The garden was in a terrible state of neglect and the initiative for renewal came from Greg Bennett and Julia Potter, who have recently made Rylstone their home, and the Rev. Michael Sutton, the Vicar of St James.

Greg, Julia and Michael were encouraged by the kindness of others who shared their vision of renewal.

The Mudgee TAFE Construction students donated a large picnic table and Paul Rasmussen donated three garden benches. Others involved in the restoration were Alex and Thora Lindquist.

Greg told me that he hopes the garden will become for the whole town and those passing through a quiet place for reflection and peace.

As we approach Easter which celebrates the central truth of Christianity, that Jesus Christ is risen from the dead and is alive today, the garden is a reminder to us of the hope that Easter brings to all of us, that all that we see is not all that there is, and all those who whom we have loved and lost, it is but for a while.

Stage 5 students at Kandos High School attended a three-day camp, in Week 9, to 'The Great Aussie Bush Camp', at Tea Gardens. This trip forms a part of their Outdoor Educational Program, that incorporated a range of activities designed to foster positive relationships among peers (team building) whilst challenging the students to work cooperatively to achieve both group and personal goals.

We hope the students that attended, enjoyed the camp and made many enjoyable memories.

Kandos High School have pleasure in announcing that we have a new principal.

Miss Dyanna Thommeny has been officially appointed to the position and we warmly welcome her to our school. As many of you would be aware, Miss Thommeny came to us from Western Sydney, via Mudgee High, where she was a deputy principal.

"I had no second thought in accepting the role and I am very proud to be leading Kandos High School," said Miss Thommeny.

We are also pleased to announce that Mr Brad Stockwell has been offered the permanent PDHPE position, starting in Term 2. Mr Stockwell is a former student of Kandos High School and has been a casual/temporary teacher here for the past ten years. He is the current Year 9 Year advisor. The staff and students are very excited to have him accept this position!

The sociable Rylstone Markets were boosted last Saturday when an informal group of motoring enthusiasts gathered to enjoy a coffee and a yarn.

GT Falcons rubbed shoulders with Chevy Camaros while their owners talked to interested members of the public.

The organisers told a few mates and the small gathering was anticipated. Well over 50 cars appeared, surprising everyone. The wide range a quality of the vehicles presented was compliment to the owners.

The markets had local band "Bushrock" performing in the Rylstone Hall and the Rotary barbecue enjoyed the extra patronage.

Last Tuesday, Lue Public School held an informal morning tea to thank the Variety Club and local sponsors who provided the funds for the new school bus. The Variety Club raises $4 million annually for children's charities.

"Without the sponsors for $18000 the bus would not be here. Without the Variety Club support the bus wouldn't be here. There were more sponsors but they didn't want to be named," said school principal Caren McDonald said.

"We have relied on the goodwill of other people for our past travel needs. We have lots of things planned for our bus." 

The main sponsors are Bowdens Silver, CCS-Complete Crushing Services Pty Ltd, Shipman's Real Estate, Moolarben Coal, MDL-Mudgee Dolomite and Lime Pty Ltd and the Variety Club.

A large group of Kandos locals, over the age of 60 years, have graduated from a TAFE NSW course that aims to improve smartphone technology skills this week.

TAFE NSW Career Pathways and Employability Skills Teacher, Berni Aquilina, congratulated the students, who worked hard throughout the nine-week course to learn vital skills that will help them to keep up with today's fast-paced, technology-focused world.

"The students that took part in the course at the Kandos CWA Hall were still active members of the community and most of the students had struggled to use a smartphone before undertaking the course. The course was tailored to their needs and included units in using emerging technology and using free and inexpensive technology," Ms Aquilina said.

"I have also delivered the course to some enthusiastic members of the Barradine, Dunedoo and Binnaway communities and have seen a number of these students eager to continue their learning by enrolling in a TAFE NSW Certificate I in Beginner Computers and Digital Technology.

"The graduates can now easily navigate their smartphones and tablets to access and adjust settings, take and share photos, download apps, use maps and much more."