The July Jabberfest was again a most interesting meeting with the main speaker Alysse Reedy, assisted by Janice Smith (both from the new bridge builders), bringing us all up to the minute with the progress of the works underway. I have been regularly photographing the whole thing from the start and like you all am looking forward to the completion date which we are told is on schedule thanks to the extended period of exceptional weather. It has been fascinating to watch the progress which is now in the final stages.

The August Jabberfest will commence with the AGM and election of the office bearers for the next year.

Following this and morning tea we will be entertained with a presentation by Joe Manahan on the second part of Henry Lawson’s  ‘Clancy of the overflow’ and our guest speaker will be member Fiona Duggan who will tell us all about fungi, not just those we all  know about, like mushrooms and toadstools.

Fiona has spent the past fifteen years using her photographic expertise and her love for the many many forms of fungi on her small acreage near Grafton, including the usual mushrooms, shelf fungi, puffballs and a range of tiny fungi that usually bloom, mature and yet mainly pass unnoticed. Look forward to some stunning images.

Questions such as: Why do fungi exist? How long have they been on the planet? Do we really need them to infect the forgotten food in the back of the fridge? Does your garden need these funny coloured mushrooms? And of course can we eat them? All will be answered.

So remember to turn up a little earlier than usual to read the various reports and also bring a blue or black pen just in case a secret ballot may be needed

See you all at the New Life Church, in Arthur Street on Monday August 12 with proceedings commencing at 10am.

Brian Carter