This week in the Macedon Ranges (November 15-21)

Welcome to Your Macedon Ranges for the week of Monday, November 15, to Sunday, November 21.

🌻 Celebrated landscape designer Paul Bangay is opening the garden at his home in Denver to private tours this month. If you want to book, be quick – two of the three tour dates sold out in only a few days. At the time of writing, spots are still available on the 10.30am and 2.30pm tours a week on Thursday (Nov 25).

🏡 This week’s local history article has a Paul Bangay connection. The beautiful garden at the Old Rectory in Kyneton isn’t a Bangay design as such, but he contributed advice, and the garden certainly reflects the formal style for which he is renowned.

🍕 An “out of lockdown” lunch should have been held in August, but – you guessed it – the next lockdown had other ideas. The lunch will now be held in Woodend on Friday, and some tickets have become available. You’ll need to book by 5pm tomorrow (Mon).

💰 I’ve introduced a new feature: a deals and discounts section. If you have a special offer you’d like me to include, please email me.

Here are the events and activities happening in the Macedon Ranges this week:

Click the links for more info 👇

Online, anytime

Exhibition Macedon Ranges Art Trail Exhibition: Paintings, sculptures, photographs, drawings and mixed media by 26 artists. Until November 30.

Monday, November 15

Exhibition Every Which Way – Rebecca Warr: Large-scale, vibrant paintings. Kyneton. Last day. 9am-5pm. Free.

Exhibition Moments of Being and Everything in Between – Lynka: Explores a woman’s relationship with herself and others, and ultimately her place in the world. Kyneton. Until December 6. 9am-5pm. Free.

Exhibition Art in the Vines – AV4: New exhibition of sculptures by 26 acclaimed artists. Newham. Daily until April 25. 10am-5pm. Free.

Tuesday, November 16

Exhibition Art in the Vines – AV4: New exhibition of sculptures by 26 acclaimed artists. Newham. Daily until April 25. 10am-5pm. Free.

Writing Top Tips for Writing a Story (online): With Nicolas Brasch, author, teacher of professional and creative writing, and founder of the website Writing 101. Goldfields Libraries. 11am-12pm. Free.

Quiz Team Trivia Challenge: Topical and fun questions plus some games. Gisborne. 7pm-9pm. Free.

Wednesday, November 17

Craft Social Craft Group: Are you working on a craft project alone? Enjoy the company of like-minded people while you’re being creative. Woodend. Every Wednesday. 10am-11am. Gold coin donation.

Exhibition Art in the Vines – AV4: New exhibition of sculptures by 26 acclaimed artists. Newham. Daily until April 25. 10am-5pm. Free.

Exhibitions Liss Fenwick, Nicholas Burridge, Lauren Joffe: Kyneton. Until November 28. 10.30am-5pm.

Singing Woodend Warblers: Community choir. Everyone welcome. Norma Richardson Hall, Buckland St, Woodend. 7.30pm. $12.

Thursday, November 18

Exhibition Buttlejorrk Artists: The group’s 45th anniversary show. Features work by 11 members and six special guests. Kyneton. Until December 6. 9am-5pm. Free.

Exhibition Little Gallery Members: Artworks by Rose Wilson, Helen Cottle, Kim Haughie, Ri Van Veen, Larissa Gray, Llael McDonald, Frances Harkin, Liz Archer, Ruby Wilson-Peirce, Sam Bloomfield. Trentham. 10am-4pm.

Exhibition Art in the Vines – AV4: New exhibition of sculptures by 26 acclaimed artists. Newham. Daily until April 25. 10am-5pm. Free.

Exhibitions Liss Fenwick, Nicholas Burridge, Lauren Joffe: Kyneton. Until November 28. 10.30am-5pm.

Craft A Curious Circle: Create things in a friendly and inclusive setting. Different activity each month. Romsey. 7pm-8.30pm. Free.

Never miss a thing in the Macedon Ranges

Get this newsletter every Sunday

“New to the newsletter and it’s brilliant. So much happening in our region I wouldn’t otherwise know about.”

“So much information … excellent resource for the community. WELL DONE. We’ve forwarded it on!”

Friday, November 19

Exhibition Buttlejorrk Artists: The group’s 45th anniversary show. Features work by 11 members and six special guests. Kyneton. Until December 6. 9am-5pm. Free.

Exhibition Art in the Vines – AV4: New exhibition of sculptures by 26 acclaimed artists. Newham. Daily until April 25. 10am-5pm. Free.

Exhibitions Liss Fenwick, Nicholas Burridge, Lauren Joffe: Kyneton. Until November 28. 10.30am-5pm.

Exhibition A Biodiversity Crisis – Animals and Plants of the Macedon Ranges: Interactive exhibition. Contains taxidermy. Kyneton. 11am-4pm. Adult $5.10, Concession/student $3.10, Child under 5 free, Family $10.20.

Community ‘Out of Lockdown’ Lunch: Meet other like-minded Zoom experts with slow internet connections who have been working from home. Woodend. 12pm-2pm. $25.

Entertainment Youth Night: A safe space for teenagers to hang out. Music, games, Xbox, free Wi-Fi. Riddells Creek. 5.30pm-7.30pm. $2.

Film Outdoor Cinema: Live music, food, games and a screening of Shrek. Gisborne. From 6pm (film at 8pm). $2.

Fashion Queers on the Catwalk: An evening of stylish fun to celebrate regional pride. Macedon.

Community Kyneton Show Fireworks: The fireworks will shoot twice as high as normal so they can been seen across the town. No spectators at the Showgrounds. Kyneton. 9pm.

Saturday, November 20

Market Daylesford Collectables Fair: Antique, vintage, collectable and retro items. Victoria Park, Ballan-Daylesford Rd, Daylesford. Saturday and Sunday. 8am-5pm. $10.

Market Glenlyon Village Market: Shire Hall, Barkly St, Glenlyon. 9am-1pm.

Market Riddells Creek Farmers’ and Makers’ Markets: Memorial Dr, Riddells Creek. 9am-1pm.

Market Trentham Farmers’ Market: Town Square, High St, Trentham. 9am-1pm.

Exhibition Buttlejorrk Artists: The group’s 45th anniversary show. Features work by 11 members and six special guests. The Old Auction House, 52-56 Mollison St, Kyneton. Until December 6. 10am-4pm. Free.

Exhibition Moments of Being and Everything in Between – Lynka: Explores a woman’s relationship with herself and others, and ultimately her place in the world. The Old Auction House, 52-56 Mollison St, Kyneton. Until December 6. 10am-4pm. Free.

Exhibition Art in the Vines – AV4: New exhibition of sculptures by 26 acclaimed artists. Hanging Rock Winery, Jim Rd, Newham. Daily until April 25. 10am-5pm. Free.

Craft DIY Christmas Gifting Workshop: Learn how to make bath bombs, body oil, body scrubs and room mists. Make and take home essential-oil-infused bath salts and lip balm. Trentham Neighbourhood Centre, High St. 10.30am-12pm. $40.

Exhibitions Liss Fenwick, Nicholas Burridge, Lauren Joffe: Stockroom, 98 Piper St, Kyneton. Until November 28. 10.30am-5pm.

Exhibition A Biodiversity Crisis – Animals and Plants of the Macedon Ranges: Interactive exhibition. Contains taxidermy. Kyneton Museum, Piper St. 11am-4pm. Adult $5.10, Concession/student $3.10, Child under 5 free, Family $10.20.

Food & Drink American Barbecue Smoked Lamb Ragu Gnocchi and Entree: Choose from two gourmet meals and five wines. Double Oaks Estate, 104 Ashworths Rd, Lancefield. Saturday and Sunday. From 12pm. $65.

Music Blues and Brews: Blues music with Bill Barber. DV Cider, 39 Darraweit Valley Rd, Darraweit Guim. 12.15pm-4.15pm.

Food & Drink Food + Fire + Wine: A four-course meal cooked over an open fire and served in the vineyard. Lyons Will Estate, 60 Whalans Track, Lancefield. 12.30pm-4.30pm. $135.

Craft Christmas Wreath Workshop: Learn how to make a Christmas wreath with florist Madelene Sutton. Woodend Neighbourhood House, Forest St. 1pm-3pm. $100.

Music The Vintage Blues Machine: The duo draw inspiration from the acoustic blues of the 1920s and ’30s, the early jazz-flavoured blues of the 1940s, and country swing. Major Tom’s, 57 Piper St, Kyneton. 8.30pm. $10.

Sunday, November 21

Running Mt Macedon Trail Run: Five routes: 10km, 21km, 30km, 42km, 50km. Cameron Dr, Mt Macedon. First race 7.30am. $70-$135.

Market Daylesford Collectables Fair: Antique, vintage, collectable and retro items. Victoria Park, Ballan-Daylesford Rd, Daylesford. Saturday and Sunday. 8am-2pm. $10.

Market Daylesford Sunday Market: Daylesford Railway Station, Raglan St. 8am-3pm.

Market Malmsbury Farmers’ and Artists’ Market: Mollison St, Malmsbury. 9am-1pm.

Market Woodend Lions Sunday Market: Cnr High St & Forest St, Woodend. 9am-2pm.

Environment What is on your Roadside?: Join a walk along Sheltons Rd, Newham, to learn about the shire council’s role in roadside conservation. Sheltons Rd, Newham. 10am-11.30am. Free.

Food Trentham East Farm Gate: Fresh produce. 150 Bergs Ln, Trentham East. 10am-12.30pm.

Exhibition Art in the Vines – AV4: New exhibition of sculptures by 26 acclaimed artists. Hanging Rock Winery, Jim Rd, Newham. Daily until April 25. 10am-5pm. Free.

Food & Music Welcome Back Party: With music from Casey Withoos and the So Saxy Band (Shaun Evans,Keith Smith, Terry Carrick and Oscar Lenaine). Includes $40 food credit. Hedge Farm, 124 Three Chain Rd, Carlsruhe. 12pm-6pm. $58.

Food & Drink Food + Fire + Wine: A four-course meal cooked over an open fire and served in the vineyard. Lyons Will Estate, 60 Whalans Track, Lancefield. 12.30pm-4.30pm. $135.

Wellness Meditation and Mindfulness with Horses: Mindfulness and meditation accompanied by a homemade hot chai. You will love these sessions if you are curious about how healing with horses works. Heart of the Horse, 275 Zig Zag Rd, Drummond North. 1pm-3.30pm. $55.

Beekeeping Woodend Bee-Friendly Society: Monthly meeting. Woodend Neighbourhood House, Forest St. 3pm-4.30pm.

Coming up

Gardens Paul Bangay – Stonefields Private Tours: See Paul Bangay’s incredible garden at his home. Denver. November 25.

Beekeeping Introduction to Beekeeping (online): Learn about what you need to get started. With Craig Castree. Goldfields Libraries. November 25.

Community Riddells Creek Twilight Festival: Food, entertainment, music and competitions. Riddells Creek. November 27. Booking required.

Community Woodend Twilight Festival: Light show, entertainment, shopping, food trucks, street dining. Woodend. November 27.

Art Open Studios: Nine artists will be opening their studios and discussing their work. Macedon. November 27-28.

Market Gisborne Montessori School’s Twilight Christmas Market: Gifts, arts and crafts, homewares, groceries, and face painting. New Gisborne. December 4.

Community Romsey Illuminations and Twilight Market: Festive lights, food trucks, shopping, music. Market at the Mechanics Institute. Main St, Romsey. December 10-11. Market 4pm-8pm, Outdoor events 6.30pm-10pm.

Music Athol Guy & Friends: The Seekers star will be joined by Buddy England. Supported by Jenny Blake and Rod Hulls. Woodend. December 31.

Have a great week!

Richard

P.S. I’ve tried my best to ensure accuracy, but please follow the links above to confirm details before attending events.

Deals and discounts

💰 Are you offering a special deal or a discount? If you’d like me to feature it in this newsletter, please email me.

JOURNEY BY LIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY

Every year since 2019, Journey By Light Photography has published a calendar full of stunning images from the Macedon Ranges. They’re so good that I’ve kept every one.

You can now get a 15% discount on Journey By Light’s 2022 calendar, plus their prints, framed prints and canvas prints, during November.

Click here to visit the online shop and enter YMR15 at the checkout to apply the 15% discount.

📷 Adam, from Journey By Light Photography, will be participating in Malmsbury Farmers’ and Artists’ Market on Sunday.

How am I doing?

Your Macedon Ranges is researched, written, and edited by me alone. Compiling it takes me 10+ hours each week. I love doing it, and the response has been incredible. I’m very grateful for your kind words.

If you find value in the newsletter, I’d so appreciate you subsidising my coffee habit … it helps with the collating and the writing!

Rectory’s roots stretch way back

Then & Now

With thanks to Will Jones and Q1 Choi.

*The rectory in November 1976, 31 years after it was sold by the Church. Pictures: J.T. Collins Collection, La Trobe Picture Collection, State Library of Victoria.*

The Old Rectory is believed to be the oldest surviving stone house in Kyneton, having been commissioned by the Church of England in 1850.

It was first occupied in 1851 or 1852, before the construction of St Paul’s Church was completed in 1856. A number of services were conducted at the rectory, including the first registered wedding, on January 10, 1855.

The large walnut tree in the garden is thought to be of similar age to the house.

Whilst the rectory’s architect is unknown, Georgian features, which include a symmetrical facade, sash windows, French doors onto the verandah and a fan light above the front door, combined with a lack of cornices and ceiling roses internally, suggest the plans came from Sydney. A subsequent red-brick extension was the work of architect William Douglas.

The rectory, which stands on the corner of Ebden St and Piper St, was sold by the Church in 1945. A major renovation was undertaken by the current owners under architect supervision in 2016.

The Old Rectory is listed by the National Trust of Victoria, which notes its rarity as a building that pre-dates both the separation of Victoria from the colony of New South Wales in 1851 and the Victorian gold rush.

It is now operating as luxury whole-house short-term accommodation.

✍️ Will Jones

📅 Booking enquiries can be made via the Old Rectory website or Airbnb.

Enjoyed this newsletter?

Get it emailed to you every Sunday – and never miss a thing.

“I am so happy to be able to receive your emails and keep up to date with what’s going on in the area as well as learning a bit of local history!”