On Sunday April 23 the Carcoar Hospital Museum & Restoration Committee held their annual “Down to Earth” Gardening Expo and Plant Fair. The Carcoar Show Ground with its backdrop of mature trees and open spaces proved to be the perfect venue for visitors to browse the quality stalls whilst soaking up the Autumn sunshine. In addition they also had the opportunity to learn more about various aspects of gardening and sustainability from a range of expert speakers including ABC radio's Reg Kidd, Chris Cuddy , Sally Bourne, Paul Kirkpatrick, Sally Milne and Frank Malfroy. Not to be forgotten, the kids also had fun with the 'Butterflies Are Free' activities . Many visitors took time to stroll up to the Hospital Museum where they were given a guided tour of the historic building.

The event organisers would like to thank the stallholders, guest speakers, the showground committee and the general public who attended. Judging from the success of this year's expo it looks as though the event will continue to go from strength to strength and become a staple on the Carcoar calendar. Any stallholders interested in taking part in next year's event should contact chmuseum@hotmail.com or visit www.carcoarvillage.com for more details. Organisations, businesses and individuals who would like to consider sponsoring next year's expo are also invited to contact the organisers by emailing chmuseum@hotmail.com.

Whilst much of the media coverage was focused on the services being held in larger centres, the more modest scale of the local Anzac Day commemorations did nothing to diminish the sentiments of those who attended the Carcoar, Mandurama and Lyndhurst gatherings. In Carcoar marchers made their way down Icely Street to the accompaniment of bagpipes.

Arriving at the Cenotaph, marchers and onlookers listened as speeches were read out acknowledging the sacrifices of those who fought and died in war. A special tribute was also read out by members of the Tucker family acknowledging the sacrifice of Private Spencer Gordon Tucker who was killed in action in 1917. The service concluded with the laying of wreaths and the 'Last Post'.

As you may be aware, with the council mergers no longer going ahead Blayney Shire Council will be included in the Local Government Elections on September 9. In preparation for this, council and the Carmanhurst Villages Association would like to invite you to an information session to let prospective candidates know more about what life as a councillor is really like, your roles and responsibilities in civic duty and what the process involves to nominate etc.

The mayor, deputy mayor and councillors will be making themselves available to add their insights and answer any questions from anyone interested in becoming a councillor for Blayney Shire council. This informative evening will be held at the Carcoar School of Arts Hall on Thursday May 18 at 6pm. Light refreshments will be provided.