Organic Gardening Workshops at Norman Lindsay Gallery, Faulconbridge

Saturday 13 and 27 February, 6 March 10am – 4pm
Norman Lindsay Gallery, 14 Norman Lindsay Crescent, Faulconbridge

A series of one day gardening workshops in wonderful surroundings. Subjects include weed control, mulching, compost making, preparing vegetable and herb gardens, health and safety, organic pest control and tool selection and maintenance. Cost: $50. Bookings: essential. P: (02) 4751 1067.

Open Day at Miss Porter's House, Newcastle

Sunday 14 February, 1pm - 4pm
434 King Street, Newcastle (opposite McDonald's)

The Miss Porter's House Management Committee invite young and old (and in-between) to visit the house on a summer afternoon. The house contains a century's worth of history - furnishings, furniture, clothes and household goods. . Cost: National Trust members free, $7 adults, $5 pensioners and children over five. P: (02) 4967 4273.

Valentine's Night Dinner Party

Sunday 14 February, 6.30pm
Everglades House & Garden, Leura

Bring your date along to Everglades for our extremely popular Valentine's night dinner. You will be treated to a delicious three course home cooked dinner, followed by coffee and sweet nibbles in the wonderful ambience of the house. BYO. Cost: $65 per person. Bookings: essential. P: (02) 4784 1938 or evergladesgarden@bigpond.com.

The DiVERSE Poets respond to Nicholas Harding: Drawn to Paint

Sunday 14 February, 3pm
S.H. Ervin Gallery, Observatory Hill, The Rocks, NSW 2000

One of Sydney’s leading poetry groups, DiVerse, interact with and respond to visual works of art by creating dialogues and conversations through their poetry. For this special “St. Valentines” Public  Programme – a session of poetry in response to the works of Nicholas Harding will greet S.H. Ervin Gallery visitors on Sunday 14 February between 3-4pm. P: (02) 9258 0150 

Tales at Miss Traill's Volunteer Training

Thursday 18 February, 11am – 3pm
Miss Traill's House, 321 Russell Street, Bathurst NSW 2795

Enthusiastic volunteers are needed to participate in a storytime project in the delightful garden of Miss Traill's House, Bathurst. Volunteers will plan and participate in storytime events for children to bring bright-eyed new visitors to this wonderful Trust property. Storytime sessions will be offered to pre-schoolers from 3-5 years of age, and primary school students. Grant funding will support this initiative by providing volunteer training and purchase of resources.

Volunteers will ideally have an empathy for children, a love of literature and a passion for Australian heritage, as well as the time to commit to this project until April 2010. They will undergo training in the delivery of storytime and participate in the planning and organising of storytime events.

Call Anne Howard, Education Manager for more information and an application form P: (02) 9258 0136.

Ghost Night

Friday 19 February, 7.45pm - 10.30pm
Old Government House, Parramatta Park

The Governors and their households left Parramatta in 1855 but their presence still haunts the house. Explore this 211 year old Georgian mansion by candlelight and hear strange tales from the site's long history, revisit the scene of a tragic accident and witness places within the house where psychics and guides have had ghostly encounters. Reflect on your own experiences over supper.
Cost: $28. Bookings: essential. P: (02) 9635 8149, Peter Crittenden or oghouse@bigpond.com.

Emerald Star Cruise

Saturday 20 February, 6.30pm - 10pm
Commissioner's Steps at Circular Quay, meeting at 6.30pm

The Reliance Evening Cruise, organised by the After Hours Committee and publicised in the latest National Trust Magazine, has been substituted with The Emerald Star, a registered historic vessel. Departure will be from the Commissioner's Steps at Circular Quay, meeting at 6.30pm. Enjoy the best of daylight saving on our beautiful harbour, with unrivalled panoramic harbour views. Relax and enjoy good food, a glass of wine, good music and company.
Cost: $69. Bookings: download a Ticket Application Sheet. P: 0418 112 018 Ron Bottrill.

Jazz in the Garden

Saturday 20 February, gates open from 4pm
Norman Lindsay Gallery, Faulconbridge

Every year the Friends of Norman Lindsay Gallery host this popular event attracting 800 jazz lovers from all over New South Wales. Four hours of sensational live jazz performed from the Gallery verandah. Bring your picnic basket and chair, family and friends. Cost: NT and Friends members $25, non-members $28. Bookings: essential, contact Norman Lindsay Gallery. P: (02) 4751 1067.

Blessing of the Dairy and Cows

Saturday 20 February, 10am - 4pm
Woodford Academy, Woodford

In the early days there were dairy cows and a dairy at Woodford. The occupants were self sufficient and it was traditional to bless the cows and the dairy in February. Enjoy food tasting of dairy products and a cooking session, as well as butter making for children. Refreshments available.
Cost: adults and children $5, family $20. P: (02) 4758 7809, Marilyn or woodfordacad@gmail.com.

Welcome Afternoon Tea to Members at Woodford Academy

Saturday 27 February, 2pm - 5pm
Woodford Academy, Woodford

A welcome afternoon tea to all new members of the National Trust who live in the Blue Mountains. We will be entertained by Geoff Plunkett who will speak about use of the Glenbrook Tunnel during WW2, for storing gas. Entry is free, existing Branch members are welcome. P: (02) 4757 2424, Rhona Leach or BlueMtsNatTr@gmail.com.

Artist talk - Ben Quilty

Sunday 28 February, 3pm
S.H. Ervin Gallery, Observatory Hill, The Rocks, NSW 2000

Ben Quilty is one of Australia’s acclaimed contemporary artists. Quilty’s rich impasto works take a nod from his good friend and colleague, Nicholas Harding. Quilty explores this artistic friendship of mutual respect, while observing Harding’s oeuvre and discusses ‘the potency of paint’ that both artists are equally renowned and celebrated for. P: (02) 9258 0150 

Opera in the Courtyard

Sunday 28 February, gates open 5.30pm
Old Government House, Parramatta Park

To celebrate the 200th anniversary of Lachlan Macquarie's installation as governor in New South Wales The Very Small Opera Company will present Fidelio, Beethoven's only opera. It will be set in colonial New South Wales, from 1804 - 1814.