February 2008 Newsletter

A warm welcome to you all as we prepare for that 3rd Saturday of the month experience we lovingly call, the Bellingen Community Markets. We’ve a few topics to cover so best to it.Firstly, DO NOT DRIVE ON THE FOOTBALL FIELD! Bellingen Valley Dorrigo Rugby League Football Club or the BVDRLFC (for short) start their season in early March and they, like we, would be displeased to the max were one blade of that sacred turf (or its surrounding perimeters) be even bruised. Full details on the out of bounds areas, traffic movement, and the dire consequences which will result from any transgression onto the field can be read in “Get off the Grass!!”
“Park Improvements” is definitely worth a read. Find out what new structural additions are to be built in an effort to maintain and improve amenities.
On the subject of improvements BCM are currently fine tuning a totally revamped Web site. Due for launch on the March 15th Market Day, the new site literally offers a world of possibilities. To read more on the Web Site and, wait for it - our new Domain Name, turn to “Virtual BCM”, engage neck-top computer & read on.
Our Community Group for February is the Bellingen Public School P&C who’ll be eagerly awaiting the sound of coins falling into buckets & assisting us to make the Market sparkle, all spare coinage gratefully accepted. Former local musician, Mal Winkle (Mal Winkle Band, Sunburnt Celts) returns with his new band, Timbah. Their first time at BCM but I’m sure you’ll agree once you’ve heard them it won’t be their last. They and you are just one of the reasons why it remains the BCM, not just a marketplace but a great place to be!

Get Off the Grass

The football field and its outer perimeters are a NO GO AREA. Most of you are already aware of that fact and if you weren’t you are now. Treat it as if it were scattered with land mines.
A mutual cooperation has existed between the Parks main stakeholders BCM & BVDRLFC for 26 years. One of the major, if not the major concerns common to both organisations is the well being of all of the Bellingen Park grounds. ‘The Magpies’ specific concern is obviously centred on the playing field and BCM fully support them by keeping the playing area and perimeters STRICTLY OUT OF BOUNDS TO ALL VEHICLES.
Perimeter markings have not been painted on so you’re asked to take your directions and site lines from your relevant Section Co-ordinator/s. In E Section, sites with their backs to the field are asked NOT to unpack or pack from the rear of the site and definitely no cars or trailers to left behind, ever.
Please ensure all vehicular movement is kept to walking pace and all care taken not to create tracks when driving in & out. Once again, thanks in anticipation of your complete co-operation.

Park Improvements

Building will commence shortly, after necessary DA approval from Bellingen Shire Council, for extensions to the existing central kiosk building. It is proposed this will be in three stages. A building will be constructed, serving as a multi purpose storage, information and shade area. Storing recycling bins thorough the month, it will also double as BCM Information Centre on Market day. In stages two & three, awnings on the eastern and western sides of the kiosk will be extended to provide greater public shade area.
Following a recent meeting between all concerned parties and after assurances given too the two BCM Committee attending, the status quo with regards to traffic movement and stall sites should not inconvenience or upset the usual BCM running.
As you are aware from previous newsletters the addition of the new enclosure to our Parks amenities have been made possible by contributions from Bellingen Shire Council and a welcome grant from the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal along with BCM own contribution.

Virtual BCM

On March 15th BCM will be launching a new Web site & Domain name. Mark Carpenter at thirtypointfour, you’ll know Mark as the designer of the BCM Logo, has designed a most attractive and user friendly site incorporating features not available in our original Web site and able to provide information, forms and interactivity applicable to intending visitors, interested stallholders and seasoned Permanents.
Next month our newsletter will provide you with more detail and with policies in place to govern links and develop greater web presence. Check this space next month for all the facts.