Awesome foursome of Aussie musos locked in for summer music festival in Morpeth

Prepare for a free all ages evening of live music and entertainment at Queens Wharf, Morpeth, as Make it Maitland presents Soundswell, a summer celebration on the banks of the Hunter River on Saturday 13 January.

Soundswell features an impressive lineup of popular Aussie musos, including alt pop singer songwriter Kate Miller-Heidke, electropop act Boo Seeka, Hunter native Kira Puru, and Newcastle based indie rock band The Appointments.

Maitland City Council's Coordinator City Events and Activation Adam Franks says, 'Soundswell promises an unforgettable experience for the community, featuring nationally recognised musical acts, family friendly activities and a diverse selection of food offerings from local vendors.'

'As shown by last year's hugely popular Morpeth Bicentenary event, Queens Wharf Park makes for a perfect picturesque backdrop for a summery celebration of music,' Mr Franks said.

In addition to bringing some seriously impressive musical acts to Morpeth, Council is excited to collaborate with local businesses to bolster Morpeth's reputation as a popular day trip and overnight destination in the Hunter.

Lisa Simmonds-Webb, President of the It Must Be Morpeth Business Association says, 'Soundswell will not only showcase the incredible musical talent of Australia but highlight Morpeth's unique charm and boutique offerings, and we look forward to welcoming a host of visitors to Morpeth'.

For more details about the event and the full lineup, visit www.maitlandevents.com.au.

*Tags: #Soundswell, #Morpeth, #Make it Maitland, #Music Festival, #Australian Music, #makeitmaitland, #My Maitland, #mymaitland
* Maitland City Council https://www.mymaitland.com.au/

* Ashley Crispin at ashley.crispin@maitland.nsw.gov.au

Heritage and the Story of Morpeth

Morpeth. Credit: Visit NSW

Traditionally known as Illalaung by the Gringai clan of the Warnnarua people, the area was called Green Hills by Lieutenant Colonel Colin Patterson in 1801 when he sailed up the hunter river on a journey of exploration.

Between the years of 1821 and 1823, Lieutenant Edward Close received 2,050 acres in land grants as a reward for service in this area and he chose to build Closebourne House on a river overlooking the Hunter River.

By 1831, the area had become a port and had become so important to trade and commerce within NSW, that Edward Close set aside 1,000 acres to develop a private town which was to become Morpeth.

Morpeth can be found on maps dating from 1834, Edward Close also built a school and the official Morpeth Post Office was opened for business in 1837. By 1848, Morpeth had 635 inhabitants, five hotels, a steam mill, a soap and candle factory, five large stools, many small shops and 117 dwellings.

Morpeth was the first Australian home of Caleb Soul and his son Washington of the Soul Patterson chemist chain. Above the talcum powder factory was the bakery run by William Arnott who later made his fortune in biscuits.

In 1873, Walter Bramble - the founder of the international transport company - started his transport business on the hunter river when he was only 15 years old by rowing up river to Morpeth and beyond to collect meat, fruit and dairy goods and then delivering them back to Newcastle.

Morpeth. Credit: Visit NSW

Morpeth really is a living museum and to explore more about the fascinating history of Morpeth visit the Morpeth museum which is housed in the original town Court House built in 1862. The Morpeth Heritage Walk is also available and takes in 25 sites which retell the story of early Morpeth. Maps are available at most stores or an audio commentary is available via the free Maitland Walks App. Each of the 25 sites on the heritage walks are identified by a numbered circular site marker on, or adjacent to, each significant building or place.

Plan your visit https://www.itmustbemorpeth.com.au/

If it's Boutique, Delicious & Unique - It Must be Morpeth

Morpeth Bridge. Credit: Visit NSW

• Established in 1821
• On the banks of the Hunter River in the heart of the Hunter Valley, in NSW Australia

In Morpeth, you can journey through narrow laneways and along sandstone footpaths into well preserved heritage buildings where you will discover unique shopping, artisan treasures and delightful treats galore. Morpheth has a fascinating history, a beautiful location and a diverse range of boutiques, galleries, eateries, accommodation and retail stores with the backdrop of open green spaces and the iconic Morpeth timber truss bridge.

Morpeth is just two hours from Sydney, approximately 40 minutes from both Newcastle and the vineyards of Pokolbin, 45 minutes from Port Stephens, 40 minutes from Dungog (the gateway to the Barringtons), 50 minutes from Stroud, 30 minutes from Newcastle Airport and eight minutes to Maitland. Morpeth really is in the heart of the Hunter Valley.

If it's Delicious it Must be Morpeth - Restaurants, Cafes and Eateries

Morpeth. Credit: Visit NSW

Satisfy your taste buds with breakfast, brunch, lunch, morning tea, afternoon tea, high tea, Devonshire Tea, paddock to plate, local produce, fancy cheeses, fine dining or just big burgers. Drink great coffee, craft beer or award-winning wines .Eat yummy cakes, loaded crepes, homemade fudge, sweet treats, deli meats, gourmet pizza, spicy satays or crunchy salads and so much more.

If it's Boutique it Must be Morpeth

Morpeth is the Hunters number one fashion destination with no less than 80 Australian and international fashion labels available. These collections range from daywear to cocktail, from Boho to smart casual and everything in between. You'll find great linens, great jeans, great dresses, coats shirts, tops camis, shoes, boots, bags and jewellery.

The boutiques of Morpeth really do offer it all and the best news is that there is not a chainstore insight. Everyone knows that if you want something different, visit Morpeth.

Specialty Shops

Morpeth is a fabulous place to find that special something, whether it's homewares, antique jewellery, Australian made giftware, gourmet food, speciality candles, teddy bears & antique dolls (new ones too), retro collectables or vintage treasures, you will be delighted with the huge range of speciality items available in Morpeth. Morpeth is eclectasism at its finest. You won't go home empty handed and that is a promise.

Morpeth Art Gallery

Morpeth Art Gallery is home to one of the finest collections of Australian art. This gallery specialises in investment pieces. Well known for their still life, landscape, portraits, wildlife and marine art, exhibitions are curated throughout the year featuring many Australian nationally and internationally awarded artists. The Morpeth Art Gallery really is a must see when visiting the hunter region.

Where to Stay - We dare you to do it in a day!

Morpeth offers accommodation to suit all budgets and is home to B&B's, boutique hotels, pub stays, motel rooms and deluxe self-contained departments. Wherever you choose to lay your head you can feel assured that you are in great hands.

Experience Morpeth

Morpeth. Credit:Visit NSW

Morpeth experiences are limitless and only bound by your imagination, whether you are part of a young family, a romantic couple, ladies who lunch (and shop), the history buff, the foodie, a wine connoisseur, lover of art or wildlife you'll find something new in Morpeth.

You might be the outdoorsy type who loves the game of tennis or to paddle down the river, or someone who likes to try new things. Morpeth just about covers all bases, perfect for a day trip but even better for a short stay.

Plan your visit https://www.itmustbemorpeth.com.au/

New Frontiers for Oman’s Tourism Agenda

ATM 2013 road show lands in Muscat as industry backs US$39 million investment into development of Dhofar province and diversified economic focus for the Sultanate

Muscat was the penultimate destination for the ATM 2013 road show, which took place today (Monday 11 February) in the Grand Hyatt Hotel. Previous road show locations included Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan, Lebanon with the final event taking place in the UAE.

The Sultanate of Oman is taking a 360-degree look at its tourism product as government investment and private sector interest raises the profile of the country’s diverse geography with a raft of pipeline projects underway from Khasab to Salalah.

“The Omani government has allocated US$39 million to develop tourism sites in Dhofar province this year, as the annual Khareef (monsoon) season attracts increasing numbers of local, regional and international visitors. This shift of focus outside of the capital, Muscat, is a clear sign that the Sultanate is powering ahead with a well thought-out and diversified plan for tourism growth,” said Mark Walsh, Portfolio Director, Reed Travel Exhibitions.

Muscat International Airport’s new multi-million dollar terminal is set to open next year, with the capacity to handle 12 million passengers per annum, with the potential for a projected 48 million passengers upon completion of its long term phased expansion programme. To the south of the country, new tourism hotspot Salalah is also preparing for one million passengers each year once it debuts its upgraded airport in 2014.

Both Qatar Airways and Oman Air are launching new services from Salalah in 2013, with the airport recording a 23% rise in passenger traffic to 629,000 travellers in 2012 against 2011.

Oman will have a strong presence at ATM this year. Major exhibitors include the Oman Ministry of Tourism and Oman Air.

Hotel room capacity in the country is forecast to grow at a CAGR of 5.3% over the period 2011 to 2016 and the Sultanate currently has approximately 5,331 rooms – or 7% of GCC expected supply – under development, with some 2,000 hotel rooms ready for business by the end of 2013, according to the Ministry of Tourism.

In Salalah, a Club Med, Mövenpick and Rotana will add a further much-needed 1,158 rooms to the market, with another two five-star hotels and supporting mixed-use facilities in the pipeline as part of the Muriya Tourism Development initiative.

According to Alpen Capital’s 2012 GCC Hospitality Industry Report, released last October, tourist arrivals into Oman are expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.7%, between 2012 and 2022 and the Ministry of Tourism aims to increase the GDP contribution of tourism from 2% in 2011 to around 3.5% in 2015.

Occupancy rates are expected to increase from 53% in 2011 to 58.6% by 2016. Average daily rates are also set to benefit as occupancy rates strengthen, increasing from US$245 in 2011 to US$258.9 by 2016. Overall the hospitality market is forecast to grow at a CAGR of 8.6% between 2011 and 2016.

Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai and set to celebrate its 20th anniversary, the show has grown to become the largest showcase of its kind in the region and one of the biggest in the world.

New to the 2013 event, ATM is launching the Digital and Technology Day focusing on online travel developments and showcasing headline speakers from across the industry.

Taking place again this year is the New Frontiers Award, which was created to recognise outstanding contributions to tourism development in the face of overwhelming adversity.

Industry Careers Day will wrap up the week providing the opportunity for visitors looking to make a career move to meet with the exhibitors’ HR contacts looking for their next recruit. 

Morpeth Weird & Wonderful Novelty Teapot Exhibition

A massive 3,847 teapots will be on display and for sale at this =years Morpeth Weird & Wonderful Novelty Teapot Exhibition. For two weeks the creative teapots made by teapot makers from all over Australia and around the world will be on display for two weeks.. On display there will also be little miniature tea sets,  tea infusers in all shapes and sizes, tea accessories, teaspoons, tea towels, tea books and  wonderful tea cosies! There will be tea tastings of various types of teas, including Herbal & Chai Tea, as well as Dessert Puddings & Honey.

The quick way to make a cup of tea these days is to dunk a teabag in a teacup. In days gone by, before the invention of teabags, people used loose leaf tea which they placed in a teapot with boiling water before pouring it into a teacup. To keep the teapot warm knitted tea cosies were used. In years gone by all homes had at least one favourite teapot.

As well as plain functional teapots, people have used their imaginations to create many unusual decorative teapots. Legend has it that the first novelty teapot was made by Josiah Wedgewood, who produced a vibrant green glaze. This inspired the Cabbage Teapot, which started a craze of fruit and vegetable shaped pots and other fanciful items.

The first Weird and Wonderful Teapot Exhibition was held in 1995 with just 53 teapots. At the time, the exhibition was a one off to attract new visitors to Morpeth village. It was so popular that the exhibition has now become an annual event

IN this years Exhibition there will be Novelty Collector's Teapots from England's leading pottery houses, Carter Ceramics & The Teapottery. Teapots of all shapes and sizes will be on display, including retro kitchen appliances, shiny espresso machines, a golden syrup tin and a mustard pot. There are teapot animals galore, a typewriter, piano bar, movie basket, the Queen's writing desk, trains, planes & automobiles! An English Bobby Hat, chocolate box, how about a rabbit in a hat, or a storm in a teacup? There is a scarecrow, Teddy Bear, cuckoo clock, pocket watch & colourful mobile phones, whilst dog kennel teapots feature Sheepdogs & Labradors.

Serious teapot collectors fly in to have first choice of the teapots available. Various teapots are for sale and they are quickly snatched up by the keen collectors, coming from all the states of Australia and from countries around the world

The Weird & Wonderful Novelty Teapot Exhibition will be held from Thursday 18th   to Sunday 28th August 2011 at the Morpeth Gallery, 5 Green Street, Morpeth NSW Australia.  It will be open from 10.00am - 5.00pm daily, and admission is free.

Morpeth is an historic village 101km from Muswellbrook and 35 km from Newcastle.. Morpeth is famous as the home of Arnott's, Brambles Transport, Soul Pattinson and Simms. It famous was for its Campbells Store until its closure.The Village today is known for its Craft, Art, & Antiques shops and Gourmet Food and Delightful Tearooms. Morpeth Gallery It is now famous for hosting Australia’s largest teapot exhibition.

For more information on the The Weird & Wonderful Novelty Teapot Exhibition or to acquire a Tea Cosy entry form contact:
Phone (02) 4933 1407 Fax (02) 4934 2107
Website: www.morpethgallery.com
Email: info@morpethgallery.com

Grug Book Signing

Ted Prior, who comes from Nerwcastle, has been entertaining generations of children with his stories based on the fictional character Grug, who sprung to life from the top of an Australian Burrawang Tree. 

So far Grug has had 30 adventures in print. They were published between 1979 and 1992 by Hodder & Stoughton, Australia, and have been republished by Simon & Schuster, Australia since June, 2009

People have the opportunity to come and meet Ted, the world famous author and illustrator, between 11am - 1pm and 2pm-3pm this Friday 15^th and Saturday 16rh  July at the Morpeth Gallery in Green Street  Morpeth NSW Australia. People can purchase a Grug book (at $5 each) and have it signed by Ted.

Original artworks from the books will be on display. Grug will make an appearance too. Grug resemblies a small, striped haystack with a face, he is fascinated by the world around him and solves everyday problems creatively and without fuss. When dancing instructions are too difficult to understand, Grug invents his own dance and calls it "The Grug".