The Stationmaster’s Gallery
Now showing their “Members’ Autumn Exhibition” which will run until 30 May, featuring George Cooper (until 28 April) and Christine Davis (until 30 May). Other exhibiting members include Ian Burman, Ali Brown, Judy Garrard, Kendra Chang, Gaynor Hartvigsen, Doug Howells, Vitas Jurevicius, Graham Thomson, Alan Ramachandran, Helen Stacey, Angela Souter, Audrey vandenheuval, Brenda Slade and Nikki Courtman. Open daily 10am-4pm, free entry (see attached flier). Contact 8536 4246. The Stationmaster’s Gallery are are also holding a collaborative Nungunya Yanurami Blackfella Whitefella “Weaving Exhibition” during History Month until 29 May. This showcases a community weaving project taught by Aunty Ellen Tevorrow, a Ngarrindjeri Cultural Master Weaver. The exhibition will also include Aboriginal history and paintings. A fundraiser for SAARG (Strathalbyn Aboriginal Action Reference Group) see attached flier.
Victoria Hotel
It’s “Open Mic Night” by Hayden Coonan Music & Sound at the Victoria Hotel on Friday night 3 May at 8pm.
Great Southern Football League
Round 4 has Langhorne Creek playing Yankalilla on 4 May and Round 5 Strathalbyn will play Myponga-Sellicks on 11 May. In Round 6 Langhorne Creek will play Myponga-Sellicks on 18 May then Mt Compass for Round 7 on 25 May. Round 8 will see Strathalbyn play Yankalilla on 1 June and Langhorne Creek will play McLaren Districts in Round 9 on 15 June.
SA History Festival
Don’t miss “What the Barmaid Knew” – a theatrical-historical-comedy 90 minute hour walking tour about our town with storytellers, actors and singers, followed by afternoon tea. Hear about an accidental shooting death, a secret tunnel, a runaway cow, places of ill repute, and feudal rival streets. Drinking songs, dance hall, barbershop songs – we had it all! Visit the Kenny Blake motorbike sculpture, pubs, our Victorian-style town hall, antique shops, cafes and the Motor Museum, with refreshments at the heritage St Andrews Church. A fun SA History Festival event celebrating Strathalbyn 185 in 2024 and featuring the Strathalbyn Players and Alexandrina Singers. Saturday & Sunday afternoons 4 & 5 May plus 11 & 12 May. Meet at Kenny Blake Statue in High Street for 2pm start. All ages welcome, tickets $25, concession $20, family$60 from The Bookkeeper, South Terrace, or www.trybooking.com/CPELO, enquiries David 0404 228 322 (see attached updated flier).
Glenbarr Homestead
Embark on an After Dark Tour during May hearing tales of murder and mayhem around town with Carriage of Occasion, followed by Devonshire Tea at Glenbarr Homestead. Book online at https://festival.history.sa.gov.au/events/glenbarr-stories/
Historic Glenbarr Homestead is offering guided tours during History Month on Wednesday 15, Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 May. Tickets $18 include Devonshire Tea served in the Stables. Step into the past at heritage-listed Glenbarr, set in 35 acres of gently undulating land alongside Middle Creek. Book online at https://festival.history.sa.gov.au/events/glenbarr-stories/ or contact 0419 679 829.
Strathalbyn Auto Collectors Club
The Strathalbyn Auto Collectors Club will be holding the Glynn Morris Mystery Run on Sunday 5 May, departing Colman Terrace at 9.15am. Visit https://www.strathalbynautocollectors.com/upcoming-events to register.
The Terminus Hotel
Enjoy live music at The Terminus Hotel in the Beer Garden on Sunday 5 May from 2pm with Bek Jensen – she certainly drew a large crowd last time she performed there. All day menu and drink specials on offer!
Open for Mothers’ Day lunch, with complimentary drink for Mum! Bookings essential – 0431 773 314.
“Pot Painting with Coral and Blush” will be held at The Terminus Hotel on Friday evening 17 May at 7pm (or come earlier and eat). Enjoy a fun-filled Friday night at The Termi and let your creative juices flow as you decorate your own pots with colourful paints and design and take your masterpiece home! Be guided by Artist Coralie – perfect for all ages and skill levels. All materials included plus complimentary drink on arrival. Don’t miss out – tickets $70 selling fast from https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/pot-painting-at-the-termi-tickets-879247191017?aff=ebdssbdestsearch&keep_tld=1
Langhorne Wine Show
Held at the Langhorne Creek Memorial Hall on Tuesday & Wednesday 7 & 8 May, when judging will take place. Friday 17 May is the Langhorne Creek Wine Show Luncheon, from 12-4pm at Bleasdale Vineyards where Wine Show Awards will be presented. Contact 8537 3362 for details and bookings.
Strathalbyn District Museum and Heritage Centre
Celebrating 50 Years with additional Open Days on Tuesday-Thursday 7-9 May as well as their regular Saturdays and Sundays from 1.30-4pm during SA History Month. Housed in the old Police Station and Courthouse buildings – take a wander and step back in time to enjoy the sights and sounds of a bygone era and enjoy the rich history including the many agricultural and industrial artefacts on display in the yard. Contact 8536 2656.
Teddy Bears Picnic Train
Operating from Mt Barker to Strathalbyn return on Saturday 11 May. A wonderful experience for young families, it offers a range of special activities for the children. BYO picnic lunch to enjoy in the park or visit one of Strathalbyn’s cafes. Take your teddy bear out for the day for an adventure he will never forget! Contact 1300 655 991.
SA Bikers Memorial Run
Held on Saturday 11 May – meet for departure at 10.30am at the Aldgate Pump Hotel. A service will be held at the Kenny Blake Memorial Statue in Strathalbyn, lunch at the Meadows Hotel. Contact Azza 0424 783 023 (see attached flier).
Pier 28
“Party at the Pier” will be held at Pier 28 in Clayton Bay on Saturday 11 May from 6pm with Tapas plates available then DJ kicks in at 8pm. $10 entry. Contact 8537 0207.
Woodburn Estate
“High Tea and History” is back at Woodburn Estate, Langhorne Creek! This not-to-be missed experience will take place on Sunday 12 May (Mothers’ Day) and Saturday 25 May. Enjoy a high tea of delectable treats, engaging in conversation over a pot of tea or glass of bubbly or two – includes a tour of this unique property from its beginnings to its present day as a multi-award-winning wedding venue. Tickets $55 from https://www.woodburnhomestead.com.au/whats-on/ or contact 0426 214 147 (see attached flier).
Vineyard Road Wines
To celebrate Mothers’ Day on Sunday 12 May, Vineyard Road Wines are holding a special edition of their “Buttercream & Bubbles”. Indulge in the art of creating delightful cupcakes while enjoying great atmosphere and time with your loved ones with sample Fleurieu chocolate and Vineyard Road wine – see attached flier for details. Limited capacity, bookings essential – contact 8536 8334.
Kimbolton Wines
Treat Mum to a special Mothers’ Day out on Sunday 12 May at Kimbolton Wines from midday til 4pm with delicious creations from food truck “The Pasta Guy” and live acoustic music by Zara Chantelle. Relax with family and friends to enjoy lawn games and children’s activities. Tickets $45 include glass of wine on arrival, children $20 with their own special pack. Bookings essential – https://www.kimboltonwines.com.au/events/Mother-s-Day-at-Kimbolton
Long Lunch at Lake Breeze
The Long Lunch at Lake Breeze is another option for Mothers’ Day – start with a complimentary glass of new release Blanc de Blancs with Chef Ben’s “amuse bouche” plate on arrival, then choose your main course and dessert from the delectable menu. $80pp ($86 for steak option) or $25 for U11 – for details and bookings visit https://www.lakebreeze.com.au/pages/mothers-day or call 8537 3017 (see attached flier).
Robin Hood Hotel
Also open for Mother’s Day lunch and dinner. Bookings essential – contact 8536 2608.
Oasis Gardens Restaurant
Spoil Mum at Oasis Gardens Restaurant for Breakfast or Lunch – contact 8536 4815 or book online (see attached flier).
Strathalbyn Racing
Holding the special “Daish Family Race Day” on Sunday 19 May from 11am til 5pm. A true family event with free entry for kids and free kids’ activities including Grandpa’s Petting Zoo, a Sprinkle of Magic and lawn games. Live music by The White Keys. Antipasto grazing plates available for pre-order (see attached flier).
Gilberts Motor Museum
The Strathalbyn High Street Market sponsored by the Strathalbyn Tourism Association will be held on Sundays 19 May and 16 June (third Sunday of each month) next to Gilberts Motor Museum. Fabulous stalls, music, and great Sausage Sizzle cooked up by the volunteers next door at Gilberts.
Steamranger
Bringing a large posse of media and and tourism identities on Sunday 19 May led by Nine Adelaide’s Brenton Ragless, who is a train enthusiast. Great PR for our town!ay in town! More details to come.
With the track between Strathalbyn and Goolwa closed for bridge maintenance for the remainder of the year, Steamranger will be running the “Highlander” from Mt Barker to Strathalbyn twice a day on the first, third and fifth Sundays of each month between June and November., beginning with much fanfare on Sunday 2 June. Trips take about 1 hour and depart Mt Barker at 9.30am and 2pm, and return from Strathalbyn at 11.30am and 4pm. Tickets are pre-purchased from www.steamranger.org.au, email booking@steamranger.org.au or contact 1300 655 991.
St Andrews Church
Never been inside the Church on our town’s logo? Now is your chance to come i314.n and admire the beautiful stained glass windows and spectacular timber roof trusses! St Andrews Church will be open daily from Sunday 19 May until Saturday 25 May from 10am til 3pm as part of the SA History Festival and “Strathalbyn 185 in 2024”. This Icon overlooking the Angas River and Gardens is the oldest remaining Presbyterian (now Uniting) church building in the state – come in and learn about the history of the building the people – donations to its restoration most welcome.
On Sunday 26 May our town will celebrate the 180th Anniversary of St Andrews Strathalbyn Congregation with a special 2-hour service, history display and refreshments commencing at 10am, guests to be seated by 9.55am. We are delighted to be blessed by the attendance of Her Excellency the Honourable Frances Adamson AC, Governor of South Australia and the General Secretary of the Uniting Church SA Synod, Rev. Philip Gardner. Donations to St Andrews Restoration Fund. All welcome to this free SA History Festival event – see attached flier. Bookings not required – enquiries to David 0404 228 322.
Alexandrina Council
Acknowledging History Month and Strathalbyn’s 185 birthday celebrations, Alexandrina Council will hold their May meeting in Strathalbyn on Monday 20 May at 5.30pm at St Andrew’s Church Hall. Contact your local councillor if you have a topic you would like to have addressed and would like a deputation – this is your chance to be heard, and a strong turnout is encouraged.
Quiz Night
Strath Neighbourhood Centre are holding a Quiz Night on Saturday 25 May at 6.30pm for a 7.00pm start. The theme is to dress up as your favourite movie character with others to guess your movie. Prizes, silent auction, fun! Tables of 8, $15 per head, BYO drinks and nibbles, enquiries and bookings 0431 337 044 (see attached newsletter).
Reconciliation Event
A Reconciliation Event will be held in Strathalbyn on Saturday 1 June.
Strathalbyn Photography Retreat
Inspire Me Photography will host a two-day Strathalbyn Photography Retreat on 1 & 2 June. This is a great opportunity to practice your photography skills in a beautiful heritage town and lunching at a local cafe, then also visiting Langhorne Creek to sample great award-winning wines and take photos of great architecture and landscapes – any camera, any skills. Visit https://www.inspiremephotography.com.au/ for more details and to book or contact 0400 561269 (see attached flier).
Café Ruffino
Enjoy the “Duets” with Antonio and Kate Villano singing some of the most iconic duets at Café Ruffino on Wednesday 5 June. Pizza and show $49pp – dinner from 6.30pm, show starts 7.15pm. Seating limited – bookings 8536 2355.
Strath Neighbourhood Centre
Will hold an Open Day on Saturday 15 June showcasing what they have to do and learning about the various groups and services who use their facilities.
Looking Ahead
- Saturday 13 July will mark 10 Years of the Strath Neighbourhood Centre! To celebrate, they will be holding a buffet dinner – more details to come.
- The Strathalbyn Bands Festival will be held across two Sundays 3 & 10 August.
- Cellar Treasures weekend in Langhorne Creek will be held during the weekend 9-11 August.
- The Strathalbyn Antiques & Vintage Fair will be held during the weekend of 17 & 18 August plus Treasure Market on Sunday 18 August.
- To mark 140 years of Rail between Mt Barker and Strathalbyn Steamranger are holding a special “Transport Festival” in Strathalbyn on Saturday & Sunday 14 & 15 September , which is going to be an absolutely bumper day in town! More details to come.
- Save the Date – an Open Garden Fundraiser will be held at “Dalveen” in Woodchester during the weekend of 12&13 October. Enjoy wandering around the garden of the homestead of this local family-owned sheep property settled in 1853. Devonshire teas will be available on the veranda and there will be stalls, trading table and more. Funds raised will support St Andrew’s Restoration Project.
News
- Congratulations to the community of Milang – the Milang Lakeside Butter Factory Restoration was officially opened last weekend by Rebekha Sharkie MP – and it’s looking absolutely fabulous! With 12,150 hours put in by 101 volunteers over the past 10 years it has been an amazing effort, and is still evolving. Including access to a modern commercial kitchen, various spaces in the complex will be available for hire – contact MOSHCC. There are already some Creative Weekend Workshops scheduled there – see attached flier. They will also host the Alexandrina Council Heritage Awards there on Thursday 23 May as part of the SA History Festival with guest speaker Peter Goers. All welcome to this free event, but must register via Eventbrite. Contact 8555 7000.
- Upgrading of The Shores Motel in Milang is another work in progress and looking great, with several rooms already available for booking.
- With publicity already aired on the ABC and appearing in “In Daily” there is a lot of social media and print items around the Strathalbyn’s 185 celebrations and St Andrew’s 180 celebrations, and keep an eye out for the special edition of “The Argus” on 2 May, along with radio interviews, etc.
- Following the sad closure of “Hammer ‘N’ Tongs, Maurice has thanked the community for their support and asked us to support new venture “The Vault” with Mark Gaston and his team who have taken over the space and will officially open on with full operation from 1 May with all-day breakfast, wood oven pizzas and lunch options including takeaways.