Before August 4, 1914, few in Bega had much to do with Belgium. From that day on, this small country in western Europe was rarely out of the district’s newspapers. Between 1914 and 1918 people from Bega to Broome contributed millions of dollars in today’s terms for the relief of Belgium. A Patriotic Ball in Quaama in April 1915, for example, raised 8 pounds 9 Shillings for the Belgian Fund and the Belgian flag decorated the scene in the Quaama School of Arts.

All told more than 12,000 Australians perished in Belgium a century ago. This presentation tells something of their story and of Bega’s connections with Belgium in World War 1.

The Bega Valley Geneology Society’s first meeting for 2017 will be held at 2pm at the Masonic Hall, Canning St, Bega, on Sunday, February 26, followed by afternoon tea. Visitors and members are invited to hear Annette Irvine tell the story of Dennis Monahan with the interesting title of her talk: “Have you a tiger in your family, Irish and/or Tasmanian?” This might set you on the track to find out more of your Australian or overseas “tiger” and other characters at the Society’s extensive library at the Old Courthouse, Pambula.

Bega RSL Sub-Branch will be holding its monthly meeting at headquarters "Elgas House" Upper St, Bega on Monday, February 27, at 4.30pm. Matters for discussion will be preparation for Anzac Day.

A duo of talent is at Ivy Hill during March, drinks with the artists at 5pm Saturday, February 25.

Lorna Crane has recently returned from an art print residency at Arenys de Munt near Barcelona in Spain. On return the paintings flowed with a new enthusiasm while working in her South Pambula studio.

Kay Jensen is a self taught potter who exhibited full time from 1983-2004, with 36 of her works purchased by 24 public art bodies, including national, state and regional collections throughout Australia and internationally.

Ivy Hill Gallery is open 10am until 4pm, Thursday to Sunday, on the coast road at Wapengo. Catalogues at www.ivyhill.com.au.

A wet weekend didn’t deter anglers with the bi-annual competition between the Bermagui Hotel Fishos and the Bermagui CC Social Anglers’ Club. Both clubs were very well represented and formed a great social group in the barbecue area. The Hotel Fisho’s won the day with the margin of only 10 grams. Winners of the monthly club competition were: offshore, Tad Korycki and on shore, Robert Brown.  President Fran congratulated all for their contributions to a very successful day with a big thank you to the cooks.  The usual raffle was a winner for Lyn Manton.

Animal Welfare League NSW Far South Coast Branch makes sure all dogs and cats adopted through them have all the essential veterinary work done before adoption. Lilley the 12-year-old desexed female Maltese enjoys good health, has had recent dental work and all routine vet work is up to date. She is good to bathe and groom, is house trained, enjoys a routine, is still quite active and an excellent watch dog. Lilley is not good with strangers and would be unsuitable with children. She requires an experienced owner prepared to work with her to form a mutually beneficial relationship. 

If you would like to adopt one of the many companion animals available at the moment,  call 0400 372 609 or visit the AWLFSC branch on Facebook for more details. The branch general meeting will be held at Tathra Beach Bowling Club this Sunday, February 26, at 11 am. Visitors welcome. Call Deborah on 0437 890 869.

The club’s next shoot will be at Colombo Park, Bemboka, at 10am, Sunday, February 26. Our first shoot for 2017 was washed out so the committee met to discuss club business. A decision was made to consolidate our efforts to develop the club at Colombo Park until issues at our other venue are sorted out. This means that archery will be held at Colombo Park on both the 2nd & 4th Sundays of the month.

Members and those wishing to become members of the Bega Valley Archery Club are invited to participate in the sport. The 2nd Sunday will be target archery using large and small target faces with the 4th Sunday being field style archery. For beginners all archery gear and safety equipment is supplied. Archery is open to everyone over the age of 12 years. The range fee is $5  per person, a family fee is available. For further information – James Murray on 6493 0415.

Brogo Hall old time dances start at 8pm on the fourth Saturday of the month.

February 25, March 25, April 22, May 27, June 24, July 22 and August 26, (Spring Ball) September 23, October 28, November 25, December 9 (2^nd Saturday), December 31 (New Year’s).

The Wyndham Village Market held in and surrounding the historic Wyndham Hall is on this Sunday, February 26, from 8.30am to 1pm.   

It offers an impressive array of organic, locally grown and produced goods and items made with much love. There will be good food offered by the Wyndham P&C and great coffee to aid the social, friendly and relaxing atmosphere.

Stalls cost just $15 for casual sites, and $10 for the car boot sale. Buskers are welcome! Book your stall now by calling Yvonne on 6494 2443.