A reminder that Daylight Saving Commences in NSW this weekend on Sunday 3 October 2010, at 2:00 am when clocks are put forward one hour.
(Daylight Saving ends on Sunday 3 April 2011, at 3:00 am summer time when clocks are put back one hour.)
Monday 4th October is a public holiday in New South Wales.
Thursday 30 September 2010
Tuesday 28 September 2010
Fancy a farm stay?
We're lucky here in Macarthur to not have to travel too far out of Campbelltown to experience the bush and produce from local farms. But there's nothing like spending time on a farm to give kids an appreciation of where some of our food comes from.
The Bathurst Sheep and Cattle Drome (Heritage Hills) is just over a two and a half hour drive from Campbelltown. It's a popular place for school groups during the week but they also have 8 spacious units for families wanting to experience a quiet, relaxing weekend in peaceful surroundings. There are both native and farm animals in the animal nursery.
The Bathurst Sheep and Cattle Drome (Heritage Hills) is just over a two and a half hour drive from Campbelltown. It's a popular place for school groups during the week but they also have 8 spacious units for families wanting to experience a quiet, relaxing weekend in peaceful surroundings. There are both native and farm animals in the animal nursery.
So if you find yourself explaining to your kids that cheese, eggs and milk do not originate in the supermarket or answering the question, "Does chicken come from cows?" then maybe a farm stay should be your next holiday.
Thursday 23 September 2010
The Rubie Appeal
On Thursday September 30th, United Cinemas at Narellan Town Centre is hosting a special screening of 'Diary of a Wimpy Kid' with $10 of every ticket sold going to The Rubie Appeal to raise funds for Rubie, a 14yo Macarthur lass who was born with Neurofibromatosis in her right leg. Rubie will be having her leg amputated next month and the funds raised will go towards buying her a prosthetic leg and tutoring so that she can keep up with her studies while having to take time off school due to the operation.
We love United Cinemas at Narellan, it has all the glitz and glamour of a big city cinema but without the inconvenience of travel. Tickets for this special screen are $20 each (remember, 50% of that goes to The Rubie Appeal) and starts at 6:30pm. Sounds like a great night out for a good cause.
We love United Cinemas at Narellan, it has all the glitz and glamour of a big city cinema but without the inconvenience of travel. Tickets for this special screen are $20 each (remember, 50% of that goes to The Rubie Appeal) and starts at 6:30pm. Sounds like a great night out for a good cause.
Wednesday 22 September 2010
Your favourite coffee place?
My friend Kathie has recently started a brand new blog dedicated to good coffee spots. "You can register as an author and post about your favourite place to go for coffee and if you have a photo of yourself and a friend having coffee, feel free to add that too."
It got me wondering, where is your favourite place to have coffee in Macarthur? Mine is the Yummy Cafe in Woodhouse Drive, Ambarvale. Not only do you get to sit outside watching the littlies play in a secure playground, but the coffee (mine is a decaf latte) is always excellent. Yummy is open Tuesday to Saturday.
Another favourite place is Flower Power at Mt. Annan, sitting outside surrounded by beautiful, healthy plants (very unlike our own garden at the moment!) and watching the kids play on the climbing equipment.
Coffee anywhere peaceful with something free to keep the kids occupied is always good!
It got me wondering, where is your favourite place to have coffee in Macarthur? Mine is the Yummy Cafe in Woodhouse Drive, Ambarvale. Not only do you get to sit outside watching the littlies play in a secure playground, but the coffee (mine is a decaf latte) is always excellent. Yummy is open Tuesday to Saturday.
Another favourite place is Flower Power at Mt. Annan, sitting outside surrounded by beautiful, healthy plants (very unlike our own garden at the moment!) and watching the kids play on the climbing equipment.
Coffee anywhere peaceful with something free to keep the kids occupied is always good!
Tuesday 21 September 2010
24 Hour Fight Against Cancer Macarthur
Every year, Macarthur families are touched by cancer. It does not discriminate, affecting people of all ages and ethnic backgrounds.
Every year, the 24 Hour Fight Against Cancer aims to raise money to support those families. This is a very worthy event to get behind because 100% of the funds raised go towards services in the local area.
The 24 Hour Fight Against Cancer 2010 will be held at the Campbelltown Athletics Stadium in Leumeah on Saturday 16th October and runs from 10am through to 10am on Sunday 17th October. All you have to do is register a team then join hundreds of others as they walk or run laps. Last year over 1,000 people participated and raised $210,000.
If you can't walk or run, come along anyway and show your support for this great initiative and experience the wonderful atmosphere of people coming together for a good cause.
Every year, the 24 Hour Fight Against Cancer aims to raise money to support those families. This is a very worthy event to get behind because 100% of the funds raised go towards services in the local area.
The 24 Hour Fight Against Cancer 2010 will be held at the Campbelltown Athletics Stadium in Leumeah on Saturday 16th October and runs from 10am through to 10am on Sunday 17th October. All you have to do is register a team then join hundreds of others as they walk or run laps. Last year over 1,000 people participated and raised $210,000.
If you can't walk or run, come along anyway and show your support for this great initiative and experience the wonderful atmosphere of people coming together for a good cause.
Monday 20 September 2010
Kmart's Spring Break Calendar of Fun
If you're looking for some entertaining ideas to spend fun time with the family these coming spring school holidays, Kmart have put up a calendar of events and also listed some indoor and outdoor activities to keep the kids occupied. If you submit your own idea, you could be in the running to win a $100 or $50 Kmart gift card.
Sunday 19 September 2010
What's your favourite playground in Macarthur?
Our favourite playground is the one at Mount Annan Botanic Gardens. It has a sand-pit to keep the littlies amused and a flying fox for the bigger kids. And of course the Botanic Gardens has heaps of other great attractions like the dinosaur hunt and bush food 'museum'.
But entry to the Botanic Gardens is not free so for a cheaper family day out we head to the Plough and Harrow on Elizabeth Drive in Cecil Hills. This also has a sandpit and flying fox plus some great swings and cycleways.
If you're willing to head a bit further afield these coming school holidays, there are lots of great parks around NSW. Try the Playground Finder and have fun being a tourist in your own backyard.
Don't forget to pop back here and let us know which one you like the best. And be sure to let us know if you discover a great new place for families.
But entry to the Botanic Gardens is not free so for a cheaper family day out we head to the Plough and Harrow on Elizabeth Drive in Cecil Hills. This also has a sandpit and flying fox plus some great swings and cycleways.
If you're willing to head a bit further afield these coming school holidays, there are lots of great parks around NSW. Try the Playground Finder and have fun being a tourist in your own backyard.
Don't forget to pop back here and let us know which one you like the best. And be sure to let us know if you discover a great new place for families.
Friday 17 September 2010
What's on this weekend in Macarthur?
If you've got no plans for the weekend, head down to Aldi in Ambarvale (45 Woodhouse Drive) on Saturday to help celebrate their 1st birthday. There will be clowns and free food samples from 8:30am. Proceeds from a sausage sizzle will go towards the Bradbury Ambarvale Bears Soccer Club so it's a good excuse to have a sausage sandwich for breakfast.
After you've had your fill of yummy food, maybe head to the Woodland Road Public School Spring Fair in Helen's Park where there will be rides, market stalls, food stalls and games zones from 9am to 4pm.
Or enjoy browsing around the Camden Craft and Fine Food Fair at Onslow Park in Argyle Street. The fair starts at 8am and runs through until 4pm.
In the evening is one of our favourite events - Cinema Under the Stars at Mt Annan Botanic Gardens. This year they'll be showing Up and either Marley & Me (great movie for dog lovers but take tissues if you're sentimental) or The Blind Side. Food and drinks stalls are available or take a picnic. The fun starts at 6pm.
On Sunday, if you're not planning to enjoy some pedal power at the free Ready to Ride day event in Macquarie Fields and would prefer to enjoy some more sedate meanderings at the Camden Park House Open Day from 10am to 4pm. Tour the house and gardens of this historic Georgian home. Entry is $10 for adults.
Or head to Camden's taste food, wine and music festival at Camden Town Farm, Exeter Street from noon to 5pm.
Whatever you get up to, we'd love to hear about your weekend!
After you've had your fill of yummy food, maybe head to the Woodland Road Public School Spring Fair in Helen's Park where there will be rides, market stalls, food stalls and games zones from 9am to 4pm.
Or enjoy browsing around the Camden Craft and Fine Food Fair at Onslow Park in Argyle Street. The fair starts at 8am and runs through until 4pm.
In the evening is one of our favourite events - Cinema Under the Stars at Mt Annan Botanic Gardens. This year they'll be showing Up and either Marley & Me (great movie for dog lovers but take tissues if you're sentimental) or The Blind Side. Food and drinks stalls are available or take a picnic. The fun starts at 6pm.
On Sunday, if you're not planning to enjoy some pedal power at the free Ready to Ride day event in Macquarie Fields and would prefer to enjoy some more sedate meanderings at the Camden Park House Open Day from 10am to 4pm. Tour the house and gardens of this historic Georgian home. Entry is $10 for adults.
Or head to Camden's taste food, wine and music festival at Camden Town Farm, Exeter Street from noon to 5pm.
Whatever you get up to, we'd love to hear about your weekend!
Wednesday 15 September 2010
Despicable Me - movie review
I hadn't expected to like this much, from what I'd seen of the trailers it looked a bit slapstick and silly. And the movie is silly in an impossible kind of way, with characters surviving Roadrunner style explosions and there is more slapstick comedy than I'd like (characters punching and pushing one another). But it is also funny and there's an important message at it's core.
A lot happens in this movie and I suspect it's the sort of film you could watch again and see things you missed first time around which is just as well as kids will want to watch it repeatedly. The adult humour is subtle and witty but kids will laugh all the way through. I laughed out loud a couple of times and the woman behind me in the theatre said, "Aww" at the heartwarming bits.
The accent of the main character voiced by Steve Carell I found annoying and Russel Brand's voice didn't suit his character at all but the rest of the voice talent was great, especially Miss Hattie (Kristen Wiig).
This is a short (95 minutes), fast movie with constant action so even the littlies will remain entertained. Rated PG, recommended for kids aged 3 to 12. Now showing at Dumaresq Street Cinema in Campbelltown. All tickets $6.00
A lot happens in this movie and I suspect it's the sort of film you could watch again and see things you missed first time around which is just as well as kids will want to watch it repeatedly. The adult humour is subtle and witty but kids will laugh all the way through. I laughed out loud a couple of times and the woman behind me in the theatre said, "Aww" at the heartwarming bits.
The accent of the main character voiced by Steve Carell I found annoying and Russel Brand's voice didn't suit his character at all but the rest of the voice talent was great, especially Miss Hattie (Kristen Wiig).
This is a short (95 minutes), fast movie with constant action so even the littlies will remain entertained. Rated PG, recommended for kids aged 3 to 12. Now showing at Dumaresq Street Cinema in Campbelltown. All tickets $6.00
Tuesday 14 September 2010
Macarthur Meanderings on Twitter
Macarthur Meanderings is now on Twitter. Follow us @MacarthurM for concise updates on what's on in the Macarthur area.
Monday 13 September 2010
Summer sport registrations
Now is the time to enrol your child in their chosen summer sport if you haven't already done so.
Little Athletics - season runs from September to March 2011 with a few weeks break in December & January. Aged from 4 to 16. In Little Athletics, children can take part in track & field events including running, long-jump, high-jump and discus. Tiny Tots (aged 4 & 5) can take part in games and activities designed to build skills for track & field. There are centres in Eschol Park, Ingleburn, Leumeah and Ambarvale. To find your nearest centre, click here.
Cricket - there are a range of opportunities for kids of all ages to play cricket. If you're new to cricket, the Milo in2CRICKET program is great for beginners. It's a 6-12 week program for boys and girls aged 5-10. To find your nearest cricket club, click here.
Softball - local competition starts in early October. Campbelltown & District Softball Association are currently taking registrations for the 2010/2011 season for players of all ages from 5+
Soccer - some soccer clubs including Narellan Rangers, Mount Annan Mustangs, and Eschol Park Wolves are running a six-a-side summer competition starting mid-October. Games are usually played on weekday evenings. Check out the Macarthur District Soccer Football Association for more details. Campbelltown Indoor Soccer Centre has Saturday games for 7-12 year olds. The indoor season has already started but some teams may still have vacancies.
Little Athletics - season runs from September to March 2011 with a few weeks break in December & January. Aged from 4 to 16. In Little Athletics, children can take part in track & field events including running, long-jump, high-jump and discus. Tiny Tots (aged 4 & 5) can take part in games and activities designed to build skills for track & field. There are centres in Eschol Park, Ingleburn, Leumeah and Ambarvale. To find your nearest centre, click here.
Cricket - there are a range of opportunities for kids of all ages to play cricket. If you're new to cricket, the Milo in2CRICKET program is great for beginners. It's a 6-12 week program for boys and girls aged 5-10. To find your nearest cricket club, click here.
Softball - local competition starts in early October. Campbelltown & District Softball Association are currently taking registrations for the 2010/2011 season for players of all ages from 5+
Soccer - some soccer clubs including Narellan Rangers, Mount Annan Mustangs, and Eschol Park Wolves are running a six-a-side summer competition starting mid-October. Games are usually played on weekday evenings. Check out the Macarthur District Soccer Football Association for more details. Campbelltown Indoor Soccer Centre has Saturday games for 7-12 year olds. The indoor season has already started but some teams may still have vacancies.
Sunday 12 September 2010
Sunday markets
Lazy Sunday mornings are great to spend browsing through markets whether you're shopping for fresh, local produce or a handmade gift for someone special.
The Creative Traders of Wollondilly have a range of stalls including plants, organic products, handmade toys, leadlight, patchwork, beads, timberwork, dairy product and candles amongst others.
They set up at Picton on the 1st Sunday of each month in Menangle Street (next market day 3rd October) and on the 4th Sunday of every month in John Street, The Oaks (next market day 26th September).
For a comprehensive list of markets and fairs around New South Wales, click here.
The Creative Traders of Wollondilly have a range of stalls including plants, organic products, handmade toys, leadlight, patchwork, beads, timberwork, dairy product and candles amongst others.
They set up at Picton on the 1st Sunday of each month in Menangle Street (next market day 3rd October) and on the 4th Sunday of every month in John Street, The Oaks (next market day 26th September).
For a comprehensive list of markets and fairs around New South Wales, click here.
Saturday 11 September 2010
WaterAid - A Burden for Thirst
I just joined BloggersUnite to support WaterAid - A Burden For Thirst to help prevent the deaths of children due to lack of clean drinking water.
St. Peter's Spring Fair
If you didn't make any plans this weekend (waiting perhaps to see what the weather would be like) and have woken up to beautiful blue skies, maybe head down to the Spring Fair at St Peter's Anglican Primary School in Howe Street.
There will be music all day from the band and choir, science and art displays, and model train exhibtion. As well as both a silent and open auction. (A silent auction is where you bid on a piece of paper and whoever bids highest generally wins.)
For a detailed schedule and auction list, click here (PDF).
There will be music all day from the band and choir, science and art displays, and model train exhibtion. As well as both a silent and open auction. (A silent auction is where you bid on a piece of paper and whoever bids highest generally wins.)
For a detailed schedule and auction list, click here (PDF).
Friday 10 September 2010
Floriade
If you fancy getting out of Macarthur and going somewhere a bit further afield, Floriade opens this weekend in Canberra.
Floriade is more than just a flower festival, it's a celebration of Spring and this year's highlights include Katie Noonan, DonateLife concert, Inspiring Showcase and Kitchen Gardens, Animal Kingdom, CIT Kids' play areas, and carnival rides.
If you've already got plans for this weekend, the event runs from 11th of September to the 10th October so you won't miss out. Canberra is an easy two and a half hour drive down the Hume Highway but why not make a full weekend of it and enjoy the additional ticketed events such as Floriade NighFest or the Da Vinci Machines Exhibition.
Canberra is a great destination to take the kids. If they get tired of looking at flowers there's Questacon science centre, Cockington Green Gardens miniature world, the National Dinosaur Museum for budding paleontologists, and the Australian Institute of Sport for those keen to follow in the footsteps (or swimming strokes) of some our national sporting heros.
If you're an NRMA member, you can great savings with a Canberra 3 in Fun ticket which gives discounted entry to Questacon, Cockington Green and the Australian Institute of Sport.
There are lots of places to stay in Canberra, but for somewhere cheap and cheerful we recommend the Capital Country Holiday Village just north of Canberra on the Federal Highway.
Floriade is more than just a flower festival, it's a celebration of Spring and this year's highlights include Katie Noonan, DonateLife concert, Inspiring Showcase and Kitchen Gardens, Animal Kingdom, CIT Kids' play areas, and carnival rides.
If you've already got plans for this weekend, the event runs from 11th of September to the 10th October so you won't miss out. Canberra is an easy two and a half hour drive down the Hume Highway but why not make a full weekend of it and enjoy the additional ticketed events such as Floriade NighFest or the Da Vinci Machines Exhibition.
Canberra is a great destination to take the kids. If they get tired of looking at flowers there's Questacon science centre, Cockington Green Gardens miniature world, the National Dinosaur Museum for budding paleontologists, and the Australian Institute of Sport for those keen to follow in the footsteps (or swimming strokes) of some our national sporting heros.
If you're an NRMA member, you can great savings with a Canberra 3 in Fun ticket which gives discounted entry to Questacon, Cockington Green and the Australian Institute of Sport.
There are lots of places to stay in Canberra, but for somewhere cheap and cheerful we recommend the Capital Country Holiday Village just north of Canberra on the Federal Highway.
Thursday 9 September 2010
2010/2011 Entertainment Books
The Entertainment™ Book is a local restaurant and activity guide providing hundreds of discount offers on restaurants, arts, sports, retail, travel, leisure and accomodation. This is a great book if you enjoy getting out and about and provides some great ideas as well as discounts and 2-for-1 offers.
The 2010-2011 Books are available in 12 regions throughout Australia including Parramatta, The Hills, Blue Mountains and Macarthur. Some local businesses featured include:
Enzo Italian Restaurant
Pancakes on the Rocks
Vaby's Mediterranean Grill
and Rashay's (in Liverpool)
Usually this book is only available through school and club fundraisers but you can currently purchase one through LifeStyle Food and they will donate 20% of the proceeds for each book sold to the Restaurant and Catering Associations to help train and educate young staff in the hospital industry across Australia.
The 2010-2011 Books are available in 12 regions throughout Australia including Parramatta, The Hills, Blue Mountains and Macarthur. Some local businesses featured include:
Enzo Italian Restaurant
Pancakes on the Rocks
Vaby's Mediterranean Grill
and Rashay's (in Liverpool)
Usually this book is only available through school and club fundraisers but you can currently purchase one through LifeStyle Food and they will donate 20% of the proceeds for each book sold to the Restaurant and Catering Associations to help train and educate young staff in the hospital industry across Australia.
Wednesday 8 September 2010
Ready to ride?
This year's Ready to Ride Day is being held at Macquarie Road Reserve Triathlon Track (near the swimming centre in Fields Road.)
The event includes a road safety quiz, skills course and prize draw plus free safety and maintenance checks, face painting, jumping castle and sausage sizzle. This is a great event for families and a fun way for young people to learn the rules for cycling on roads.
It's being held on Sunday 19th September from 10am to midday.
For more information, contact the Council's Road Safety Officer on 02 4645 4220.
The event includes a road safety quiz, skills course and prize draw plus free safety and maintenance checks, face painting, jumping castle and sausage sizzle. This is a great event for families and a fun way for young people to learn the rules for cycling on roads.
It's being held on Sunday 19th September from 10am to midday.
For more information, contact the Council's Road Safety Officer on 02 4645 4220.
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