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News September 2008

Dear Friends of the Pilot Station,

Time for an update. 

  • Mary White’s  first talk went extremely well and a big thank you to Linda Hazell for helping out on the day.  Unfortunately, Densey Clyne was not well enough to give her talk and we will reschedule to a later time.  Thanks to the admin people at CHace who were able to contact everyone booked in.  Mary will give her next talk on Monday September 22, 10am Title "Our Gondwanan Inheritance, and how Australia became the Driest Vegetated Continent".
  • At Mary’s first talk new friends joined the group.  Welcome, Catherine Corthais, Joan Nicholl, Judy Barnard, Hanna Filan, Brian and Deena Lane
  • One of the aspects that showed up from the talk is the need to improve presentation facilities.  To this end if anyone is willing to do some sewing of block out curtain material could you please contact me.  To make them removable I am only thinking of hemming each side with a top and bottom hem wide enough to pass a small diameter rod through.
  • A screen and lectern would also be useful as would a small microphone.  I am looking to apply for a grant but if someone sees something somewhere going cheaply please let me know.
  • If anyone has ideas for speakers who would draw a good audience and be willing to do so for next to nothing I would be grateful for suggestions

Camden Head Pilot Station Artist in Residence Program - October/November 2008
(please pass on information to those who you feel may be interested)

The Camden Head Pilot Station, in conjunction with The Australia Council and supported by Port Macquarie Hastings Council presents the following workshops as part of its 2008 Artist in Residence Program.  This year’ artist is Ken Hutchinson who is a sculptor who specialises in stone sculptures, both free standing and relief.  He lives in Cowra in the central west of NSW.

Commissions, and public works play a major part of his work and he has exhibited formally over the past 6 years in Canberra and the east coast of Australia.  “I respond to what is happening in the environment around me” More information about Ken Hutchinson can be found on his website www.hutchoart.com.au

During his time in the Camden Haven, Ken is offering one day sculpting workshops.  Participants will work in Coraline Limestone which is a natural product easy to use stone. (dust can be put straight on the veggie garden)  Workshops are limited to 10 people and will run from 9am to 4pm – Bring your own lunch, coffee and tea provided
Cost $35, Bookings  and enquiries at CHace on 6559 6699

Monday 20 October 9am to 4pm
Community Workshop which will provide an introduction to working with stone, safety, method, visualising the finished product and on-going assistance with project

Saturday 26 October 9am to 4pm
Professional Development practical workshop and seminar aimed at artists of all media.  The day will include a synopsis of Ken’s career to date, what inspires him, and presentations of his creations and inspirations.  The day will also include hands on sessions working in stone

Wednesday 29 October 9am to 4pm
Sculpting Workshop interwoven with visual presentations on the influences on a professional artist.  The day will be hands on practical workshop and will include interesting insights in the life and times of a professional artist.

Ken is also giving a workshop for students of the Camden Haven High School during his stay.

In addition there is a welcome presentation at the Hastings Gallery on 22 October, 6 – 7pm.  Invitations to friends coming

  • Dr Debbie Geronomi’s Wash House Beach Community Project has resulted in an excellent brochure and an educative sign is being made as this letter is being written to be installed along the path into Wash House Beach.  Launch date to be announced.
  • John Potts is working hard to produce a self guided tour of the Pilot Station and surrounds.  It is looking very promising in its draft stage.  Council has given in principle agreement for the marking stations.  We are still looking for any historical information/pictures that may add to this and other tours of the area
  • No official news on the grant submitted to PMHC for a walkway from the Pilot Station Drive to the Pilot Beach Carpark, though the grapevine news is not promising.
  • Our brochures are now on display in both Kew and Port Macquarie Information Centres and we are on the website of Port Macquarie tourism.  Thank you to Janet Cohen who has agreed for us to place our brochures at Sea Acres.  If people have contacts at any other venues that would display our brochures we would be most appreciative.
  • The grant submitted to the PMHC heritage section for the materials to add ventilation and to then repaint the interior walls was partially successful.  Hopefully the majority of the work can be done within the budget allocated.
  • At present no news on the coastcare grant which I wrote about last update.  I will keep you posted about the partnership in Bush Regeneration below the Pilot Station with the group doing the work on the breakwall.  A Community Coastcare Grant application has been submitted.  If you can assist with this landcare project could you please let me know.
  • Of course there has been the normal maintenance and managing work going on as usual.  The sewer lines have been cleaned.  I think a job that needs to be done every few years.  Fly screens repaired.  Attempts are being made to minimise the furniture to maximise space for guests.
  • If you would like further information on anything above please give me a call or email.  If you do not want to receive further emails please let me know by return email.

Regards,

Ross Butlin
Manager,
Camden Head Pilot Station