Richmond Valley Notes

with Therese Schier

Evans Head Village Players

Captain Silver, played by Billy Aitken, during rehearsals for the Evans Head Village Players production of Treasure Island in early March.

A buxom sassy wench, a pirate too sexy for his boat, a singing masthead and a bunch of lay about pirates - yes, the Evans Head Village players are at it again! Playing loose with the truth in their second production, Treasure Island.

Following the runaway success of their first production, Robin Hoodwink, producer Maureen Follers said Treasure Island had universal themes that would appeal to all ages.

"A mix of pantomime, shades of Finding Nemo, the black humour of The Pirates of the Caribbean and Shrek are all there in Treasure Island," Maureen said. "Throw in a stunning set, great music and songs and you have the elements of a rollicking play."

Star of Robin Hoodwink, Tracey Cribb, will once again take the leading female role along with a cast of locals, young and old. Newly arrived Evans Head residents Jules and Billy Aitken are directing and starring in the show and bring a wealth of experience in community theatre to the production.

The show will be performed on Friday, March 4 at 7pm and on Saturday, March 5 at 2pm as well as the following Friday, March 11 at 7pm, with the final show on Saturday, March 12 at 2pm. All performances are at the Woodburn/Evans Head RSL Club and tickets are $12. People are advised to book now to avoid disappointment.

Quest for talented youngsters

Motorhome enthusiasts reckon life at the Casino Motorhome Village and 'on the road' is too good to keep to themselves, so they're inviting the local community to share in a weekend of craft classes, a market day and a junior talent quest next Saturday and Sunday, February 26-27.

Organiser of the junior talent quest, being held in conjunction with the village market day, Chrissy Eustace, said the talent quest is open to all youngsters under 16.

"It will be judged by well-known duo, Country Blue, and with cash prizes on offer it's a great opportunity for youngsters to perform and win," Chrissy said. "You can enter any number of times, for example, singing, playing a keyboard or reciting bush poetry. Entry fee is $3 per item and prizes are $100 for first, $35 for second and $15 for third."

Chrissy said the Saturday classes for folk art, stained glass, hand massage and jewellery-making are filling quickly and bookings are essential.

Entry forms for the talent quest are available from the Village office in Light Street, the Tourist Information Centre, at the Richmond Valley Council office or through the website www.cmcamotorhomevillage.com.au/talent_quest_entry.htm.

There are still a few vacancies for people wishing to have a stall on the day. For further information phone Nerelle on 6662 1069 or Chrissy on 0408 729 580.

CMCA Casino Village

Developers of the CMCA Casino Motorhome Village have withdrawn their development application for stage one of the Seniors Living project until they complete a water and sewage plan for the whole village.

A director of the CMCA Casino Village, Vincent Moran, confirmed that stage one, which includes 25 units, would still go ahead at a later date and denied claims that the village was experiencing financial difficulties.

"There's no threat to the development whatsoever," Mr Moran said. "We've withdrawn the application because Council asked us to firm up our sewage requirements for the whole development. We've agreed with Council to provide them with the overall project plan and at what stage we're going to do it."

Mr Moran said the initial investment offer closed on time in September and was fully subscribed.

"We are preparing new documentation for another investment offer within the next few months," he said.

Mr Moran said he hoped to lodge a new development application within six weeks.

Richmond Valley councillor Col Sullivan, Local Government Shires Association president Phyllis Miller and NSW Minister for Local Government Tony Kelly, who was a special guest the A Division Shires Association annual conference in Casino yesterday.

At the conference Cr Sullivan announced his intention to nominate for president of the NSW Shires Association when the position falls vacant in June this year. Cr Sullivan has 30 years experience in local government, including four years as vice president, and eight years as president of A Division.