On the Grapevine - time to celebrate

With more than 100 years of aviation history virtually at our doorstep, you can now wander about the newly presented museum and then enjoy a coffee and cake or a light lunch with a beer or wine in The Drome Café hosted by Karen and Matt Henderson.

They have many years of experience in the aviation industry between them and are absolutely delighted to have an opportunity to be involved in both the museum and café.

It is a delightful setting and visitors are warmly welcomed by Karen, Matt and their staff.

Opening in late July to a great welcome from locals, unfortunately they were forced to close two weeks later due to NSW COVID-19 lockdowns.

Re-opening on September 11, the response has been exceptional with more than 4500 people coming through the museum and café.

“It has definitely exceeded our expectations,” said the very happy couple.

The Drome Café and museum is open seven days a week from 10 am until 4 pm and also available for private functions outside of these hours.

If you haven’t been already, it is certainly worth a visit!

For country music fans

Members of the Strathmerton Lions Club are proud to inform music lovers they are ‘back from COVID-19’ and will conduct their 18th Country Music Event on Sunday, November 14.

It’s a popular event amongst country music lovers and will be held this year at the Cobram Harness Cub and offers a great opportunity just to sit back, relax and enjoy some of Australia’s best country music talent.

Headliners include Bec Hance, Kerran Keats, Kim Ritchie, Norm Price, Cameron Mason and Venessa Warra, so expect a fantastic day out!

The event attracts country music fans far and wide and its ardent devotees will be eagerly looking forward to coming to Cobram.

Cost is $25 person and the Lions Club will cater with its usual delicious food and the bar will be open.

Gates are open at 10 am, get there early, select your spot and please bring along a chair.

This is a COVID-safe event, entry is available only to those who are double vaccinated.

Telstra joins red gum computers

Roly’s Mobiles in Shepparton - a Telstra partner - has joined with Red Gum Computers in providing a one-stop shop enhancing the fantastic service Cobram residents have enjoyed over many years from Red Gum partners Paul Bovalina and Simon Cole.

The computer gurus have provided an unrivalled level of service, combined with a broad knowledge of technology and pleased indeed to now have an expert in the field of mobile phones and devices join them in the store.

France-born Roland Haccart, owner of Roly’s Mobiles ,was instantly delighted when approached by the chaps at Red Gum to share space in the store and provide locals with the best tech people in the industry.

Roland purchased the Shepparton mobile phone business 10 years ago, however, he has many more years of experience in the industry and is enthusiastic about getting to know the people of Cobram and district.

“If customers are looking at a new iPhone, mobile accessories, phone repair, a truck phone, UHF scammers and accessories, a pre-paid mobile or a home phone with high speed Internet through the ABN, we can help! We also have a large range of accessories including Apple watches, Samsung watches, air pods and Samsung buds,” said Roland.

Two full-time mobile techs will be in store each day from 9 am until 5.30 pm and on Saturday from 9 am until noon.

For those who struggle with adjusting to a new mobile device or have problems using their computer it is a blessing in disguise to have all the experts in the one location!

Cath celebrates 80 years

The invitations were sent out in plenty of time for the 80th birthday celebration of Cobram lady Catherine Broome by an optimistic family who had hoped Victoria would be out of lockdown!

Surely it wouldn’t still be locked down and we can get together and celebrate with mum?

Unfortunately, while regional Victoria was no longer in lockdown, Melbourne and metro areas were, and with most of Cath’s family living in Melbourne the planned party has been now put on hold until closer to Christmas.

While disappointing for this youthful looking octogenarian, it was still reason for something special.

So with daughter Carol who lives in Cobram, her two daughters, partner Ken, a brother in Numurkah and of course husband Ted, the family went out for a fabulous lunch and while it was a somewhat smaller party than initially planned, they enjoyed a very happy time.

The Melbourne family members connected to Zoom when it was time for the birthday cake and amid lots of singing and congratulations, the family celebrated this milestone with their much loved-mum and grandmother on her 80th birthday.

Cath and husband Ted an electrician moved to Cobram more than 30 years ago from Keilor East.

The couple had three daughters and two sons but unfortunately lost a son some years ago.

Today the couple has 10 grandchildren, the eldest who is 33, and three great-grandsons.

“Even though most of my family are in the city and we go down to visit them, I love it here and I couldn’t go back to living in Melbourne,” said Cath.

Over the years Cath has worked for several local businesses and would be remembered as a popular bingo caller for many years.

About 45 years ago, Cath and Ted headed off in a caravan for the first time and since then have travelled extensively throughout Australia, having many memorable experiences and wonderful times.

“We always took off on our own. We loved meeting people and visiting new places.”

When I asked what place stood out to her, Cath responded instantly, “A really special place is Woodgate, which is right on the coast in the Bundaberg region of Queensland. It’s beautiful and we just love it,” said Cath, who added that she felt their travelling days were now over.

Today Cath is involved in a voluntary capacity, visiting those in need of companionship and with minor health issues.

She is also a wonderful support to her husband Ted who has had several bouts of surgery this year and the couple is looking forward to better days.