Bellingen Magpies are in for a treat in the forthcoming Sgt. Matthew Locke MG Charity Match on the 1^st March and have to be favourites despite losing the last three matches to Army Thunder. Danny Buderus, Brett Finch and Michael Crocker all travelling to the small Mid-North Coast Group 2 side to pull on the boots for the local side despite retiring last year.

Danny Buderus debuted for Newcastle Knights in 1997 and is a Dally M Player of the Year recipient. He has played for state and country and internationally with Leeds in a highly successful career.  Brett Finch has an extensive career as both five-eighth and hooker playing for Canberra Raiders, Sydney Roosters, Parramatta Eels, Melbourne Storm and the Wigan Warriors. Michael Crocker has played for Sydney Roosters, Melbourne Storm and South Sydney Rabbitohs. He had also represented Australia and is known for his tough style on the field.

All three players will give Bellingen Magpies the advantage and fans should look forward to an exciting afternoon of footy. 

Tickets are on sale for this hand made original quilt donated and made by Jenny Chapman. Jenny is a patchworker who creates original quilts. She was inspired by the work of Caroline Sharkey and the song 'Where the Bellingen River Flows'. The quilt is titled 'Fallen Leaves'.

Tickets can be purchased from Peter Glyde, Lorraine Eichmann and Bronwyn's Shop in Hyde Street Bellingen. You can also see the quilt on display at Bronwyn's Shop. Tickets are $2 each or 3 for $5 and will be drawn on the 1st March at the Sgt. Matthew Locke MG Charity Match.

The Sgt. Matthew Locke MG Charity Match held on Saturday 1^st March 2014 is proudly supporting Mates4Mates.  A not-for-profit organisation committed to providing holistic welfare and treatment programs that give direct support to current and ex-serving Australian Defence Force members who have suffered physical or psychological wounds, injuries and illnesses as a result of their service.  Integral to supporting these Brave Mates is providing support to their family. Mates4Mates offers psychological counselling, career coaching programs, wellbeing workshops, family support meetings, adventure challenges, physical rehabilitation and conditioning programs.  Mates4Mates is friendship forged in the heat of battle, loyalty that lasts a lifetime and help that is forever at hand.  To learn more visit www.mates4mates.org

  Students of Escola Pre-secondaria Foho Alico were awarded prizes for academic achievement for 2013. Prizes were given to the top academic students in Year 7, 8 and 9. One student also received the Sgt. Matthew Locke MG Award for English and the student who contributed the most to the life of the school and community  was awarded a citizenship award. Prizes were sponsored by the Grub Club and presented by our contact in East Timor Mr Jino Pereira. It is our intention to encourage academic achievement each year. Congratulations to all students and teachers on their hard work and great results. 

The cement verandah was also fixed with Grub Club funds. There was an issue with crumbling cement.  The next meeting for the Grub Club will be held in January.

Deb Locke

Chairperson