Arrival at Wundowie RV Park

The first people to arrive at Wundowie RV Park were our NSW CMCA – Eagle visitors (Robin and Ken). They arrived in the morning followed by Peter and myself. Michelle and Steven were closely behind; then Trish arrived, leading a convoy of Di, Lesley, Marion and Rosebud. Around this time Lee, Robert, John and Janet followed. 

The campsite had plenty of space for us and over the weekend a few other vans joined us. By happy hour time we were all set up and sitting around a campfire sharing finger foods when Glen arrived with his little chariot. We all cheered when we saw him, giving him a good welcome. There was lots of chatting around the fire, but it was a very cold night so the chit-chat didn’t last too long as we all headed for the warmth of bed.

Exploring Wundowie's Men’s Shed and Eternity Cafe

The next day on Friday morning, we walked over to the Men’s Shed where Keith took some women on a tour. We met Reg who gladly took over the talk allowing Keith to sneak off for his morning cuppa. Reg was very informative and turned out to be our saviour – driving the bus all weekend for us as our other driver was unwell. The Men’s Shed is quite extensive and well organised with all sorts of equipment.

Ken, a regular at the Men’s Shed, started to joke that it was time for the women to go to the cafe – so we headed across the road to the Eternity Cafe, run by a Seventh Day Adventist lady called Cheryl-lee. Some ordered a ‘not coffee’ (an alternative non-caffeinated drink); others tried Thai Chai with lovely fresh herbs, which got a thumbs up. We chose various cakes which were dairy free, and some were gluten free. For an ‘alternate’ cafe the majority enjoyed the food and drinks and definitely the modern well-set-out room.

Educational Stop at Blue Gum Sanctuary

At 1.00pm the bus did a detour on the way to our place, via the old El Cabello complex. Behind the complex the old Spanish stables still remain, which the group could see. The golf course is now where the old activities were (water slides etc) and there’s a new Lifestyle village for those over 55 years of age. Peter acted as a tour guide, speaking of the history of the area; and from what I heard it was very informative. The group then went to our property where everyone gathered on the back veranda for a talk and a cuddle of baby kangaroos. 

Sue Turner who runs the Blue Gum Sanctuary educated us on what to do if you find an injured roo, explained about the ages and care required and answered questions. Sheila Williams (our neighbour) is good friends with Sue. They were each other’s neighbours in Parkerville. Sue moved out to El Cabello Estate where there was more land, and Sheila and Keith followed. They take the overflow of kangaroos from Sue. Sheila and Keith have since taken on sheep, birds, cats and dogs as well – all rescued from various situations.

Sue brought out a young Red Tail Cockatoo who was very vocal until she got tucked down the shirt where she finally settled in the land of Boobie. Sue allowed her Echidna (who happens to be very people-orientated) to run around the veranda, where we got to see how fast they can move. We also watched it eat with its long skinny tongue flicking in and out. We looked at photos of how they looked as puggles. The whole talk was very relaxed and members were very interactive. 

The session finished with a donation for Sue and Sheila being presented (the funds were raised by the group). An impromptu cuppa followed. During this time some strolled around the dining area looking at paintings and art that I have done over the years and others looked at the garden with mosaics and recent iron art work I’m attempting. Then it was time to head back to camp. 

That evening we had BBQ meat with cooked vegies, corn cobs (supplied by us and cooked by Gaye), and yummy baked spuds thanks to Stephen and Michelle. After dinner sitting around the fire, we did a singalong while a few danced. Rosalyn told a story and Trish recited ‘I want to go home’ backwards. It was another cold night. In the morning it was only five degrees at 7.00am.

Weekend Activities: Chidlow Markets and Lake Leschenaultia

On Saturday the bus came at 9.00am and it was off to Chidlow Markets. I met the bus in my car as I had detoured home. Later I collected Michelle and Yoda in time for lunch. We all arrived at the markets before some had set up. The stores included fruit and veg, food and coffee vans, various home-made arts and crafts (folk art items, soaps, candles etc) and plants. Several members purchased items, boosting the day’s sales. I was the recipient of plants and a glass quill pen which I have since used to write a birthday card. 

The generosity over the whole weekend was amazing as the group kept putting in for various people to thank them. So thank you everyone for my gifts, I felt totally spoilt.

Cafe Chidlow and Lake Leschenaultia

We then walked across to the coffee shop and enjoyed some hot drinks before heading two minutes up the road to Lake Leschenaultia. At this venue a group walked around the lake, a total of 3.5 kilometres. The area near the cafe has been done up and now has concrete paths meandering around a native garden with bench seats and tables to sit at. There are gazebos and shelters scattered around, all overlooking the lake. In summer, people go canoeing and swimming. With the last summer drought the lake unfortunately is very low; it doesn’t seem that long ago that the lake was overflowing and the streams were flourishing.

Historic Charm at Chidlow Tavern

The bus then brought everyone back to the Chidlow Tavern. The tavern is over 100 years old and was established in 1884 when the railway was brought out from Guildford to Chidlow’s Well. John Symonds (old licensee of Mahogony Creek) could see the need for an inn. The pub was open 24 hours and had rooms and stabled horses. The original inn burnt down in 1908 and therefore had to be rebuilt; which is what we see today. Unfortunately, the railway line ceased in 1966. As you enter the tavern you go back in time with the cosy fireplace and memorabilia. From the ceiling hangs a lovely wagon wheel light fixture and around the room it is decorated with pictures, model trains and old railway crossing signs; and in the next room you can see the old headlight that would be on the front of the train. There are old telephones, photos and other bits ’n’ bobs. In the future the publican will improve the beer garden which will include a station platform and other memorabilia as a tribute to Chidlow’s past. He also welcomes RVs and caravans to stay in the car park next door.

In the outside area, the management had enclosed the area so it felt like an extra room. The staff had joined all the tables together so we sat at a very long table. Yoda was up the end where there was a little play area for her. She was very well behaved and only let out a few little yaps! We had a wander out the back where the beer garden is and found a large mural on the wall. The food was hot and nice, with the roast being quite popular.

After lunch, we strolled in the park across the road. There is a kids’ skate park, bench seats, an ANZAC memorial area, exercise equipment, and an avenue of trees that leads to the community garden.

The bus headed off to Wundowie only 10 minutes away whilst Stephen and Michelle travelled with me to collect more wood and to show Stephen my garden. My new garden is full of kangaroo paws and feature rocks. Here’s hoping I get a few years out of them.

Fun and Games Back at Wundowie

We spent the afternoon playing disc bowls and games. Heads and Tails was won by Trish. The Joker continues to elude us. We were given an impromptu didgeridoo demonstration and a lesson on how to play it by Robert. This was followed by a singalong with old-fashioned songs such as ‘It’s a long way to Tipperary’. It made for another great night. Between Rosalyn’s story the night before and Robert’s demo this night plus singing and dancing, I couldn’t help feel I was back in time when communities made their own entertainment as they travelled in horse and cart!

Clarke’s van and donation for Reg

On Sunday, Clarke rolled up for the general meeting and showed us his new automated awning. With a press of a button his awning rolls out, and if the winds are strong it will automatically close. Inside the awning there is a roll of fairy lights. All very flash and certainly makes life easy.

Clarke also brought some yummy morning tea which we ate whilst listening to the meeting. Again the group donated money – this time for Reg as our enthusiastic bus driver. Reg’s wife is battling COPD (emphysemia). He mentioned that driving us around was like a holiday and that it is very hard helping his wife on a daily basis and seeing her suffer.

Loosefoot Tavern

After the meeting we headed off to the Loosefoot Tavern behind the El Cabello Roadhouse leaving Gaye and Jim in a cloud of dust. Michelle rang my phone and announced we had left them behind. We did a U-turn and sheepishly returned. A lot of two-way ribbing went on and they managed to forgive us. I think. Lol. At the tavern we sat outside on the lawn area where we could look out over the creek and the golf course. Later a singer started singing and so a few members got up and started dancing. The meals were nice and the day was sunny. 

Northam Bilya Koort Boodja (Cultural Centre)

We headed off back to base camp and dropped off those who didn’t want to come to Northam. Ken and Robin were going the following day, others wanted to chill. So eight of us went and we were taken the back way to Northam past Spencer’s Brook. We were then shown the industrial area of Northam. Reg pointed out a massive building and car park that is owned by the Plymouth 

Brethren. He pointed out quite a few industrial buildings that they own as well. We then arrived at the Avon River foreshore where the Aboriginal Cultural Centre is. We went through their display explaining their culture and showing various artefacts. There were various recordings of Aboriginals telling their stories and a nice sitting area to watch the videos. It was displayed well and was nice and modern.

Afterwards some walked across the swinging bridge and went down to the end of the park whilst Rosebud and I checked out the tourist shop where there was also more Aboriginal information and the usual tourist items for sale.

Temperance Bar

Northam in the 1800s was known as a model Temperance town. I learned that temperance means ‘in moderation’ rather than a dry town. So after our Cultural Centre visit and walk we all met up at the Farmers’ home and temperance bar, which was a lot smaller than I expected. The information about the temperance days was found on the back of the menu – but as we were busy chatting, we only glanced at it. So I would have preferred more information on the walls. I ordered a non-alcoholic Shirley Temple, which tasted like raspberry cordial but was more expensive! Some of the girls tried a cocktail which apparently was quite yummy. We nibbled on spicy nuts and olives.

Painted silos

After our drinks Reg took us out to the wheat silos that had been painted. It was a bit difficult to see them due to the verge shrubs, but we managed to find a spot where photos could be taken. The silos had terrific black and white sketches of The Great Balloon Race with the same monkey character piloting them. Each ship had multi-layers of balloons, ship sails or plane wings – making them look very comical. The other end of the silos had bright-coloured abstract blobs and shapes.

We arrived back at camp in Wundowie to find the fire going and had our last night before heading back to our homes. It was such a nice evening, treasuring the last bit of indulgence.

Departure Day and Final Reflections

Departure day had come and it was time to tidy up. Part of having a fire meant we had to put everything back the way we found it. Thankfully Stephen had thought to put white sand down before we did the fire … so now it was just a case of scooping the coals and ash up. Robert kindly started doing it and as there was only one spade and bucket it meant we were forced to supervise. So we finished the weekend off like good council workers, standing around and watching one person work.

Soon Trish headed off with her convoy, leaving poor Marion behind. Marion set off to meet them at Baker’s Hill but somehow ended up reappearing what felt like some time later. Peter showed her the turn-off at Coates Road. Meanwhile Trish phoned so we could tell her Marion was on her way. I decided then to leave Stephen, Michelle, Robert, Lee, Ken and Robin to their final packings; and I headed for home. I was really happy that it all went well, especially that it didn’t rain and everyone travelled safely.

Want to Find Out More About CMCA’s Chapters and Special Interest Groups?  

CMCA has over 100 different Chapters and Special Interest Groups that you can join, covering a wide range or interest and areas. Find out more about the Batavians and other Chapters and Special Interest Groups HERE. 

June 13 to 17 – A Record of Expenditure

Chidlow (Mundaring Shire)

Chidlow markets $240

Cafe $149

Chidlow Tavern $370

TOTAL $759

Wundowie (Northam Shire)

Eternity Cafe $168.23

IGA $174.50 (some may not be recorded)

Baker’s Hill Bakery $76.00

Loosefoot Tavern $450.00

Dome/Tavern $128.50

TOTAL $997.23

Petrol, Shire bus $74.31

Shire bus $85.14

TOTAL $159.45

Please note: This does not include petrol bought by members purchasing fuel within Northam or Mundaring Shires. The following have responded with expenditure: Lesley $40, Stephen $53.

MONEY RAISED BY MEMBERS AND GIFTED WITHIN THE COMMUNITY

Blue Gum Sanctuary $65

Animal Carer Volunteer $65 (Spent Stockfeed Sawyers)

Community Volunteer Bus Driver $80 plus $27.50 meals/entrance

Category: Features
Written: Fri 01 Nov 2024
Printed: November, 2024
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