Beat the rain with a full calendar of things to do in Jervis Bay

We are rapidly approaching the annual Mothers Day weekend, so naturally there’s a zillion special things to do this weekend, and our hospitality editor Narrell has an excellent wrap-up for you here. We are hoping the rain will ease by Sunday but the radar is showing significant sky-water for Friday and Saturday so there will probably still be a lot of water around – gumboots may not be optional. Best wishes to all the participants in the Mothers Day Classic on Sunday – you truly are working for the cause.

For more exciting events in the Autumn Celebration of Food by the Shoalhaven Food Network, check out Ben’s story we published last week.

Toast mum over lovely lunch and live music at Cupitt’s Estate. Photo via Facebook

There are lots of non-mother-related things on as well, so read on for some suggestions.

Markets

Thursday is Farmers Market day, we are so lucky to have two regular fresh weekly markets within reasonable driving distance, for an afternoon of stocking up.

Nowra Fresh Food Markets is in the Harry Sawkins Park from 2-6pm, with a reliable range of produce, products, and entertainments.

Berry Farmers Market is at the Bowlo and is another rock-solid source of good fresh, local food for your seasonal eating.

Husky Markets is cancelled this Sunday – the rain has not been kind to the fields that were only re-seeded last month.

Stitch Up

Places still available for this Saturday – experience the art of embroidery at the Jervis Bay Maritime Museum, in conjunction with the exhibition of Collette Dinnigan and Romance Was Born fashions. Feedback from those who attended today (Wednesday 8 May) is great, especially the ‘back room’ access to samples and other artifacts from the Powerhouse Museum’s collection.

Expert guidance in your stitching from Leslie Lockwood, all materials provided plus entry to the museum all for a reasonable $30, should be all the convincing you need.

Experience the intricacies of fashion first-hand with an embroidery session at Jervis Bay Maritime Museum. Photo via Facebook

Artful Tuesdays

The next topic for Artful Tuesday at Sanctuary Point library is Digital Art. To find out exactly what that means, reserve your free ticket and come along on Tuesday 14 May at 11am. Places are limited. You know what to do.

Did you see our note last week on Tech Help from our libraries? If this sounds like a good idea then visit the What’s on page on the Shoalhaven Libraries website to find out how to book a slot at your local branch, for a small fee.

Breathe

We like to finish the ‘work’ week with One Breath Evolution. Friday morning meditation sessions continue this week in Tomerong Hall from 9.15am, guided by Jaine Alston, $15 at the door and BYO mat/cushion. Jaine’s sessions are perfect for everyone from absolute beginner to experienced, and if you have any questions contact her directly on 0406 310660.

Read about Reading

Our favourite independent local book shop, Boobook on Owen has now started sending a monthlynewsletter, so sign up to receive info on upcoming events and staff recommendations for good reads.

Speaking of events, the next author talk will be on Wednesday 22 May from 5.30pm, for $15 which includes a drink on arrival and nibbles at Jervis Bay Coffee Co (next door to Boobook).  Authors Maxine Fawcett and Ali Lowe will talk about their latest books.

Tall Tales of Ospreys

The Autumn edition of Birdlife Shoalhaven magazine is now online, and there is a very interesting article by Karen Davis on her three-year plus mission to help our nesting Ospreys in Sanctuary Point. She is still seeking assistance for various elements of the plan for the birds, so read the tall tale of the Telstra pole, and see if you can help or if you know someone who can.

This branch of BirdLife Australia is celebrating 10 years, congratulations to all who make the life of birds more valuable.

Science Talk

Want to know more about sea urchins? You’re in luck, because there’s a free talk on the subject at Nowra Library this coming Monday evening, 13 May at 5.30pm. Your expert is Jeremy Day, a PhD candidate who is going to share a glimpse into his research and what the future may hold for these spiny creatures. Places are limited so we suggest booking soon.

Learn about the future of sea urchins from researcher Jeremy Dat the Nowra branch of the library. Photo: supplied

Plan Ahead

Move your body to the rhythms of the elements and bathe in vibrations at the monthly Conscious Dance & Sound Healing event next week on Thursday 16 May in Tomerong.

If smooth reggae beats are more your groove, we might be jamming with you at the Reggae Fest in Kangaroo Valley on Saturday 18 May at The Friendly Inn from midday into the night. Tickets are $35 +bf with The Strides headlining and so many great acts on the program.

If you’ve done a ‘paint and sip’ style of art workshop and would like a little more, try one of Jenny McIntosh’s ‘Easy Acrylic Florals’ painting workshops coming up this month, 14th or 22nd May. Each session is an easy half day and includes materials and Jenny’s expert guidance. We recently did a Creative Flow workshop with Jenny and can highly recommend the experience. Bookings can be made via Jenny’s website.

If you are a super fan of the Rick Stein restaurant experience, there’s a fancy event coming up celebrating 15 years of the famous chef’s presence in Mollymook, that requires booking now as places are limited, at the Mollymook “By the Sea” and “Pavilion” venues, 14-16 August 2024. Yes, Rick will be there.

Did you know?

Free entry to the Bundanon art museum is available for Shoalhaven residents and pensioners on the last Wednesday of the month, show your ID/card for entry.

This is definitely one for the diary.

For our LGBTQIA+ and friends, Bundanon is also hosting a Queerstories event next month on Saturday 1 June from 4-6pm. These extraordinary evenings are very popular, and the guest list for this event is illustrious, so invest your $20 now to reserve a place.

Bundanon art museum offers local residents free entry once a month.

Pre-election Candidate Session

Local government needs fresh eyes, youthful vision and strong ethics. If you fancy a shot at public life, Shoalhaven City is hosting some free information sessions about how to become a Councillor. Three sessions – in Ulladulla, Nowra, and one virtual session – are on next month, 12-14 June, so book your place now.

Community

Vincentia Community Connections is a consultation event being hosted by local Community Consultative Body, Vincentia Matters at the Viincentia Golf Club on Friday 17 May, 3 pm. They invite all members and any interested friends and family to a discussion about our community, asking: Do you wish there were more opportunities to connect with other members of the community than there are now? What community events/activities would you like to be involved in?

RSVP to vincentiamatters@gmail.com