Country Style February 2022

off, because December was too busy and we were away in January, can’t be delayed any longer. Others may have a spring clean, but I have a late-summer clean. I get rid of clothes that don’t fit the girls, and organise the kitchen cupboards, the pantry and all our wardrobes. But the place that needs most of my attention – and I say place, not room – is the dining table, which served as a full-time home office for both my husband and me for several months last year… and the year before that. We haven’t seen the Tasmanian silky oak surface I love so much for years and I hope 2022 will see us return to family meals around the table, not crowded around the island bench. As well as…

CHRISTOPHER MORRISON Photographer Chris, who took the images of florist Rebecca Starling on page 34, loves heading out to the country on work assignments. “I’m a city boy,” says Chris, 32. “I grew up 10 minutes north of the Adelaide CBD. But I have spent countless weekends at my parents’ friends’ farm, down in the south-east of the state.” Still based in Adelaide with his wife, Evi, and two young sons – Xavier, five, and Elijah, three – Chris made the leap into full-time photography aged 23, and loves travelling for work, particularly into rural areas. “When my boys are a little older, I can’t wait to take them into the country and watch them as they look up at the stars on a clear night for the first time. Magical stuff…”…

MEMORABLE YEAR “May you live in interesting times” is a Chinese saying, and no doubt 2021 hit the mark. Having just read your December issue, I find myself reflecting over the last 12 months. I pulled out my pile of Country Style magazines and thought back on the events of the year. I reflected on my new year’s resolutions that I so carefully set and now ponder how few of those plans were fulfilled thanks to lockdown. However, as I read through stories of amazing people and their lives, the creativity of these individuals over what has been another challenging year, it did make me think that my year was not entirely unproductive. So, I have gathered my inspiration from these pages and scribbled down my goals for 2022. My scribbles went something…

QLD Stanthorpe Apple and Grape Harvest Festival, Feb 25-Mar 6 Held biennially, the Stanthorpe Apple and Grape Harvest Festival has been promoting the produce of the Granite Belt since 1966. The 2022 program features orchard tours, open gardens, grape-crushing, the Banchetto Italiano (Italian Long Lunch), the Australian busking championships and much more. appleandgrape.org Agnes Blues, Roots and Rock Festival, Feb 18-20 Every year, revellers descend on Agnes Water and the town of 1770 for a weekend of live music against the backdrop of the Southern Great Barrier Reef. This year’s line-up includes Olivia Ruth, Gypsy Soldiers, Dillion James, plus there’s a range of performer-led workshops. agnesbluesandroots.com.au WA Boyup Brook Country Music Festival, Feb 18-20 Since 1986, the Boyup Brook Country Music Festival has flooded the small community of Boyup Brook with country music fans. This exciting event…

The Loft – Sunrise at 1770 This dreamy escape is perched on the edge of Queensland’s Great Barrier Reef. Bordered by bushland on three sides, The Loft sleeps up to eight and boasts two luxurious infinity pools, plus private access to four beaches and sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. The local town of 1770 enjoys some of Australia’s most pristine coastline, and with a population of under 100, it’s sure to be a peaceful stay. sunriseat1770.com.au PHOTOGRAPHY SUNRISE AT 1770, BRIGID ARNOTT, ABBIE MELLE…

BIGGER AND BETTER… Now in its third year, Country Style’s annual exhibition in partnership with Michael Reid Murrurundi will focus on the Country Garden, in all its incarnations. With 25 artists showcasing three works each, inspired by the theme ‘Art in the Garden’, and five ceramicists making vases to display the spoils of the garden, this exhibition is set to be our biggest yet! A series of talks and activities will also be held during the exhibition period, including beekeeping instruction and yoga sessions in the gallery grounds. WHEN Thursday, March 3 – Saturday, April 2, 2022 TIME Thursday – Sunday, 9:30am – 4pm WHERE Michael Reid Murrurundi, corner Boyd and Mayne Streets, Murrurundi, NSW, (02) 6546 6767; michaelreidmurrurundi.com.au…