A charity fundraising trivia night was hosted in Newcastle a couple of weeks ago and we were invited to join a team by some friends representing the Tilligerry Peninsula. Our team squeaked to victory and we all won tickets to the fabulous Regal Cinema in a Newcastle suburb. 
We had heard great reports about the Regal, it is run by volunteers as a community cinema and shows films to suit the audience. They try to show Australian films whenever they can but the movie we went to see was made in New Zealand - The Hunt For The Wilderpeople. I don't know if it has been released in the UK yet but it is a must see especially for any of my old colleagues at the school.
The cinema itself is housed in an old weatherboard building, no bigger than a bungalow at the front but goes back a way and seats about 100. We were not paying on this occasion but, even if we were, it only costs $8 (£5) for any seat at all performances. As the customers arrive they are greeted with a glass of wine, soft drinks, cups of tea and a buffet of pizza, sausage rolls, cakes etc all included in the price. The various showings have different catering, afternoon performances come with scones, jam and cream, we were there on cocktail night and, at the end of each month, they have a 'whatever is left in the pantry night'. That sounds like it is worth a visit. 
Before the film started we were entertained by The High Andies, a trio playing Hawaiian music while the volunteers came around with more trays of food in case you had not eaten enough. We could not believe how generous it all was or how hard the volunteers worked, well done everyone, we will certainly be visiting again. 
After a wet week the weather is starting to perk up just in time for our first UK visitor, Robin. The koalas appear to be on the move and there is a real feeling that spring is around the corner. The prospective boyfriend of Ella, our local koala, is still hanging around and she is looking a bit more interested, the birds are pairing up and I spotted this family of three tawny frogmouth owls in a tree together. The tawny frogmouth is a master of disguise, I wonder if you can spot all three.