It has been a huge year in the McCloud household this year. We missed the Hartwood Festival this year but it was good to have a break after 27 years.
As you all have no doubt heard by now, Paul has sold the Hartwood property to Chrys and Maria Kelly who will be working closely with Tom and Lyn Maxwell to keep the festival happening into the future. A great line up of artists has been secured for the festival next Easter. There will be a few changes happening but it all sounds very exciting and we are both very happy that Hartwood Campfires & Country Music will continue and wish Tom, Lyn, Chrys and Maria all the very best for the future. We hope you will all support this festival as it has grown into a very popular event on the calendar.
The new website for Hartwood News is www.hartwoodfestival.com.au where you will find the latest news and poster for the 2016 festival. Alternatively you may go to www.tommaxwell.com.au
Paul thought he would have been very emotional leaving Hartwood for the last time but the thought of not having to maintain the farm, two properties, and run the festival was an over-whelming relief. We are still trying to sort ourselves out, with two caravans and all the bits and pieces we brought home from the farm but gradually we are working on it. We have the Traveller caravan up for sale and keeping old “Rhubarb” at the moment in case we want to take a trip somewhere.
After we left Hartwood we went straight to Moree for a few days in the artesian pools, then on to Hervey Bay for two weeks on the waterfront for a bit of relaxation. It was a lovely break. We ate out at some lovely cafes, went to Maryborough to see Brian Cadd and Glenn Shorrock in concert (which was fantastic). I even did a little bit of line dancing at Jan Wyllie’s class. I do miss it … must get back into it.
Paul has to have another little operation next week which we are both a bit nervous about after his experiences last year but I’m sure all will be well and we’ll then be able to continue with the next stage of our lives. We would like to do some train travel … .see Alice Springs and Uluru, also plan a trip south to see family and friends. As well, Paul is still working on a new CD with Peter Horan playing and producing. He just needs to get to do the vocals now and hopefully we will have it out sometime next year. We will keep you up to date with that. Maybe a few concerts here and there … who knows????
Meanwhile we need to do a lot of uncluttering and
enjoy where we live and what the coast has to offer which is certainly
beautiful winter weather.
DON’T FORGET HARTWOOD IS ON EASTER 2016
Happy and safe travels to all,
Hele & Paul