Among those who attended were Ros Billington, Dave Cotton, Errol Masterson, Wilma Masterson, Denise McGlashan, Marianne Hunter, Allan Douch, Wendy Douch, Ron McGlashan, John Selby, Maree Selby and Vicki Hoyer.

Bermagui Museum is relocating to a smaller space within the Bermagui Community Centre as of March 1, 2018.

This follows a Bega Valley Shire Council decision at the November 22 council meeting.

This move will provide additional options for the operation of the library.

Everyone is welcome to view the new museum with the following opening hours -Thursday, Friday and Saturday 10am-2pm or by arrangement.

The Australian Red Cross Mobile Blood Service is visiting Bega next month. The dates are:

Monday, January 8, 12pm–5pm (filled). Tuesday, January 9, 9am–5pm (more donors needed). Wednesday, January 10, 9.30am–5.45pm (more donors needed). Thursday, January 11, 9am–2.30pm (more donors needed).

If you haven't already made an appointment to give blood, you can make an appointment online or call us on 13 14 95. 

One in three Australians will need blood, but only one in 30 donates.  Donated blood helps cancer patients, people with blood disorders, mothers-to-be and newborn babies, as well as trauma and surgical patients. 

Printmakers Chris Denton and partner Kylie Ramsay are joined by ceramicist Sonja Jacob for the Ivy Hill Gallery exhibition running from mid December to mid January.

The gallery will be closed for the days leading to Christmas from December 21-24, and open again on Thursday, December 28.

Catalogues are available online at www.ivyhill.com.au. 

Tathra Hall Art and Craft Market will be open from January 2-10, 10am until 4pm each day. 

The market will welcome several new and exciting stall holders. 

Tim Moorehead, a well known local artist, will have a studio clearance sale of ceramic, glass and paintings etc. He will be there from January 6-10. His partner Shaynee will be selling her home made dressings.

Richard Jermyn who has a collection of antique books, some tools and hardware will join in from January 5-10.

In the past 18 years, IMB Bank Community Foundation has supported 29 projects to the tune of $340,000 in the Bega Valley and applications for funding in 2018 are now open.

IMB Bank CEO Robert Ryan urged community groups, not-for-profit organisations and charities to put in an application for 2018 funding.

“There are many incredible groups in the Bega area that do so much good for other people,” Mr Ryan said.

“We are always interested to hear about new projects, particularly those that need seed funding to start or projects already in operation that are looking to expand.

“The Community Foundation is now in its 19th year.

“To date, we have supported more than 600 projects and we are proud of the fact that most are still going.

“In many instances like the Men’s Shed movement, which we have supported for many years, the projects have expanded to other areas and there are now Men’s Sheds throughout the ACT, South Coast of NSW, Sydney and the Illawarra.

“But it all starts with an application.

“The local area has many people with great ideas and vision and IMB Bank Community Foundation can provide the funding so together we can make our communities better for everyone,” he said.

Applications close on February 9. 

Go to www.imb.com.au/communityfoundation to apply.

The Wyndham Village monthly market falls on Christmas Eve, December 24, and will be operating from 8.30am until 1pm in and surrounding the historic Wyndham Hall.

As a special Christmas gift to our valued stall holders, we are offering free stalls to all!

So take advantage of this last minute shopping opportunity to grab some quality gifts and fresh local produce ready for Christmas Day.

Back for Christmas Day, grab some fresh Wyndham cherries!

Relax in the supper room gallery with family and friends before the big day with a cup of Wyndham's own great coffee and support the Men's Shed who will be catering for the last time on the roster for this year.

Stall bookings may be made by calling Yvonne on 6494 2443. See you all at the friendly Wyndham Village Market on Christmas Eve!

Note: The Jingera Rock Music event will not be operating after the market this month but will be back with renewed energy in January.

There are still some copies of the Calendar of Second Chances featuring many of the pets that were rehomed by the Far South Coast Branch of Animal Welfare League NSW over the past year.

It’s a great Christmas gift at only $20 and copies can be picked up at all Bega Valley Shire vets, Coastal Grooming Merimbula and The Country K9 Parlour Cobargo. Or to have copies sent, email awlfsc@bigpond.com.

With the weather heating up pet owners need to be aware of the dangers of leaving animals in cars.  It is amazing how quickly the car heats up in a matter of minutes even under the shade of trees. Please leave pets at home if you intend to leave your car without them. 

Christmas is also a time to take special care to ensure your pets are safe from harm.

There are many additional hazards such as Christmas trees and decorations, poisonous plants such as poinsettias, as well as the presents and wrappings under the tree.

There are also many holiday foods which are harmful to your pets including chocolate, onions, grapes and xylitol (a sugar substitute).