TUCKURIMBA PUBLIC HALL

By Helen Trustum

The first Tuckurimba Hall was built in 1905. Sadly, this hall was burnt down in 1925. It was many years before another hall was built because they could not decide where to build it. The trustees became divided into two groups, the top enders and the bottom enders (residents of Delelvin) and no agreement could be reached where the new hall was to be built.

Agreement was reached in May 1933 when a meeting was held at the Coraki School of Arts. It was unanimously decided to build a new hall on the site of the old one. Five trustees were nominated. They were Fred Paff, Edward Jenner, Peter Gaudron, Walter Threlfo and Henry McCaughey.

The hall was built in 1937. A cyclonic storm in 1940 demolished the hall where it was rebuilt by district farmers, helped by donations of cattle and cash. The residents were very proud of the rebuilt hall and many school concerts, meetings, dances to raise money in World War 11 were held there. Young people came out from Coraki in trucks, rode horses from Dungarubba and because of the excellent dance floor, it was a popular venue.

Tuckurimba Hall taken in 1998

Tuckurimba Hall never had a supper room but prepared supper on trestle tables near the stage. Cakes and sandwiches were passed around the hall on platters. Tea would follow served from big tea pots where the water was boiled in cans over an open fire and carried inside. The children would sleep under the stools.

Land around the hall was used as a horse paddock for the school children attending Tuckurimba School during school hours. Electricity was connected to the hall in 1958. A switching on the light’s dance was held where everyone had a great time.

Performers: Alex Strong, Bruce McCaughey and Betty Fava played for many years, then Doug Blanch took over from Bruce. They called themselves “Melody Makers” and played at Green Ridge, Pidcocks Lane, Brandon Hall in Coraki, Ruthven, Bungawalbyn, Bora Ridge and Tuckurimba Halls.

Honour Rolls have always graced the walls of Tuckurimba Hall. One for 1914 – 1919 War and one for 1939 – 1945. The roll of Honour records members of the Australian Armed Forces who have died or returned home from serving overseas. They are now in a safe place at the Mid Richmond Historical Society Museum in Coraki for all to see.

George Hunt was President of the Tuckurimba Hall for many years. The hall declined during the 1970’s and 1980’s leaving no other choice but to sell. On August 9^th 1997 the Tuckurimba Hall was sold to adjoining residents Rodney and Cherie Veral. Many local people have fond memories of their hall.

Jess Dolby, Nita Haynes and Marie Smith with their Red Cross Certificates.

PATRIOTIC LEAGUE

The Patriotic League was formed in the Tuckurimba Hall on July 2^nd1940. President- Henry McCaughey Jnr., Vice Presidents L. Sutton and A.E. Campbell, Treasurer – Ted Leadbeater, Secretary – H.G. McCaughey.

Bridle race meetings and socials were held to defray cost of sending parcels of comforts for Christmas to local recruits at War. All men received a parting gift from the League and a khaki pullover from the Red Cross. In 1943, 42 parcels were forwarded and included a half pound cake made by local members. A welcome home social was arranged for the recruits returning and an invitation extended to the families. An Honour Roll was unveiled on Empire Day 24^th May 1946 and was hung in the Tuckurimba Hall along with an Honour Roll from the First World War. In 1997 both Rolls were handed over to the Mid Richmond Historical Society at Coraki.

Honour Roll from Second World War.

RED CROSS

The Tuckurimba ladies met in the Tuckurimba Hall on Wednesday August 22^nd 1917 for the purpose of forming a branch of the Red Cross Society. Those present were, Mesdames Hindmarsh, McLean, Barnard and Harris from Lismore, Simpson, Kennedy, Hunt, Smith, Tinkler, J. Paff, F. Paff, Margaret Maxwell, Jenner, Thurgood, Threlfo, McCaughey and Misses Hunt, Paff and Tinkler. Apologies were received from Mrs Mclaren, Mrs Casey, Mrs Smith and Mrs McLean.

Officers elected – President – Mrs Simpson, Vice Presidents – Mrs Tinkler and Mrs Hunt, Secretary – Miss Gladys Hunt and Treasurer – Mrs Kennedy.

Members took on the task of sewing and knitting for the troops and many items were forwarded to the Lismore Branch for despatch. On July 7^th 1920 the group disbanded and reformed again on October 25^th 1939 in conjunction with Coraki. Then in 1940 the group decided to change back to Tuckurimba and go alone. The branch has continued to function to this day, where they meet monthly in the Wyrallah Hall.

Red Cross Ladies – Mavis Garbutt and Barbara Schaffer

PROGRESS ASSOCIATION

The first meeting of the Tuckurimba Progress Association was held on June 1^st 1890 at Alex Robertson’s residence, North Arm. Mr Baxter was paid 1/- (10 cents) for the use of Baxter’s Cottage near the Tuckurimba Provincial School for the purpose of holding their Progress Meetings. Their meeting on August 16^th 1905 was held in the newly built Tuckurimba Hall.

President – William McLean, Vice President – James Fogwell, Secretary/Treasurer – Henry McCaughey.

Ref – Mid R. R. H. Society at Coraki, RRHS in Lismore, Northern Star May 22^nd 1933, also from the writings of the late Monica McCaughey, Tuckurimba.

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How to Arrange Plants in Your Home for Maximum Impact

In recent years, the trend of incorporating plants into interior design has surged in popularity, transforming ordinary homes into vibrant, living spaces. From minimalistic succulents to towering indoor trees, plants can add character, warmth, and a breath of fresh air to any room. But while bringing plants into the home is relatively simple, arranging them in a way that enhances the aesthetic appeal of your space requires thoughtful planning.

Understand Your Space

Before you buy any plants, take a good look around your home. Consider the dimensions of each room, the amount of natural light they receive, and the design style you want to achieve. Some plants thrive in bright, direct sunlight, while others prefer the diffused light of a north-facing window. Knowing your home’s lighting conditions will ensure your plants not only survive but flourish.

For instance, if you have a room with large windows that get plenty of sunlight, cacti and succulents are ideal choices. These drought-resistant plants love bright light and don’t require frequent watering, making them easy to care for. On the other hand, low-light areas, like hallways or bathrooms, might benefit from low-maintenance plants like the snake plant or ZZ plant, which can thrive in indirect light.

Choose Plants of Different Heights and Shapes

When arranging plants, diversity in height, shape, and texture is key to creating a visually appealing layout. Mix tall plants with shorter ones to add depth and dimension to your space. For example, a large fiddle leaf fig in a corner paired with a smaller peace lily on a nearby table creates contrast and balance. The varying heights draw the eye upward, adding layers of interest to the room.

To achieve this, you can invest in plant stands or shelves to elevate smaller plants to different heights, giving the illusion of a lush, multi-dimensional display. Grouping plants of varying shapes, such as broad-leaved plants like monstera with spikier varieties like dracaena, also adds texture and variety to your display.

Create Focal Points

Just as you would arrange artwork or furniture to create focal points in a room, plants can also serve as natural focal points. For instance, a statement plant, such as the bird of paradise or rubber tree, placed in a prominent location like the living room can become a striking feature.

Placing larger plants in corners or near windows creates a dramatic visual effect and draws attention to areas of the room that might otherwise be overlooked. By carefully positioning your plants, you can guide the viewer’s gaze through the room, creating a sense of flow.

Consider the Rule of Three

One tried-and-true design principle is the rule of three, which states that objects arranged in odd numbers are more appealing to the eye. The same concept applies to arranging plants. Grouping plants in threes—whether on a windowsill, shelf, or table—creates a balanced and aesthetically pleasing arrangement.

When using this method, try to combine plants of varying sizes, textures, and colours for maximum impact. For example, pair a trailing plant like pothos with a bushy fern and a compact succulent. This approach creates a dynamic display where each plant complements the other.

Embrace Vertical Space

If you live in a smaller space or want to maximise your plant collection without cluttering your floors, embracing vertical space is the way to go. Hanging planters, wall-mounted pots, and vertical plant shelves allow you to incorporate more greenery without sacrificing valuable floor space.

Consider installing a plant wall or hanging several plants at different heights to create a cascading effect. Plants like philodendrons or string of pearls are perfect for hanging baskets due to their natural trailing tendencies. This not only adds greenery but also creates a sense of depth and height in a room, making your space feel larger.

Mix Pot Styles and Textures

Your choice of pots plays an essential role in how your plants contribute to your interior design. Just as you mix and match plants of different sizes and shapes, mixing pot styles and textures adds another layer of interest to your display. Terracotta pots have a warm, rustic feel, while ceramic pots can add a sleek, modern touch.

You might opt for a uniform colour palette to create a more cohesive look, or you could mix things up with a variety of materials and finishes to create an eclectic, curated feel. Woven baskets, metallic planters, and minimalist concrete pots can all work together to bring character and variety to your space.

Be Mindful of Plant Care

Lastly, while aesthetics are important, it’s crucial to consider the practicalities of plant care. Ensure your plants are placed in areas where they will thrive based on their light and water needs. Regularly rotate your plants to ensure they receive even sunlight, and make sure they’re not placed too close to heat sources like radiators or air conditioners, which can dry them out.

Additionally, consider grouping plants with similar watering and light requirements together. This makes it easier to care for your plants and ensures you won’t accidentally overwater or neglect any of them.

Conclusion

Arranging plants in your home can transform your space into a serene, visually appealing oasis. By understanding your environment, mixing plant sizes, and using design principles like the rule of three and vertical space, you can create a dynamic, lively atmosphere that brings the beauty of nature indoors. Whether you’re aiming for a minimalist look or a lush jungle vibe, the key is to experiment and find an arrangement that suits your style while keeping your plants healthy and happy.

So, gather your greenery, get creative, and let your plants breathe new life into your home.

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Polestar 4: A Bold New Entry in the Electric SUV Market

By Jeff Gibbs

The Polestar 4 is the latest addition to Polestar’s growing lineup of electric vehicles, positioned as a dynamic all-electric SUV coupé that combines cutting-edge design, high performance, and advanced technology. Sitting between the Polestar 2 and the luxury Polestar 3, the Polestar 4 is set to push boundaries with its futuristic aesthetics and sustainable innovations.

Design and Aesthetics

The Polestar 4 embodies a sleek, coupe-like profile with a focus on aerodynamics and a minimalist design philosophy. In a departure from traditional SUV styling, the Polestar 4 embraces a lower, more streamlined shape with smooth lines, frameless windows, and a bold front end devoid of a traditional grille, highlighting its fully electric nature.

One of the most striking features of the Polestar 4 is its rear-windowless design, which replaces the traditional rear window with a digital rearview camera, enhancing both the car’s futuristic look and its aerodynamic efficiency.

Performance and Powertrain

The Polestar 4 is expected to offer dual-motor all-wheel-drive configurations, delivering a strong combination of power and efficiency. While specific power outputs are yet to be fully disclosed, early indications suggest that the Polestar 4 will offer a significant amount of power, rivalling other high-performance electric SUVs in its class.

With a long-range battery pack, the Polestar 4 is expected to provide an impressive range, making it suitable for both urban commutes and long-distance journeys. Fast-charging capabilities will also feature, allowing for quick top-ups on long drives.

Interior and Technology

Polestar has equipped the 4 with a high-tech, eco-friendly interior that emphasises sustainability. The cabin will feature recycled and vegan materials, aligning with the brand’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint. Polestar’s signature Scandinavian-inspired design ensures a clean, sophisticated interior with intuitive controls and ample space.

A large infotainment screen, powered by Google’s Android Automotive OS, will dominate the dashboard, offering seamless integration with apps such as Google Maps, Google Assistant, and other connected services. Polestar’s digital experience will also be enhanced with over-the-air (OTA) updates, allowing for continuous improvements to software features post-purchase.

Safety and Driver Assistance

Polestar vehicles are known for their focus on safety, and the Polestar 4 will likely feature the brand’s latest Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). This could include adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and advanced collision avoidance technologies. The inclusion of autonomous driving features, similar to the Polestar 3, is also anticipated, further enhancing the vehicle’s safety credentials.

Sustainability Focus

In keeping with Polestar’s sustainability goals, the Polestar 4 will prioritise eco-friendly manufacturing processes and materials. The company has set ambitious targets for reducing its carbon emissions and increasing the use of recycled materials throughout the vehicle’s construction.

Market and Availability

The Polestar 4 is expected to launch in 2024, with deliveries beginning shortly after in key global markets, including Europe, the U.S., and China. Positioned between the Polestar 2 and Polestar 3 in terms of price and size, the Polestar 4 aims to appeal to customers seeking a stylish, performance-oriented electric SUV without compromising on sustainability or luxury.

As Polestar continues to expand its portfolio, the new model represents a significant step in the brand’s vision of redefining the electric vehicle market with innovative, sustainable, and high-performance cars.

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