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Great fun, the event at Three Waters in Bullock Mountain for Crackin’ Cancer

Three Waters Holidays

Crackin' Cancer Logo

Man what a wonderful time was had this year at the Crackin’ Cancer Horse Trail Ride fundraiser held at Three Waters in Bullock Mountain near Glen Innes NSW, AUST.   Now this event was held over the course of a week (13-20th April) but we got there earlier in the previous week so we could gear upto it – read on…

The Transport & Accommodation - We were fortunate enough thanks to Danny Gascoyne of A1 Group Removals & Storage to be offered the use of his personal Winnebago based on a Mazda T4600 Truck.

Winnebago

Now the incredible thing was that this being a turbo diesel it only used the same amount of fuel as what my 96′ Jeep Grand Cherokee Ltd towing a trailer did last year, I think I might just sell all and buy one and travel this country playing music anyway I digress…

As I said I had the Winnebago and Marshall Fittler the President of Crackin’ Cancer had a Caravan and Laurie Cooper the Vice President had a roof mounted tent on his Toyota Landcruiser as can be seen… I think I had the best accommodation what do you think??

caravan_rooftent

The People, Pets & Their Accommodation - This year saw over 40 riders plus their partners friends, kids, dogs and even a Macaw Parrot that liked rolling onto it’s back and having his stomach scratched – I kid you not oh and of course all the horses, wouldn’t be a horse trail ride without them now would it…

Most of the people stayed in their horse floats (spread everywhere – too far for me to walk and take a photo), some stayed in tents (not many) and some stayed in cabins.   Not included in the below photo are about another twenty plus floats/fifth wheelers that were located in another yard call the Horseotel Yard (as I said too far to walk and take a photo).

campers

And The Real Star - It truly was an amazing time with Steve Langley the owner of Three Waters (76yrs young) donning a baseball cap backwards and doing a rap song about a bloke named Joe and Fish (wish I had recorded it) and the people mesmerised by him – even me, he’s a hard act to follow! onya mate.

Steve Langley I was a rappin

people enjoying rap

skull_hand_painted_by_Robyn_Baker

The Week That Was - I could go on and on but needless to say I had an absolute ball, played plenty of country music, raised lots of dollars for Crackin’ Cancer and the Cancer Council which of course means plenty of dollars for Cancer Research which as we know is very important!

On one of the nights we had an auction which raised nearly $2k which was fantastic!   There was many items including whips (no chains), hobble belts, clothing, alcohol and a skull hand painted by Robyn Baker which looked fantastic.

pub

 

Friday The Last Ride - We of course had a ride into town to the Railway Tavern in Glen Innes and had a beautiful meal, yes I had Pizza although having lost weight meant I could only eat a medium and not a family size – don’t know how I did it last year.

 

riders

After finishing lunch at the Railway Tavern it was time to mount up and head back to the property.   It meant traversing over the old abandoned railway lines again and the twenty plus kilometre trek back.   This was the last ride of the week (Friday) and would be finished with a beautiful spit roast like last year – yummmm.

The Sad Bit The Trip Home - Anyway all that remains is the trip home for me which was both enjoyable but sad as I could have really stayed up their for a lot longer, I miss the bush and don’t like leaving.  There was friends from the last 2 years plus new friends that was made and hopefully we’ll all catch up again over the next 12 months – it’s a big country after all.   I’ll even miss the brown snakes that I saw on my early morning walks crossing the dirt road in front of me.   There was so much more that I could mention but then this would turn into a novel and would never end.

Anyways a picture of one the places I stopped at on the travels back, this place was a tribute to the first settlers with sails set up yet no water nearby – and why they had a pirate playground is beyond me (was fun tho & you can just see it if you look) but the amount of RV’s and Caravans that stay their overnight is incredible and yes I was one of them groan.

trip home

Leigh Warren - Country Music Outlaw

 

Till next time peoples and if you see me then say hello – I don’t bite well not very often and I am fairly well house trained sorta.

Here is what you can expect on the 3rd Annual Crackin’ Cancer Three Waters Horse Trail Ride

From April 13th to April 20th 2013 “The 3rd Annual Crackin’ Cancer Three Waters Horse Trail Ride” with your hosts Kerry, Deb and Steve

2013_flyer_three_waters
Kerry, Deb, Steve sm

 

 

 

 

 

Now as you might have guessed yes April might sound like 2 months away but that in reality is only like 7 weeks away even less when you think about the preparations!!

Dinner sm

Hard work I hear you say well… this is what you can look forward to on the Friday hmmm I can smell it now…

Have a look at some of the pictures and they pale into comparison when compared to actually being there.

The sights and smells – think roast pig and bacon and eggs and well hmmm ok and don’t think horse shit although there will be that as well.

marshall-Fittler_Laurie-Cooper_Dr-Page

Now of course the event couldn’t be run without the hard work of many people especially Marshall Fittler (President) and Laurie Cooper (Vice President) from Crackin Cancer.  They tirelessly work all year round donating their time on the various Crackin’ Cancer projects.   Laurie is on the left and Marshall is in the middle with Dr Sue Page (medical advisor) on the right.

wide river shot

Above is a wide angle shot of some beautiful scenery from last years ride.   Remember you get to cover some 25klm plus each day with Wednesday being a rest day.   You also get to ride into the town of Glen Innes and have a lovely meal at the pub.

pub

We even get to sing the Crackin Cancer song as well as be entertained by yours truly for several hours each day from late afternoon and best of all raise monies for Cancer Research.

Have a look and listen I realise it was taken on somebodies phone but it’s better than nothing.

On the Wednesday which is normally the rest day there is a presentation by Mark Langley the son of the owner of Three Waters who has a business called Equine Ability and I have to admit he is absolutely brilliant when it comes to horse whispering – his way with horses is something to be watched and amazed by.   Mark is on the left, his dad on the right…

Steve Mark sm

You have to see this to believe it seriously

equineability sm

If you come along say hello, if you happen to be in the area then come on out and say hello we are all there for a good cause.   It is hard to explain in words about how incredible this week is, all I can say is come along – the experience and friendships developed are well worth it.

Leigh Warren - Country Music Outlaw

 

Till next time cheers – Leigh

To all a Happy Valentines Day and a Happy Valentines Day to all

Happy V day 2013

Valentines Day, that special day where you get to feel and show love without being accused of being a woos well you know… not being a man.   Now of course if you don’t show it in some way – well lets just say even in summer its cold sleeping outside….

flowerschocolatesEvery year, the 14th of February has millions across the world scrambling to present their loved ones with candy, flowers, chocolates and other lovely gifts and god forbid if you forget.

Your partner/wife/girlfriend etc might say it’s alright don’t worry about valentines day it’s just another day, don’t believe them women are romantics even if they don’t show it… if you forget you’re toast, your history and the subject of conversation with her friends.

It goes a little like this… “my hubby got me chocolates wasn’t that sweet, what did yours get you??”  ”I told him not to worry about it” “I see he forgot didn’t he!” her reply comes in tears – ‘YES’

valentines_gifts

See what I mean you’re toast!! On the other hand if you remember even with something small and you weren’t reminded then instant brownie points.

youngboyngirl

 

In many countries, restaurants and such are filled with couples who are eager to celebrate theirrelationship and the joy of their togetherness through delicious cuisines.   There hardly seems to be a young man or woman and even some that are not so young who are not keen to make the most of the day.

 

bemyvalentine

 

People in secret send a message of ‘Happy Valentines Day’ to the person they admire without saying who it is from thus saving a possible rejection (thats sad really but I understand, I do truly – Leigh)

I remember in school (yes I remember somethings) notes used to fly around the room with tick yes or no on them but without a name so you didn’t know who it was from – ah romance.

For those that like to celebrate Valentines Day, have a wonderful Valentines Day and for those who no longer have a partner just remember the memories and happy times they brought into your life.

Leigh Warren - Country Music Outlaw

 

Till next time – Leigh (now where’s the chocolate yummmm)

 

 

The 3rd Annual Crackin’ Cancer Three Waters Horse Trail Ride April 13th to April 20th 2013

Yes it’s on again!!!

From April 13th to April 20th 2013 “The 3rd Annual Crackin’ Cancer Three Waters Horse Trail Ride”

Steve leading the mob

Run in conjunction with Crackin’ Cancer and the Cancer Council NSW, this trail ride held at Three Waters in Glen Innes NSW, raises much needed funds for Cancer Research.

Crackin' Cancer Cancer Council of NSW

“This is the one cause that I will always support so make the effort, come along and spend a great week with other horse riders, horse lovers and lovers of the country lifestyle. And don’t forget to come and say hello” – Leigh Warren.

2013_flyer_three_waters

As the poster says…

Traverse Creeks, Rivers, Bush & Historic Mine Areas.
This is the land of the wild New England Ranges, country that few people will ever see other than landowners and stockmen.   Each day will see riders cover 25 to 30km going into different areas of magnificent country side, and at night enjoy live entertainment in the Gunyah with Country Music Artist Leigh Warren.
Run in-conjunction with Crackin’ cancer, The Cancer Council NSW and Three Waters High Country Holidays
For further information please contact…
Marshall Fittler 0411 840 797 or Laurie Cooper 0429 626 912

 

Event Details:
Steve Langley and Kerry Byrne from the Three Waters High Country Holidays, are again pleased to host the weeklong Great Crackin’ Cancer – Cancer Council NSW Horse Trail Ride, which runs from April 13th thru 20th. 

This event will see many of the 2012 riders coming back for the 2013 ride. The ride will be run out of Three Waters, which is a 1200 acre property situated 15 kilometers from Glen Innes, in the picturesque New England region of NSW and will take in large cattle and sheep properties surrounding Three Waters.

 

At this stage, the number of riders will be cut off at 50.  A “cut off” date is yet to be decided however riders that attended in 2012 and their friends will get first opportunity. A deposit of $50 will apply to all riders.

 

Refunds will be available:(a) to those riders that miss the cut off.(b) to all riders, if the ride is cancelled and(c) to riders who can’t attend, should the organizers postpone the ride to a later date (for example, due to wet weather)

 

INSURANCE: For rider insurance purposes, all riders must be paid up members of Trail Riding Australia (or join Trail Riding Australia, to become paid up members) at the time of the ride (from April 13 to April 20 – 2013). To obtain membership for 2013 contact Trail Riding Australia. For your own benefit, please ensure you clarify all aspects of membership insurance coverage with Trail Riding Australia.

COST OF RIDE – SPONSORSHIP INCENTIVE: The Crackin’ Cancer–Cancer Council cost for riders will be $200. In saying that, riders can seek sponsorship money to help pay for all, or part of their 2013  Crackin’ Cancer-Cancer Council ride cost component – that being the $200 ONLY.  For those wishing to participate, it will be on a 50-50 basis. 50% of the sponsor money you raise will be a donation and 50% will go towards sponsoring your ride cost.

 

Example: If you want to cover your full Crackin’ Cancer-Cancer Council cost of $200, you will need to raise $400 ($200 as a donation and $200 as sponsorship). If you wish to cover half your ride cost, which would be $100, then you will need to raise $200 ($100 as a donation and $100 as sponsorship). The sponsorship benefit is $200 maximum. This means, that If a rider raises more than $400, that rider can still only receive a maximum of $200 in sponsorship. All money raised above $400 will be a donation.

 

If you are interested, please send a self addressed envelope and a note requesting a Sponsorship Form to:

 

Crackin’ Cancer-Cancer Council NSW.
PO Box 531,
Alstonville.
NSW 2477.

 

Any donation money over $2 is tax deductible, this means the 50% donation ONLY – NOT the 50% that goes towards rider sponsorship. This MUST be made clear to ALL sponsors/doners.  Riders PLEASE tick (yes) on the Sponsor/Doner Form for any doner who requires a receipt that will enable them to claim their 50 % donation money, on their tax.

 

The Cancer Council will send a receipt to the address stated on the sponsorship/donation form. Please write ALL sponsor/doner particulars down so they can be clearly understood.

 

COSTS: THREE WATERS HIGH COUNTRY HOLIDAYS :  All cabin and campsite bookings require a 25% non-refundable/ nontransferable deposit.   Accommodation and camping locations will be on a “first deposits paid  – will have first choice” basis.

 

Please BOOK accommodation with Three Waters High Country Holidays only –  Payments: must be made to Crackin’ Cancer.

 

All participants have full use of power at the popular Three Waters recreation facility called The Gunyah. The Gunyah has a kitchen (with 2 x 4 burner gas stoves and 2 fridges and a BBQ) a dining and rest area, showers and toilets.  Rider presence at the Gunyah is important in making the “out of saddle” component of the ride enjoyable to all and we encourage and appreciate your presence at the Gunyah, whenever you can manage it.

 

Agistment cost for a riders horse is $6 per day. Contact Steve Langley.

 

Campsites.  All persons. $10 per day/night.   Children. If any up to age 10 $5.00 per day/night.
Powered Campsites. All persons $12 per day/night.  Children. If any up to age 10 $6.00 per day/night.
Cabins. 1-2 Adults  $80 per day/night Extra adults $17.50 per person per day/night – Children if any up to age 10 – $13.00 per day/night.

 

Three Waters horses are available for hire – horse hire per day is $60.00. This includes shoeing and daily feeding.  Saddle and bridle provided if required. Due to horse preparation, a minimum advance notice of one month must be provided to prepare a horse for trail riding.  A non refundable  holding deposit of $100.00 is required for each horse minimum two weeks in advance. Payments for horse hire and agistment are to be made to Three Waters.

 

Please Note: to clarify all aspects of Three Waters High Country Holiday accommodation and conditions, plus horse hire, please contact Steve Langley.  Steve requires that whilst on Three Waters property, all riders must be current paid up members of Trail Riding Australia and be prepared to sign a Three Waters High Country Holidays waiver/ indemnity form.

 

Contact Details:

Crackin’ Cancer email: crackincancer@hotmail.com
President: Marshall Fittler 02 6624 4879 – 0411 840 797
Vice President: Laurie Cooper 02 6629 5453 – 042 9626 912

 

Steve Langley’s Three Waters High Country Holidays:
Phone: Homestead 02 67 324 863  email: stevelangley2003@yahoo.com.au

 

Head Ride Marshal:
Graeme Sleeman: Phone: 0400 941 389 or 0425 380 297 email: stick_a49@hotmail.com or graemes@gcess.org

 

Trail Riding Australia:
President: Wayne Marcantelli: marco.10@live.com.au
Secretary: Tricia Genders: genders04@hotmail.com
Membership and Insurance: Joan Playford jplayford@activ8.net.au

 

Leigh Warren - Country Music Outlaw
Hopefully I will see you there…
till next time – Leigh

A good week yet a sad week and the memories it brings…

Last Friday was the 24th of August and so what I hear you say… well that particular Friday my brother turned 50 (a happy occasion?) yet I couldn’t travel interstate as I had to have several viles of blood taken for numerous tests, have an e.c.g. plus more.   As I have a lump on my lung and keep getting pneumonia they are still deciding what to do – hence all the tests.

Monday brought about the C.T. Scan, chest X-ray and comparisons to the previous scans, anyway I won’t bore you with the details needless to say there will be follow up appointments, tests and things to do.

That Friday tho the 24th was also the 1st anniversary of my mates (Brian) missus Kell, passing from Cancer which I wrote under the title “Cancer Sucks fair dinkum” it is hard to believe that a year has passed since then.   Brian true to his promise is still looking after Kells kids, is still providing a stable and loving home and still doing what he can to ensure they have a decent life.

You think that because you are going through different things which in my case are health issues they are important which really they are but, losing someone and trying to carry on is really difficult especially when they are family as it means you can no longer tell them things and the things you did want to say – well it is maybe too late.

Never take things or people for granted cause one day they just might not be there… then it will be too late – I know because losing my father was hard enough on me and still is however I see how it still affects my mum, they had 51yrs of marriage.

To Brian mate, I understand your pain and to Kel you were a lovely and kind person who really was way too young only 42 years of age.  The picture below is how we will remember you, full of life.

Kell Heffernan (1969 – 2011) aged 42yrs RIP

The 2012 Crackin’ Cancer Horse Trail Ride at Three Waters – a success!!!

What a week is was at Three Waters up at Bullock Mountain near Glen Innes.   The property is amazing and when over a week you cover distances of 25 to 30 km a day you get to see a lot, including properties that other than the owners most people will never see.

Steve Langley the owner of Three Waters is turning 76 years of age in a few weeks and the energy he has is amazing.   Up at 4.30am and off to do work around the place prior to putting in a day of riding leading the 30 plus riders over the 30 odd km, then doing more work and finishing off with a social evening at the ‘Gunyah’ with all concerned.   You have to remember that this property is also a holiday destination for people so he doesn’t get much chance to rest.   Kerry Byrne, Steve’s partner likewise is also flat out with the running of the property plus more helping the local council during each day as well – both amazing people!!

Cancer Council of NSW

 

Of course the big winner is Crackin’ Cancer and the Cancer Council of NSW as near $8,000 was raised towards Cancer Research.

This money was raised from rider sponsorships, an auction and from monies raised from the sale of my single Crackin’ Cancer on the auction night – so a big thank you to all that helped, the money is definitely needed.   Remember “Research is the answer but funding is the key”

On the Friday Steve Langley led all the riders on a Pub Crawl on Horseback as they all rode 30km plus return trip into Glen Innes and to the Railway Tavern where all enjoyed pizza in which their reputation precedes them.   One of the horses even poked his head in through one of the windows and ate some pizza from a locals hand much to their amazement.

On return everybody enjoyed a pig on a spit for dinner and a great nights entertainment by yours truly including everybody joining in on the chorus of my song Crackin’ Cancer, we had a great night even though everybody knew that the next day was the last.

 

Congratulations to Steve Langley, the man the myth the legend (seen here relaxing) who received a Certificate of Accreditation from the Trail Riders Association as a drover, overseer, trail boss plus some that I cannot remember – sorry Steve

This event will be staged again next year on May 11th 2013 – mark it in your calenders!

 

Till next time y’all – Leigh

Leigh Warren - Country Music Outlaw

The Great Crackin’ Cancer Horse Trail Ride at Three Waters is on again!!!

 

Crackin' Cancer LogoIts on again….

The Great Crackin’ Cancer/Cancer Council NSW Horse Trail Ride, to Raise Funds For Cancer Research

“This is the one cause that I will always support so make the effort, come along and spend a great week with other horse riders, horse lovers and lovers of the country lifestyle. And don’t forget to come and say hello” – Leigh Warren.

When: Saturday 12 May – Saturday 19 May 2012

Why: The purpose of the trail ride is to raise much needed funds, which are vital to the continuation of important research into causes and cures of this disgusting debilitating disease called cancer.

Where: Three Waters “High Country” Holiday Farm and surrounding district

Three Waters is a 1200 acre horse orientated property situated at 1150 meters altitude on the lower slopes of Bullock Mountain (1175 meters).

Every day will see the riders going into a different area of the magnificent surrounding country side. Traversing, creeks rivers, forests, bush and historic old mine areas as they go.   The distance of each days ride will be approximately 25 to 30 kilometers.

Steve Langley having a break

This is the country of the wild New England Ranges. Country that few people, other than the landowners and stockmen, would ever see.

RESEARCH IS THE ANSWER – FUNDING IS THE KEY

The purpose of this ride is to raise much needed funds for cancer research and the method of raising funds will be by sponsorship and what the organisers require, is for each rider to raise $200 (or thereabouts) in sponsorship.   That is say, $20 from ten sponsors.

BOOKINGS

If you are interested, you can  book in by contacting Marshall Fittler on 02 66 244879 - mobile 041 1840 799, or Laurie Cooper on 02 66 295453 – mobile 0429 626912 – you can email us at crackincancer@hotmail.com – For powered sites and cabins, You phone Steve Langley or Kerry Byrne, Three Waters high Country Holliday Farm on 02 67 324863 or mobile 0417452649 or email

RIDE PAYMENT and SPONSORSHIP MONEY

Cancer Council of NSW

All cheques and money orders to be made out to Cancer Council New South Wales (marked with name of  trail rider, for identification purposes) and posted to: Crackin’  Cancer, C/O Cancer Council NSW, PO Box 531, Alstonville NSW 2477. All sponsor cash to be sent with, sponsor sheet, via ONE money order  (marked with the name of trail rider. This needs to be done for identification purposes)

Leigh Warren - Country Music Outlaw

Hopefully I will see you there… till next time – Leigh

 

 

Happy Valentines Day to all and to all a Happy Valentines Day

Valentines Day, don’t you love it, the chance to feel and show love without being accused of being soft,  the day that if you don’t show it – well lets just say its cold sleeping outside….

Every year, the 14th of February has millions across the world presenting their loved ones with candy, flowers, chocolates and other lovely gifts.   In many countries, restaurants and such are filled with couples who are eager to celebrate their relationship and the joy of their togetherness through delicious cuisines.   There hardly seems to be a young man or woman who is not keen to make the most of the day.

People in secret send a message of ‘Happy Valentines Day’ to the person they admire without saying who it is from thus saving a possible rejection (thats sad really – Leigh)

The reason behind all of this is a kindly cleric named Valentine who died more than a thousand years ago.   Valentine is believed to have been executed on February 14, 270 AD.

The story of St. Valentine has two different versions – the Protestant and the Catholic one. Both versions agree upon Saint Valentine being a bishop who held secret marriage ceremonies of soldiers in opposition to Claudius II who had prohibited marriage for young men and was executed by the latter.

When Claudius became the emperor of Rome, he felt that married men were more emotionally attached to their families, and thus, will not make good soldiers. He believed that marriage made the men weak. So he issued an edict forbidding marriage to assure quality soldiers.

Thus 14th February became a day for all lovers and Valentine became its Patron Saint. It began to be annually observed by young Romans who offered handwritten greetings of affection, known as Valentines, on this day to the women they admired. With the coming of Christianity, the day came to be known as St. Valentine’s Day.

Not everybody acknowledges or accepts Valentines Day.   Sadly last year on Valentine’s Day (2011), Malaysian religious authorities arrested more than 100 Muslim couples concerning the celebration ban. Some of them would be charged in the Shariah Court for defying the department’s ban againsts the celebration of Valentine’s Day.

So for the rest of us tho – a Happy Valentines Day to all and to all a Happy Valentines Day

Till next time – Leigh

 

Great time playing at Shinnys Hotel marred by mates motorcycle accident…

Man I had a top time playing at Shinnys Hotel, the place looked packed both inside and plenty of people outside – makes you feel better.

A couple of ladies stated they read about me playing on Facebook so decided to check me out instead of somebody else – my thanks to you both.

A few mates turned up after going for a ride and gave me a hand to pack up (I had already done that).  After a bit we all left and all seemed fine, stopped at the Golden Arches for some dinner and went home and crashed out as I was buggered.

I awoke the next morning to find out my 2 mates (1 a passenger) had been involved in a bike accident not long after we left and were in hospital in a serious condition, we’re talking punctured lung, broken femurs, ribs, wrists, ankles and more.  I went in there, but they were too out of it to notice.

You can see by the picture of his Harley V-Rod Muscle as to how serious it was, forks snapped, handle bars snapped – its a write off.

The bike can be replaced, you guys can’t so both of you get well and see you soon.

Till next time – Leigh