tag:watlingbates.com,2005:/blogs/latest-news?p=4Latest News2023-12-06T13:33:50+11:00Watling & Batesfalsetag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/73150672023-12-06T13:33:50+11:002023-12-07T15:09:09+11:00'If It's Ok With Santa' Interview with Luke Grant on 2GB<p>Thrilled to bits to be interviewed by Luke Grant on <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.2gb.com/podcast/theres-a-new-aussie-song-for-christmas/" data-link-type="url">Wake Up Australia</a> this morning, on Sydney's 2GB! Listen link <a class="no-pjax" href="https://omny.fm/shows/overnight-with-michael-mclaren/theres-a-new-aussie-song-for-christmas" data-link-type="url">here</a>! An absolute treat to feature on Australia's most venerated commercial radio station. </p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://omny.fm/shows/overnight-with-michael-mclaren/theres-a-new-aussie-song-for-christmas" data-link-type="url"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/145162/4b6b4a9c4005747ea4c498a1907be7fa3a5c9b91/original/luke-grant-video-screen.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></p><p> </p>Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/73054932023-11-18T19:22:33+11:002023-12-07T15:07:29+11:00If It's Ok With Santa<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/145162/dbb77d721de58c1d5aa92c481977b35a68d30a0f/original/santa-single-cover-650px.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p><p><span lang="EN-US">Christmas in Australia. It’s hot and muggy, no place for a big bloke in a wooly red suit. </span><i><span lang="EN-US">If It’s Ok With Santa</span></i><span lang="EN-US"> looks at the irony of the hot Australian Christmas and the growing tradition of Christmas in July.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p><i><span lang="EN-US">If It’s Ok With Santa</span></i><span lang="EN-US"> features composer and lyricist </span><i><span lang="EN-US">Geoffrey Bates</span></i><span lang="EN-US"> on vocals; Christopher Ridgway on banjo, electric guitar, and mandocaster; </span><i><span lang="EN-US">Kym Watling</span></i><span lang="EN-US"> on acoustic guitar and backing vocals, </span><i><span lang="EN-US">Nick Peterson</span></i><span lang="EN-US"> on keyboards, and </span><i><span lang="EN-US">Scott French</span></i><span lang="EN-US"> on percussion and drums. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p><span lang="EN-US">The track was recorded, arranged, and produced by </span><i><span lang="EN-US">Geoffrey Bates</span></i><span lang="EN-US"> at </span><i><span lang="EN-US">Watling & Bates’ Unumgar Studio</span></i><span lang="EN-US">, with additional strings tracked by Christopher Ridgway in Amesville Ohio, USA. Engineering, drums, and final mix were by </span><i><span lang="EN-US">Scott French</span></i><span lang="EN-US"> </span><i><span lang="EN-US">of Lovestreet Studios</span></i><span lang="EN-US">, Currumbin Qld., with mastering by </span><i><span lang="EN-US">Paul Blakey of 12<sup>th </sup>& Vine Post</span></i><span lang="EN-US">, Broadbeach, Qld. Cover image generated using text prompts in DALL.E 2 through NightCafe.<o:p></o:p></span></p>Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/72742982023-09-16T22:30:14+11:002023-12-07T15:08:08+11:00Black Ducks<p><span><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/145162/e381e715415708c4e91ab308cd81af6e9e3c1907/original/black-ducks-cover.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></span></p><p><i><span>Black Ducks</span></i><span> tells a tale from a Northern Rivers bushman of how he used to catch black ducks on the riverbank in Coraki NSW. His method was so ingeniously simple that the ducks were lulled into a state of relaxation as they awaited release. Bates gives the tale a very human existential twist.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p><span>The work features </span><i><span>Geoffrey Bates</span></i><span> on vocals and guitars, </span><i><span>Nick Peterson</span></i><span> on piano, </span><i><span>Kym Watling</span></i><span> on banjo, fiddle, and backing vocals, and </span><i><span>Scott French</span></i><span> on keyboards and drums. </span></p><p><i><span>Black Ducks</span></i><span> was recorded, arranged, and produced by </span><i><span>Geoffrey Bates</span></i><span> at </span><i><span>Watling & Bates’ Unumgar Studio</span></i><span> in NSW, with additional recording, engineering, and final mix by </span><i><span>Scott French</span></i><span> </span><i><span>of Lovestreet Studios</span></i><span>, Currumbin Qld and mastering by </span><i><span>Paul Blakey of 12<sup>th</sup> & Vine Post</span></i><span>, Broadbeach, Qld. </span></p>Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/72742972023-09-16T22:10:51+11:002023-12-07T15:08:38+11:00Prophets <p><span style="color:rgb(19,19,19);"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/145162/fcaff94ce90c237877e547f9b79ecd37e8479e2d/original/prophets-cover.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></span></p><p><span style="color:rgb(19,19,19);">Prophets is a road trip to an uncertain future. </span></p><p><span style="color:rgb(19,19,19);">It features Geoffrey Bates on vocals and guitars, Marcus Schintler on drums, Nick Peterson on keyboards, Scott French on piano and tambourine and Kym Watling on backing vocals.</span></p><p><span style="color:rgb(19,19,19);">Prophets was written by Geoffrey Bates, produced by Watling & Bates, mixed and engineered by Scott French at Lovestreet Studios, and mastered by Paul Blakey at 12th & Vine Post. </span></p><p><span style="color:rgb(19,19,19);">Marcus Schintler’s drums were recorded at Comrade Rock Studios with pre-production by Thor Phillips.</span></p>Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/72043972023-05-07T22:03:27+11:002023-12-07T15:09:09+11:00Coolatai Waltz<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/145162/629ce87312e2f6eb5a5d4cdfec7138383227343b/original/coolatai-waltz-cover.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">Our new single <i>Coolatai Waltz</i> heads out to radio and digital through Checked Label Services on 9th May. The song was written for a wedding in Coolatai NSW in 2019, weaving a ‘tale tales and true' story of the couple’s romance through the town’s landmarks and local legends. </span></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:#000000;"><i><span lang="en-AU">Coolatai</span></i><span lang="en-AU"> is famous for its legendary black panther and signature events such as the </span><i><span lang="en-AU">Coolatai Races</span></i><span lang="en-AU"> and </span><i><span lang="en-AU">Coolatai Vintage Tractor Pull.</span></i><span lang="en-AU"> All of these are fondly featured in the song, along with the </span><i><span lang="en-AU">Wallaroo Hotel</span></i><span lang="en-AU">, the local hall, church, and sportsground, and nearby towns in the New England North West Slopes.</span></span></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:#000000;"><i><span lang="en-AU">Kym Watling </span></i><span lang="en-AU">sings and plays bass, fiddle, and banjo, with </span><i><span lang="en-AU">Geoffrey Bates </span></i><span lang="en-AU">on guitars and backing vocals. </span><i><span lang="en-AU">Scott French </span></i><span lang="en-AU">guests on drums, with ex-Texas (Qld.) local </span><i><span lang="en-AU">Christopher Ridgway </span></i><span lang="en-AU">on mandolin from Amesville Ohio, USA. </span></span></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span lang="en-AU">C</span><i><span lang="en-AU">oolatai Waltz </span></i><span lang="en-AU">was engineered and mixed by </span><i><span lang="en-AU">Scott French </span></i><span lang="en-AU">at </span><i><span lang="en-AU">Lovestreet Studios</span></i><span lang="en-AU">, mastered by </span><i><span lang="en-AU">Paul Blakey </span></i><span lang="en-AU">at </span><i><span lang="en-AU">12th & Vine Post</span></i><span lang="en-AU">, written and produced by </span><i><span lang="en-AU">Watling & Bates, </span></i><span lang="en-AU">with pre-production by </span><i><span lang="en-AU">Thor Phillips.</span></i></span></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:#000000;"><i><span lang="en-AU">Coolatai Waltz </span></i><span lang="en-AU">and its flipside </span><i><span lang="en-AU">Prophets </span></i><span lang="en-AU">are the first singles from our forthcoming album.</span></span></p>Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/70476762022-08-28T21:44:50+11:002023-12-06T12:52:38+11:00Sat In The Car And Remembered<p><a class="no-pjax" href="/track/2350084/sat-in-the-car-and-remembered" target="_blank" data-link-type="track" contents=""><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/c785b8b9acf151862a5492153f3ca9c332a27fcf/original/sat-in-the-car-single-cover.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="/track/2350084/sat-in-the-car-and-remembered" target="_blank" data-link-type="track" contents="Sat In the Car And Remembered">Sat In the Car And Remembered</a> is heading out to radio on 20 September, as the final single from the <a class="no-pjax" href="/store" target="_blank" data-link-type="page" data-link-label="Store" contents="Small Town Tales">Small Town Tales</a> album. The song tells of an impetuous trip across the Nullarbor Plain fuelled by the optimism of youth, remembered by an old couple in a parked car in a tired country town. Chasing trains and dodging wombats from Melbourne to Perth while the fanbelt screams and the rain pours down. Would we do it again? In a heartbeat! </p><p> </p><p> </p>Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/70206122022-07-23T11:05:51+11:002022-07-23T11:07:00+11:00The GAS Old Time Acoustic Music Weekend 2022<p>We had the best time at <a contents="The GAS " data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://hillbillygoats.com.au/the-gas" target="_blank">The GAS</a> Old Time Acoustic Music Weekend at the Hillbilly Goat HQ in Brooweena, Queensland in April. We started Saturday morning off with our trademark rooster crow and steeped ourselves in the culture and camaraderie of this fabulous event for the whole weekend. We congratulate the Hillbilly Goats on creating this outstanding venue, which hosts the creme de la creme of old time and quirky acoustic artists in April and September each year. Viva les Goats, viva la Gas!</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/23e800a98efbf1c4d4b98a736e548ad9c4091dac/original/fb-33-moment-1-lores.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/70206282021-08-14T00:00:00+11:002022-08-28T21:40:06+11:00Our Soundtrack Our Stories - Northern Rivers Spotify Playlist<p><a contents="Our Soundtrack Our Stories" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.aria.com.au/our-soundtrack-our-stories" target="_blank">Our Soundtrack Our Stories</a> is an initiative by ARIA to get local artists streaming in homes and businesses while the live performance sector is down. We've put together a playlist of music of artists and colleagues linked to Kyogle and the Northern Rivers, so you can find us all on Spotify!</p>
<p><iframe allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="380" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/playlist/7gg7uHGgxhVQJVsf4k7OgU?utm_source=generator" style="border-radius:12px" width="100%"></iframe></p>Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/70206132021-07-01T00:00:00+11:002022-07-23T11:13:15+11:00If You Knew What You Know - New Single with the Shelly Jones Band 2021<p>The Shelly Jones Band’s upbeat traditional country sound merges with Watling & Bates’ old time Gothic hillbilly and honkytonk style on this latest single from these two accomplished country duos. </p>
<p>Written by Shelly Jones, IF YOU KNEW WHAT YOU KNOW is an upbeat tune that challenges one to think about whether they would do things differently in life if they had their chance to do it all again. </p>
<p>With an infectious beat and a catchy tune packed with perfectly blended harmonies and great musicianship, you’ll want you to kick up your heels and start dancing, even if you don’t know how! </p>
<p>Produced by Lester and Shelly in their home studio, IF YOU KNEW WHAT YOU KNOW is available on all digital platforms.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/9f92923f78e140e5ce1db35e51fa4bc5415f6f41/original/if-you-knew-what-you-know-shelly-jones-band-watling-bates-800-px.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/66647592021-02-14T20:00:00+11:002021-06-20T20:27:03+11:00Something sweet for Valentine's Day - new single Candy Moon<p><strong>Candy Moon</strong>, released on Valentine's Day 2021, is available for streaming, download, and home delivery as a CD single! Producer and guitarist <em>Thor Phillips</em> and drummer <em>Marcus Schintler</em> have bought some hillbilly swing and rockabilly jazz to this old time classic. <strong>Candy Moon</strong> was written by <em>Kym Watling, </em>engineered by <em>Thor Phillips</em>, and mastered by <em>Paul Blakey</em> at <em>12th & Vine Post.</em></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/6d799a188c931422720be404fa78a59e98533610/original/candy-moon-square.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJjb250ZW50LnNpdGV6b29nbGUuY29tIn0=/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/65475212021-02-12T06:00:00+11:002021-02-14T00:48:11+11:00ABC Back Roads - Kyogle Episode<p>Wonderful to see the long-awaited Kyogle Backroads episode, in which we performed for the launch of the Richmond River Independent community newspaper at the Kyogle Bowling Club!</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/06b5d9aeca3543363d44161d3e33482853dbe57c/original/bowlo.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/c4217e5e63615cd756320f2cc7633d1ace50ae8b/original/w-b.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/77cb0c2e2763bf04d01fec964328085c91f93b39/original/song-credits-1.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br> </p>Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/65475252021-01-04T11:00:00+11:002021-02-14T01:10:23+11:002021 TSA Award Nominations<p>So grateful to receive our finalist nomination certificates for the Tamworth Songwriters Association (TSA) Salute Awards. This year we were honoured with five semi-final nominations, with one of them, <em>Wondering About My Time,</em> reaching the finals in the Gospel category. Thank you TSA, we greatly enjoy the competition!</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/7c5a9515700478550710ec381036d30581ba4a95/original/tsa-awards.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/64648862020-10-29T00:32:31+11:002021-02-14T00:59:13+11:00Such Is Life 2020<p>2020 marks 140 years since <em>Ned Kelly</em>’s last stand and subsequent execution on the 11th of November 1880. Producer and guitarist <em>Thor Phillips </em>and drummer <em>Marcus Schintler</em> deliver a sharp edge of Australian rock to this colonial tale, with Watling & Bates shackled to the past. Such Is Life 2020 will be released to radio and streaming services on Melbourne Cup Day, Tuesday 3rd November 2020.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/c2ef3ef69b8031ffda5520c7f60b0e353c8cd1f7/original/such-is-life-2020-watling-bates-square-140-years.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p> </p>Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/64648892020-09-30T01:45:00+11:002020-10-29T00:41:35+11:00Geoffrey Bates portrait by Penelope Gilbert-Ng<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/4e7afcec48a2f8881367ca01fdca1d30079494b8/original/geoff-penelope-green-hires.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/64048402020-08-08T09:51:20+11:002021-02-07T21:28:42+11:00New single 'Wondering About My Time' from the Small Town Tales album<p>Thor Phillips pits a full-house of Dobro against Christopher Ridgway‘s hand of chicken-pickin’ guitar. Watling crashes the saloon with a harmonica while Bates keeps a safe distance and thoughtfully nurses his beer. Wondering About My Time is from the Small Town Tales album, produced by Thor Phillips. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/5bcd516d880a5716c4f6624211b68b5b2dfb35e5/original/wondering-cover.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/64648882020-08-05T11:40:00+11:002021-02-14T01:12:21+11:00Richmond River Independent and ABC Backroads at the Kyogle Bowlo<p>Celebrating the launch of our new independent local newspaper, the Richmond River Independent, filmed by ABC Back Roads for their Kyogle episode. Photo by our local MP Janelle Saffin. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/cd4426a32e2cfe065911d9bd8a472368230778ae/original/janelle-saffin-pic-bowlo.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p> </p>Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/63669852020-06-26T20:11:43+11:002020-07-17T13:40:18+11:00Back in the studio with Thor Phillips<p>We're back in the studio with <a contents="Thor Phillips" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.thorphillips.com/" target="_blank">Thor Phillips</a> working on our next album. Can't wait to see where the road will lead us.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/caf61925f02eb450918d684781f5f977636b7199/original/thor-phillips-studio.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p> </p>Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/63052492020-05-05T22:12:55+11:002021-02-07T21:31:16+11:00New single 'Old Times' from the Small Town Tales album<p>We've been social isolating for a while now, time to put some spring in our step. Old Times was released to radio on 5th May by CRS Publicity.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/54a53a4d43c9102486277d04f25f69453ee9477e/original/old-times-rooster-cover.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/63861212020-03-15T10:25:00+11:002020-07-17T10:25:20+11:00COVID-19 Restrictions - the ides of March<p>The global arrival of COVID-19 forced us all off the road. The music industry, like many others, is shifting its feet in the prevailing conditions, so we're hunkering down in Unumgar to work on material for our next album. We'll make the best of the situation and enjoy a rest from the road.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/648226864bcfa5508b62fdaefe5c172256da3188/original/dsc07275.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/63291842020-01-25T17:10:00+11:002020-05-25T17:08:23+11:00Toyota Fanzone 2020 <p>How exciting to take our place on the famous Toyota Fanzone Stage at the 2020 Tamworth Country Music Festival. Thanks so much Jeannie Kleynhans for this fabulous pic!</p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/a54971bf2c7cc3d80eeb64e013cfe5f229e4dff3/original/fanzone-2020-jeannie.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p> </p>Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/63292192020-01-24T18:40:00+11:002020-05-25T20:29:21+11:00Tamworth Songwriters Association (TSA) Showcase<p>We greatly enjoyed our afternoon at the TSA Showcase at the Tamworth City Bowling Club! Many thanks to Kerry Nethery for this wonderful photo with radio legends Ian Crombie (centre) and Mike Stewart (far right), with host Becci Nethery (centre) and Northern Rivers comadre Wendy Joy Ford (right).</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/a6193bcc14e7b0c7c849e2599330720d5092425f/original/tsa-showcase.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/63291732020-01-24T16:15:00+11:002020-06-28T19:32:39+11:00Indie Country Music Australia (ICMA) Awards 2020<p>A memorable day at the<em> </em>ICMA Awards at the<em> </em>South Tamworth Bowling Club, where we were nominated for Most Popular Duo<em>.</em> Congratulations to <em>Destiny Band Oz </em>for taking out the gong, and many thanks to <em>Gayle O'Neill</em> for this legendary photo! <br> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/24f245a940a3ef51ce3d441f3d4a38dfe440b0ad/original/icma-finale-2020.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/63292022020-01-23T17:55:00+11:002020-05-25T18:00:22+11:00Tamworth Country Music Festival 2020<p>We've made it to our very first Tamworth Country Music Festival. We missed the dust storm but were just in time to see the drought break! Bring on the rain and the music!!</p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/eade96a915d7f4b871234de58e3cdbfb8d6c82bc/original/tamworth-golden-guitar.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/63291612020-01-01T16:05:00+11:002020-05-25T16:05:24+11:00Tamworth Songwriters Association Salute Awards 2020<p>We are honoured to be finalists for Country Blues Song Of The Year in the 2020 Tamworth Songwriters Association's Salute Awards with <em>In The Dead Of Night</em> from our <em>Small Town Tales</em> album. The overall winner of the category was the <em>Weeping Willows, </em>so we were thrilled to be judged against such outstanding competition. Watling was also a semi-finals contender for the Bluegrass Song Of The Year with <em>Barry & Adrienne</em>. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/4ef8376978fe76ec9b37c6d785ba2c76cf263b71/original/tamworth-songwriters-nomination-w-b.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/59125262019-10-02T16:54:37+11:002019-10-02T17:01:11+11:00Australian Songwriters Association Awards 2019<p>Absolutely honoured to have two TOP 30 songs in this year's competition, and for Watlng to be nominated for the Rudy Brandsma Award. Looking forward to the Awards dinner in Sydney on Wed 30 October! Check out all the excitement at the <a contents="ASA website" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.asai.org.au/" target="_blank">ASA website</a>.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/9ea1cd179b785c47e786b03a7faa2f48b6ba1c7a/original/asa-awards.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/59126372019-08-01T21:35:00+11:002019-10-02T21:34:03+11:00Kyogle Bazaar<p>The Kyogle Bazaar is moving to Saturdays on 24th August, so we're celebrating with Jasmine and Thor Phillips!</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/3a7798a3b4edb4f9e397d1898da8f54d8544675c/original/duo-double-header-online.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/58313872019-07-21T22:20:08+11:002019-10-02T21:59:13+11:00Oodies Cafe<p>Can't wait to get back to Bundaberg to play at Oodies Cafe! This outstanding social space is fast becoming known as Bundy's Bluebird due to the many contemporary artists that are adding it to their tour schedules. Great food, warm service, excellent company, and intimate musical performances have made Oodies a cultural icon!</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/88a23f3bf4e1d7673b89800729d905ef18901d45/original/oodies-poster-watling-bates-cropped.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/58313842019-07-21T21:53:53+11:002019-07-21T21:53:53+11:00Tara Festival of Culture and Camel Races<p>We're chuffed to be performing on the Country Music Stage at the <a contents="Tara Festival of Culture and Camel Races" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://tarafestival.com.au/" target="_blank">Tara Festival of Culture and Camel Races</a>! Check out their webpage to see the outstanding lineup of performers from across the globe. Bates reckons if we run real fast we might have a chance against the camels. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/fb833641220e21a3dfe7b374c8174537c36e10aa/original/tf-logo-cmyk-rev-date-1-1024x982.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/58313862019-07-18T22:10:00+11:002019-12-26T10:28:17+11:00Christmas In July<p>We'll be getting our baubles out for Christmas in July at Camp Davey in Lismore! Bring a plate and a gift and join us for some festive cheer on a chilly winters day!</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/870db690f5909856436b7399ffd783d054408121/original/christmas-in-july-w-b-online-sunday.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/58009832019-06-23T18:35:31+11:002019-06-23T19:03:56+11:00Ciderville - Radio Release<p>Ciderville, from Small Town Tales, will be released as single through CRS Publicity on 25 June 2019. The song is a legacy work from the days of Disgraceland and features John Willsteed on bass from olden times.</p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="New Single - Ciderville" data-link-type="page" href="/new-single-ciderville"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/fe926d0f97cdb0d0d0905dea2ec975c1dae38ba3/original/ciderville-mirrorj.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></p>Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/57141142019-04-10T23:00:16+11:002019-04-10T23:07:02+11:00In The Dead Of Night - The Golden Age 10 Nov 1860<p>A snippet from an archival article telling the story behind In The Dead Of Night <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/a70e6e81daa929b4686111a554c70d90f3c7ff8f/original/slide1.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p> </p>Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/56866442019-03-21T00:57:49+11:002019-04-08T23:36:13+11:00Grevillia Hall - In The Dead Of Night <p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/3c88847853f5e16626af4827b86c1f3aa64addb4/original/dead-of-night-flyer.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/56866382019-03-21T00:37:50+11:002019-07-22T09:49:23+11:00Women's Freedom Song Competition <p>International Women's Day was very special in Unumgar, with Watling receiving an Honourable Mention for her song '<a contents="Highway Prayer" data-link-label="" data-link-type="track" href="/track/697747/highway-prayer-watling" target="_blank">Highway Prayer</a>' in the international Women's Freedom Song Contest. The song tells of having faith in unknown journeys, confidence in independence, and finding contentment in solitude. It was released on our 2014 'Before I Met You' EP, recorded by Brett Hamlyn and featuring John Willsteed on guitars, and Marcus Schintler on drums.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/5c69a41c9d3aa416901add9b15d15da760618af4/original/womens-freedom-song-winners-1.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="DfrdN9x31cM" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/DfrdN9x31cM/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DfrdN9x31cM?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="360" width="640" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/56187002019-01-30T10:28:07+11:002019-07-21T22:09:52+11:00Tamworth Songwriters Association (TSA) Salute Awards 2018/19<p>Bates was thrilled to receive three semifinals nominations in the Tamworh Songwriters Association Salute Awards in 2018/19. The songs, from our Small Town Tales Album, were 'I Got Gold' (nominated for Gospel Song Of The Year); 'Sat In The Car And Remembered (nominated for Country Ballad Of The Year); and 'Florence Met Frank' (nominated for the Bev Daniel Commemorative Bush Ballad Traditonal Section). Thanks to the TSA for making us feel right at home!</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/16b06f979ee0235f575ebb21c81d42189d2f58c9/original/geoff-tsa-awards.jpg/!!/b:W1sidCIsOTBdXQ==.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/54977812018-11-03T12:27:52+11:002019-08-24T19:08:37+11:00Country Music Capital News <p>Absolutely thrilled to receive this review of our Small Town Tales album from Haley Sheridan in the November edition of Country Music Capital News. Many thanks to Haley for the kind words, and to Country Music Capital News for including our album for review.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/b3992b5ecdc26170623e4a422693922772c3f08f/original/cover-and-review-square.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/53969612018-08-22T22:48:48+11:002019-04-08T23:40:36+11:00Whistle-stop Shindig Tour<p>It is with the utmost excitement that we announce the Whistle-stop Shindig! Bundaberg Regional Council are teaming us up with local young gun Matthew Munro to host open-mic nights at three of the gorgeous small halls in the Bundaberg region - Buxton Hall, Goodnight Scrub Hall, and Waterloo Hall. Selected performers will join us for the finale at the magnificent Moncrieff Entertainment Centre in the heart of Bundaberg, where we'll be joined by none other than Thor Phillips on the big stage! Can we stand this much excitement? Let's find out ...</p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/ee265264a9a4f08779176ed716f1f06528a6a3e4/original/whistle-stop-rego-form.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/53670982018-08-01T21:05:00+11:002019-04-08T23:40:56+11:00Friday Nights in August<p>August is a fabulous month with three Friday night shows at some extremely cool venues. Friday 3rd August finds us in Ipswich Qld at <a contents="Banshee's Bar and Artspace " data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/bansheesbar/" target="_blank">Banshee's Bar and Artspace</a> from 8 pm. A week later, on Friday 10th August, we'll be at <a contents="Two Goats Cafe and Baa" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://twogoatscafeandbaa.com.au/" target="_blank">Two Goats Cafe and Baa</a> in Armidale NSW; then the week after that we'll be hopping up for one song at the <a contents="Bangalow BBQ & Bluegrass Festival" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.bbqbluegrass.com.au/" target="_blank">Bangalow BBQ & Bluegrass Festival</a>'s Old Time Variety Night on Friday 17th August! </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/00b9a339dd5b7a0154dc199ba65ac8264c32ffad/original/watling-bates-in-august.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/53580872018-07-24T18:10:00+11:002019-04-08T23:41:22+11:00Radio Single Release - I GOT GOLD<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/5b0a5febd0cdf61875e5967ca7682cb086f95377/original/i-got-gold-a4-flyer-40.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/52727792018-06-03T21:46:12+11:002019-04-08T23:41:48+11:00Official Street Performers - Queen St Mall, Brisbane<p>We are now fully licensed, council approved, bonafide street performers in Brisbane's Queen St Mall! We've tested the waters and will be commencing our regular busks in late July, after we return home from our Bow & Curtsy tours. </p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/b56cf4b151bf533e71bd5d48ae4453398213d48e/original/vintaged.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/52728142018-06-02T22:55:00+11:002019-04-08T23:42:10+11:00Tintenbar Up Front<p>Looking forward to returning to <a contents="Tintenbar Up Front" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.tintenbarupfront.com/" target="_blank">Tintenbar Up Front</a> on Friday 8th June. It's always a wonderful evening in this glorious old hall. The committee is raising funds for a new floor and invite you to 'pledge a plank'. Here's a photo from our last visit with Johnny Rumble on the bull fiddle. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/f215c064840bab38d7049a8fa6bf7b7a93365477/original/in-preparation.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/52201882018-05-07T13:36:42+11:002019-04-08T23:43:19+11:00Markets in May<p>It's been a long time since we worked on our Unumgar Inclusions, so we have devoted a couple weeks to making some new creations. We're setting up our resin casting studio in our old tank and hope to have a heap of inclusions ready for our Market Month of May. In addition to our inclusions, we will also have our Small Town Tales and Before I Met You albums and USBs with our entire collection of MP3s. Look out for us at the following markets!</p>
<ul> <li>Sat 19th May - Kyogle Farmers Market - 8:00-11:30 am. Merch stall only, not performing. </li> <li>Thurs 24th May - Lismore Produce Markets - Performing 3-6 pm with merch</li> <li>Sun 27th May - Kyogle Bazaar - Performing 10am-1pm with merch</li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/0098796121f2f79b988158ad75fa7e7e71dbc23c/original/farmers-market.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/52201232018-03-26T13:05:00+11:002020-01-25T21:44:46+11:00The BUg at the New Farm Bowls Club<p>We're back in Brisbane on the 3rd April at The BUg (Brisbane Unplugged Gigs) at the New Farm Bowls Club. Looking forward to seeing the Brisbane folk again!<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/8db7fb1c95002d91454e8e5a648ac779430100b2/original/the-bug-poster.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p> </p>Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/51195302018-03-10T00:03:05+11:002019-04-08T23:45:47+11:00Days Machinery Music Muster at Windara<p>Chuffed as a pony to be part of this years Days Music Muster at Windara. Come along for a fabulous afternoon of country music, bush ballads, rockabilly, and old time Gothic hillbilly honkytonk! </p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/9903f3a6c6345243ee07a3e8a5971037e39b6fff/original/muster-poster-2018.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/52727802018-03-06T21:55:00+11:002018-06-03T22:28:09+11:00Small Town Tales - The Rooster Has Landed<p>Our Small Town Tales album launch at the Eden Creek Hall was a fabulous day. Our exhibition curator Rebecca Tapscott was awarded Best Picture of a Chicken by popular vote, Jean and Graham Warburton (Couple No.1) won Best Waltzing Couple, and Adam and Lindee-Anne Flack (Couple No.2) were the slickest and snappiest dressers. Many thanks to our waltz judges Angela Dickson (Griffith University), Susanna Freymark (Editor, Richmond River Express Examiner), and Councillor Hayden Doolan (Kyogle Council). Grateful thanks to the Committee of the Eden Creek Community Hall for keeping this wonderful old hall full of life!</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/69fd9804c4b492c11b5b235a6cd1eb8daaec1b11/original/hall.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/a354e6a83eb4d366eeb8ac6c930a9edfa059a2f5/original/eden-creek-hall-crowd.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/7f3d72a30a065416c14919c91c7e61009fa51da0/original/kym-smiling-geoff.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/e2850ad224ae766261c77fb09cfc04271ed7f739/original/thor-settling-in.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/d11fac34a1d63f6453709714e2088750d6a1d078/original/judging-table-kev-lores.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/8f441dd0dec8bc86a075881a9db93fad97e1518b/original/back-veranda-thor-hayden-jean-graham.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/50920062018-02-22T10:06:37+11:002018-03-03T08:15:58+11:00Small Town Tales Album Launch at the Eden Creek Hall<p>The scene has been set at the Eden Creek Hall for our Small Town Tales album launch. A waltz competition and a display of chicken-themed artworks will create the perfect atmosphere for three hours of music, including songs from our new album, first EP, and some earmarked for our next release. </p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/ac71f46a345a26c4649d53551b862eff81989813/original/launch-program.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p>The Eden Creek Community Hall is at <a contents="address" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://goo.gl/maps/ADsqZ5SBzjq" target="_blank">40 Brown Knob Rd Eden Creek</a>, and someone has already pinched the road sign, so click on the address link for directions. The weather looks a bit rainy, so check your route at <a contents="My Road Info" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://northernrivers.myroadinfo.com.au/default.asp" target="_blank">My Road Info</a> before heading off to make sure the roads are clear and open. </p>Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/49992032017-12-25T10:30:00+11:002017-12-31T19:49:57+11:00Christmas 2017<p>We were awestruck by this Christmas light display by the Watts Family of Ashford, NSW. Not just lights, but music too! 'Blue Christmas' was belting out as we took this shot. Many thanks to the Watts for making our Christmas very special in 2017.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/6985087cc1ffa937d7bcc5d316c6e2db02ba8e26/original/ashford-christmas.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p> </p>Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/49991882017-12-20T10:10:00+11:002018-01-01T18:00:50+11:00Arrival of Small Town Tales<p>Our warehouse staff were very excited to accept delivery of our CDs from Troy Horse in Sydney this week. We know what the family will be getting for Christmas.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/06d58859ea29ee0675ecced78b7d0de0d837c8f8/original/cds-arrival.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/0aacea143d4e0caa42d74c1217666eba14998e6d/original/cds-arrival-pepper.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/49611462017-12-04T22:25:44+11:002017-12-30T13:04:37+11:00Launch date set - March 4th Eden Creek Hall<p>The recording is complete, 12th & Vine Post have done their masterful work, and the CDs are being pressed at Troy Horse in Sydney. Now to synchronise digital distribution, radio, print, and online media with our launch at the Eden Creek Hall. Perhaps a filmclip as well. Time for the chicken to cross the road ...</p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/109e28d384df0a536d24bb35cdaac7bac1d95898/original/rooster-cup.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/49611482017-11-01T23:40:00+11:002017-12-31T19:51:38+11:00Dorrigo Folk & Bluegrass Festival 2017<p>Dorrigo Folk & Bluegrass Festival was wonderful again in 2017, with the Pitts Family Circus introducing their new Little Big Top. We were delighted to be joined by Thor and Jasmine Phillips and family. Thanks to Leahra for taking this fabulous shot, with epic photobombing by Jarrah under our favourite tree. </p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/4cffa8e09f59b8e352e5be7aef4d28c010ef26c6/original/dorrigo-with-thor.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/48962112017-10-18T16:00:50+11:002017-12-04T21:46:28+11:00Small Town Tales Recording Complete<p>This photo marks the end of a six month recording project. Small Town Tales, with producer <a contents="Thor Phillips" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.thorphillips.com/" target="_blank">Thor Phillips</a>, seen here on the studio floor. Thor has helped us craft our original works into a very beautiful album indeed, and off now to <a contents="12th & Vine Post" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.12thandvinepost.com/" target="_blank">12th & Vine Post</a> for mastering, then <a contents="Troy Horse" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.troyhorse.com/">Troy Horse</a> for manufacture. Many thanks to <a contents="Jasmine Phillips Design." data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.jasminephillips.com.au/" target="_blank">Jasmine Phillips Design.</a> for smoothing our path with the artwork. <br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/79fca6275c9663b2df3d42639a9028e0713626ee/original/final-recording.jpg?1508302270" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/48962682017-10-13T17:40:00+11:002017-10-18T16:37:35+11:00O'Shea's Windsor Dalby<p>Delighted to have teamed up with <a contents="O'Shea's Windsor Hotel Dalby" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/windsor4405/">O'Shea's Windsor Hotel Dalby</a> to deliver our Bow & Curtsy Aged Care Social Music Program to centres in the Western and Darling Downs. Thanks to their generosity we can reach centres in Dalby, Millmerran, Miles, and Tara. Grateful thanks to Publican Collin Hunt for looking after us.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/56f51bf76d30f94c476ee3ed45e43379ad6d582f/original/sarah-colleen.jpg?1508305029" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/48962102017-10-10T16:45:00+11:002017-10-18T16:17:04+11:00Tintenbar Up Front<p>Warm and wonderful community and music at <a contents="Tintenbar Up Front" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.tintenbarupfront.com/" target="_blank">Tintenbar Up Front</a>'s 5th Birthday variety show in October. We were honoured to be featured artists and greatly enjoyed hearing other songwriters and artists presenting their work. Hats off to Peter Lino, the TUF crew, and the Tintenbar Hall Committee. An inspiring community and a well-loved hall. Photo by Joanne Sapphire.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/3ee224864078bdd5b1f5f498df6a7d4acbadde2f/original/full-flight.jpg?1508301572" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/48963132017-10-02T18:55:00+11:002017-10-18T17:58:55+11:00Wariald Town Hall<p>Enjoyed a wonderful community day in September with Warialda MPS and Naroo Aged Care Centre at the Warialda Town Hall. <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/cfa8f7032b0a27f613433bc9ee63d1d317a77029/original/warialda-town-hall.jpg?1508309874" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/48961962017-09-30T16:30:00+11:002017-10-18T15:28:35+11:00Texas Country Music Roundup<p>Another fabulous year at the <a contents="Texas Country Music Roundup" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1447848308568140/" target="_blank">Texas Country Music Roundup</a>! Johnny Rumble and Frances Jones accompanied us to the festival and we had our own stall with bolo ties and crystal balls. It was a heap of fun! We have now done our regulation two years in a row at the Texas Country Music Roundup and look forward to our next chance to participate. Thanks to Barry the Bee Man for this epic photo.</p>
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<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/3d2ede46c8c9ebc42d5002c0d482649b53a07d82/original/stage-tcmr-barry.jpg?1508300708" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/48963112017-09-15T18:55:00+11:002018-01-17T15:35:44+11:00Street Life - Dr John Willsteed<p>Thrilled to be back in the inner city to see Dr John Willsteed's <a contents="Street Life" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://vimeo.com/235832042" target="_blank">Street Life</a> presentation, featuring poster art from Brisbane in the 1975-1995s. </p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/9eed8af5bc766c8de19a7a8678114f355b688479/original/streetlife.jpg?1508309338" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/48961832017-09-13T16:10:00+11:002017-10-18T15:31:27+11:00The BUg Brisbane<p>Great night at with Johnny Rumble at <a contents="The BUg" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.brisbaneunpluggedgigs.org/" target="_blank">The BUg</a> at New Farm in Brisbane in September. It's a fabulous space for folk, Celtic, and old time music lovers in the heart of town, with different acts every week. We'll be back again in April 2018! Photo by house photographer Mal Lloyd.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/35bc493431a7b1f64a5e4e615a8abef368d5d738/original/bug-2.jpg?1508299552" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/48297832017-08-29T22:12:53+11:002017-08-29T22:20:15+11:00Cycle Queensland<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.echo.net.au/2017/08/seven-hundred-bikes-adventure/" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/49e7ffe9f2a5c035430cc51c9e557f4a9105813e/original/cycle-queensland-map.jpg?1504005527" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></p>
<p>Watling & Bates will be performing at a very special event in September, a 700 strong contingent of bicycle riders taking part in the <a contents="Cycle Queensland Adventure Tour " data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://cycleqld.com.au/" target="_blank">Cycle Queensland Adventure Tour</a> from Goondiwindi to the Gold Coast. Check out this article from the <a contents="Echonet Daily" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.echo.net.au/2017/08/seven-hundred-bikes-adventure/" target="_blank">Echonet Daily </a>for more information.<a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://cycleqld.com.au/ride/itinerary/day-7/" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/9bd6757171ea1b88ac5aecb9dd91d61d8706be82/medium/cycle-queensland-close-up.jpg?1504004783" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></a>The tour will be camping at the Kyogle Showground on Friday 8th September, and we will be entertaining with some authentic Unumgar tunes. By the looks of it, they'll be riding right past our place!<a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://cycleqld.com.au/ride/itinerary/" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/5962c2d5320f80e9d1cd9b4092c01ef1d37c93ba/medium/cycle-queensland-mt-lindesay-day-7.jpg?1504004673" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></a> Last time we looked, single day rides were still available, so visit the <a contents="Cycle Queensland " data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://cycleqld.com.au/enter/" target="_blank">Cycle Queensland</a> website to see if you can still register! </p>Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/48249432017-08-25T11:09:42+11:002017-08-25T11:09:42+11:00Small Town Tales Crowdfunder<p>The Small Town Tales album is nearing completion and we are delighted with the fabulous work of our Producer <a contents="Thor Phillips" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.thorphillips.com/" target="_blank">Thor Phillips</a> and musical contributions by a host of collaborators, local, interstate, and international!</p>
<p>We are running a <a contents="ReadyFundGo Crowdfunder" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://readyfundgo.com/project/smalltowntales/" target="_blank">ReadyFundGo Crowdfunder</a> until the end of September to get the production to market by pre-selling CDs to fund our mastering and manufacturing costs. We are offering a wide range of rewards for all income brackets, from plectrums and CDs to live performances and opportunities for corporate sponsorship and executive production credits. </p>
<p>All CDs purchased through the crowdfunder will be accompanied by our first EP and a few of our favourite plectrums, so it's a great opportunity to be first in line for the album with extras on the top! We send our grateful thanks to the folks who have contributed so far and hope that you may join us in bringing Small Town Tales out from the studio to the ears of the world!</p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://readyfundgo.com/project/smalltowntales/" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/963b08342b72a1210a4ed331a4689d2850e4a9c9/original/small-town-tales-rocky-cover-hires.jpg?1503617582" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a><br> </p>Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/48263982017-08-23T10:15:00+11:002017-08-26T10:14:54+11:00Living Well Concert - Warialda<p>Very excited to announce our Living Well Concert at the Warialda Town Hall on Thursday 28th Sept, a public event co-hosted by the Warialda MPS and the Naroo Aged Care Centre. Bow & Curtsy goes to town with a concert and BBQ lunch in Warialda, the Place of Wild Honey. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/1e1172b4abe1534e3bdb42bed7752bc9614fba32/original/warialda-poster-kw.jpg?1503702366" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/48215622017-08-22T23:50:48+11:002017-08-26T10:04:50+11:00Misery Loves Company<p>We're putting on a special show for Mental Health Month on Saturday 21st October at the Bentley Hall, sharing experiences of living with depression. The event will feature some of our more moody works and supportive folks will be available if anyone needs a comforting ear. We hope to show that depression is shared by many folks, particularly in our rural communities, and that support is on hand for those who need it. We will be working with the folks at Ability Links to create an evening for folks to come together and share a meal, music, and conversation.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/f9c9a839f556ef60b57c7442641ebe8197812868/original/misery-loves-company-poster.jpg?1503702261" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p> </p>Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/48215592017-08-22T23:37:53+11:002017-08-22T23:37:53+11:00Texas Country Music Roundup<p>The 11th Annual Texas Country Music Roundup is on again in September. We'll be there and so will Johnny Rumble on bass. We're upgrading from a duo to a trio! This will be fabulous!</p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/6b52207af61b81eeb0e14a4ce8ed8c627713b4c8/original/flyer.jpg?1503405354" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/48215572017-08-22T23:31:38+11:002017-08-22T23:31:38+11:00Country Carna<p>Looking forward to joining the Country Carna crew at the Lismore Workers Club on Sunday 27th August! </p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/7338273275cd42b5091568aa75068a351288bc6b/original/countrycarna-poster-august17-v1-170808.jpg?1503404791" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/47723882017-07-09T15:08:29+11:002017-07-09T15:08:29+11:00Brisbane Unplugged Gigs - Tues 12 September<p>We are very excited to be playing at the BUg in Brisbane on Tuesday 12th September. This venue has long been the mainstay of folk and bluegrass audiences, with touring acts regularly dropping in between festivals. We are delighted to have an opportunity to play here and catch up with our friends in Brisbane.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/2b300ee38e769641da0f23096e656749c06c5c1b/original/the-bug-logo.jpg?1499573080" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/47723542017-07-09T13:54:29+11:002017-07-09T14:03:23+11:00Finalist - Kyogle Business Awards 2017<p>We are very excited to be finalists in the 2017 Kyogle Business Awards, with our Bow & Curtsy Aged Care Social Music Program. We are knuckling down with our Bow & Curtsy regional tours in 2017/18 and are developing a network of outer regional and remote centres that we visit regularly.<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/dec4191ef53e356f3608915a70f19c2d8d21d1a6/original/business-awards.jpg?1499568406" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/47494012017-06-19T20:03:47+11:002017-06-19T20:03:47+11:00Megan Hall Fundraiser 29th July<p>July sees us heading down to Megan Hall in midwinter for a fundraiser by the Dorrigo Folk & Bluegrass Festival Inc. to raise some funds to get some much needed heating in the hall. A shared dinner with a fundraising BBQ will be followed by the white knuckle excitement of the The Pitts Family Circus. We'll take the stage after they have astounded the crowd, and the Barkers Vale Brothers will take the eveningl home. Come and join us for some midwinter warming at the Megan Hall!</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/41b72fbc4f70b319358b53f9fac705d274dc6ff3/original/megan-hall-poster-29-july.jpg?1497862535" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/47493992017-06-19T19:46:26+11:002017-06-19T19:54:01+11:00Dorrigo Folk & Bluegrass Festival<p>We'll be off to the <a contents="Dorrigo Folk & Bluegrass Festival" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.dorrigofolkbluegrass.com.au/" target="_blank">Dorrigo Folk & Bluegrass Festival</a> again this year, playing where we're needed and hanging out with the Barkers Vale Brothers at the Pitts Family Circus Tent. It's the Festival's 16th year and it attracts major international folk and bluegrass acts, truly a credit to the organisers and volunteers. We look forward to seeing you there! </p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/c1d8df979ee8307da175698f486d280c91cb5bfa/original/dorrigo-logo.jpg?1497862260" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/023e614c6792bcca031a8f88309edee92395f48d/original/w-b-dorrigo.jpg?1497862385" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Photo by Debb Mills</p>Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/47478882017-06-17T16:09:21+11:002018-01-01T08:23:28+11:00Hootenanny at the Rappville Pub 14-16 July<p>Absolutely delighted to be part of this weekend of bluegrass and old time music. Brisbane's Owl Valley Bluegrass will be leading off on Fri 14th July, a high energy five piece traditional bluegrass outfit with sweet fiddlin' and sharp chops. On Saturday 15th July, Slim Dime are coming all the way from Melbourne to present their luxurious old time country and urban tones. Pure simplicity gilded with complex detail, these two will hold you transfixed as you travel through a landscape they create right in front of your eyes. Sunday 16th July sees Watling & Bates team up with Johnny Rumble to put the finishing touches on a perfect old time and bluegrass weekend.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/5465016b424f1b6c741bc7df6a5d2178fde6f791/original/rappville-poster-july-hoedown.jpg?1497672439" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/47478332017-06-17T14:47:07+11:002019-09-13T20:04:59+11:00Rappville Pub 18th June <p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/f5780021a2967a4150c4504d6e73d4bac48e9433/original/rappville-poster-june-thor-w-b-revised.jpg?1497671186" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/47478282017-06-17T14:35:54+11:002017-06-17T14:35:54+11:00Introducing Johnny Rumble<p>We are delight to introduce Johnny Rumble, who will be accompanying us on special occasions on the double bass. Johnny has played with local acts including Black Train, Thrillbilly Stomp, and Davey Bob's Blue Healers, and brings with him a Rockabilly sensibility that well complements our Oldtime Gothic Hillbilly Honkytonk. Johnny's first show with us will be at the Rappville Pub on Sunday 18th June.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/36484fc030943b05ac056ddcf3984d4bb4562af3/original/watling-bates-with-johnny-rumble-pic-by-lyn-mccarthy-bangalow-2016.jpg?1497669102" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>Photo by Lyn McCarthy, Niche Pictures, taken at the Bangalow BBQ & Bluegrass Festival 2016.</p>Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/47134332017-05-18T22:43:39+11:002017-05-24T19:57:15+11:00Tweed Regional Gallery - Tumbulgum Exhibition Performance<p>Tumbulgum and the Countdown to Midnight was the title of Opera Queensland's production in Arts Northern Rivers the If These Halls Could Talk project, held in December 2016. Our role was to play the house band and to perform one of our original songs in the production. A photographic exhibition of the show has been on display at the Tweed Regional Gallery, closing on Sunday 21st May. The Murwillumbah Philharmonic Choir will reprise performances of pieces from the show, and we will wander the gallery playing our original songs to farewell this wonderful experience.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/ce3bb413e2fa6935b757f4de879e0455dbf83cf7/original/stage-tumbulgum.jpg?1495107770" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p> </p>Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/46619832017-04-08T00:56:42+11:002018-01-01T08:22:49+11:00All Day Breakfast Stringband <p>Watling & Bates are delighted to host the All Day Breakfast Stringband from Montreal, Canada in Kyogle as part of their Australia/NZ tour. The show will be held at Kyogle's historic Memorial Institute Hall on Tuesday 9th September, with doors open from 6 pm. <br><br>The band will be supported by the Barkers Vale Brothers with The Marvellous Gareth Bjaaland as MC for the evening. The band looks awfully young for old timers, but they bring with them a wealth of history and old time tradition.<br><br>Check out their website <a contents="here." data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://alldaybreakfaststringband.com/" target="_blank">here.</a><br><br>Tickets are $25 or $20 Concession, and under 18s are free when accompanied by a paying adult. You can buy your <a contents="tickets" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.trybooking.com/NWZA" target="_blank">tickets</a> online, locally at Macdades Homewares or The Sugar Bowl Cafe & Bar in Kyogle, or at the door. <br><br>The Sugar Bowl will be offering a special All Day Breakfast Meal Deal for ticket holders before the show, and will open for intermission. <br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/6018943a71cd19114314ecf4cf7f2bcedadf6f77/original/adbs-poster-revised.jpg?1491573209" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/46619902017-02-08T13:15:00+11:002017-04-08T01:15:57+11:00Bow & Curtsy at the Fairy Hill HallWe have a special treat during this year's NSW Seniors Festival - a Bow & Curtsy at the Fairy Hill Hall on Wed 8th March 2017. <br><br>Residents from Richmond Lodge Casino have thrown their minds back to the old days of dances in country halls. Their memories of their favourite cakes will be recreated by the Hospitality students from Kyogle High School and members of the Kyogle CWA, who will join with the Fairy Hill Hall committee to recreate the cuisine of a traditional dance at a country hall. <br><br>Students from Mummulgum and Doubtful Creek Small Schools will join residents from Richmond Lodge, St Carthages Lismore, and St Michael's Casino to enjoy some old time music and dance, with history lessons from Beverley Hendley of the Fairy Hill Hall, and John Malony of River FM's Memories program. <br><br>The event has been made possible by a grant from the NSW Department of Families and Community Services, and administered by Northern Rivers Care Connections, makers of the most luscious scones in the whole of the Northern Rivers.<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/dba238e13a312bb865616f7bebdcf606dccc6bcf/original/bow-curtsy-fairy-hill-hall-poster-a4-final.jpg?1487029007" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/46629362016-11-16T11:10:00+11:002017-04-08T12:31:01+11:00Tumbulgum and the Countdown to Midnight at the Last Supper Between Now and ForeverWatling & Bates are honoured to be the house band in the Opera Queensland production <em>Tumbulgum and the Countdown to Midnight at the Last Supper Between Now and Forever.</em> The Tumbulgum Hall is one of seven halls featured in the <em>Arts Northern Rivers</em>' project If These Halls Could Talk, and the story of the project is told by Catherine Marciniac in this <a contents="ABC OPEN" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.abc.net.au/explore/117642" target="_blank">ABC OPEN</a> article. <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/3dd0bc697cce83e24f58b4e0e2ff81c1c20673e0/original/anr-web-promo.jpg?1491606379" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br> Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/46630852016-10-12T00:40:00+11:002017-04-08T13:41:34+11:00Tintenbar Up FrontDelighted to be the Featured Artist at Tintenbar Up Front on Friday 11th November at the Tintenbar Hall. Fabulous hosts, gorgeous hall, and great food with Bev's Indian Banquet. TUF raises funds for local charities and in November they're raising funds for a wheelchair access van for a young woman named Sarah, who has mitochondrial disease and loves horses.<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/b9d9fe5e5836520b49aa5ffadcc873204029c6a7/original/tintenbar.jpg?1491617608" class="size_l justify_left border_" />Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/44063362016-10-06T16:00:36+11:002017-01-16T15:20:45+11:00Cafe Busk at The Sugar Bowl<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/b93050ed78894b910e9af01e7c4d191e2f31d688/original/beef-sliders-with-cactus.jpg?1475729414" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>We'll be Cafe Busking at the Sugar Bowl Cafe and Bar every second Friday from 14th October from 12 - 4 pm A Cafe Busk is an informal afternoon of music, supported by donations from customers and backed with hospitality from management. It's an opportunity for us to go through new material and keep match fit for festival and pub performances. We advise locals to take the afternoon off work and come join us, because you all work too hard. Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/44063232016-10-06T15:45:23+11:002017-01-16T15:20:45+11:00Newlyweds return to the Rappville Pub<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/6150fef8f31ae17189cc973ed89e572ef91c3ed6/original/julie-wedding-show.jpg?1475728757" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br>The Rappville Pub has been a favoured watering hole of Watling & Bates for a couple of years now, and publicans Jayne Fitzpatrick and Peter St Clair have been wonderful support, even taking on the bar duties at their Yellow Wedding. Watling & Bates return to the Rappville Pub on Sunday 16th October, to give the wedding gown a whirl for Rappville locals who didn't make it to the event in Texas. Who will give the bride away this time? Find out over lunch at the Rappville Pub from 12-3 pm Sunday 16 October.Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/44063212016-10-06T15:34:15+11:002017-01-16T15:20:45+11:00Dorrigo Folk & Bluegrass Festival<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/29131cbeed11480312863eaad2296e217c5c192d/original/festival-logo.jpg?1475727315" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Watling & Bates are extremely excited to be part of the <a contents="Dorrigo Folk & Bluegrass Festival" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.dorrigofolkbluegrass.com.au/" target="_blank">Dorrigo Folk & Bluegrass Festival</a> in 2016. We will take part in the pre-festival welcome on Thurs 20th October to warm up for stage, cafes, tents, and roving performances, and a special Bow & Curtsy at the Dorrigo aged care facility! This very sweet festival keeps growing every year and our hats are off to Bridget Rees and her team of volunteers and organisers for the relaxed family-friendly atmosphere. Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/42267372016-06-13T16:19:22+11:002017-12-31T20:24:36+11:00Highway Prayer Single Launch<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/73f3570d0db422d81ddf4d51279fdfed3db350f2/original/highway-prayer-poster.jpg?1465794618" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br>We will be releasing Highway Prayer as a single on Country Radio Singles compilation CRS191 on June 27th, and will celebrate the occasion with a pre-release warm-up show on 26th June at the Rappville Pub with Noble Lariats Schintler and Fatt, and a proper wing ding featuring Gareth Bjaaland on 24th July! </p>Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/42267962016-06-01T17:55:00+11:002017-01-16T15:20:45+11:00Cafe BusksWatling & Bates have missed the street life since leaving the Kyogle Farmers Markets. We have arranged with the Sugar Bowl in Kyogle and Zeebra's Cafe in Casino to play for a few hours each month and put out the old busking hat. We suspect that the passers-by will come in to see what all the racket is about and discover the delights of these fine establishments. <br><br>We'll be at Zeebra's cafe on Fri 17th June and The Sugar Bowl on Fri 1st July, both from 12-3:30 pm!<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/25cda2a1b087279c03d0fbd1261312143c88f6f9/original/hoosegow.jpg?1465819521" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br> Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/42267412016-05-01T16:30:00+11:002017-01-16T15:20:45+11:00Railroad Luncheon<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/981a6de03dcee0c996ba78a0fda8cdf1c9d568e3/original/noble-lariats-29-may.jpg?1465795747" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br>The Noble Lariats will be building up steam as the XPT rumbles by on Sunday 29th May at the Rappville Pub.Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/41449882016-04-20T18:29:30+11:002017-01-16T15:20:44+11:00Grand Ensemble - the Noble LariatsAbsolutely chuffed to be joined by master musicians Marcus Schintler on drums, Hilton Fatt on bass, and Thor Phillips on Dobro for our 2016 residency at the Rappville Pub. These three fine gentlemen, to be know henceforth as the Noble Lariats, will put length in the leg, quality in the fabric, and beef in the bottom end. Two of the Lariats have never met, and will shake hands before launching into two sets of blistering alt-country rock. Let the games begin ...<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/95b5f3d31ec7e1cea3c011df376abdf2140d79d9/original/watling-bates-rappville-pub-24th-april.jpg?0" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/40553022016-03-07T19:39:45+11:002017-01-16T15:20:44+11:00Art in the PubThe <a contents="Rappville Pub" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.rappvillepub.com/" target="_blank">Rappville Pub</a> is presenting an exhibition of landscapes by local artists. The opening is on Friday 11th March, and we'll be playing on Sunday 13th March from high noon until 3 pm with Marcus Schintler and Thor Phillips. Stock up on your red dots! <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/7639543aa7f6ef9f7bf25a2bb013d72493a64406/original/160220-art-in-pub-poster.jpg?0" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/40629442016-02-27T13:28:58+11:002017-01-16T15:20:44+11:00Windara Country Music MusterWe're excited to be on the bill for the Day's Machinery Country Music Muster at Windara on Sunday 6th March at the Windara Function Centre from 1 pm. We'll be joining luminaries from the Kyogle Country Music Association and the Windara Workers for a fabulous afternoon of country fun. Tickets are $15 and there will be a licenced bar and food. Contact Windara on 6662 3800 for tickets. Windara is an Australian Disability Enterprise for folks in the Richmond Valley, and this show is a fundraiser to help them carry on their wonderful work.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/351cb9c236ffeede8b367a966e9d20593282eca2/original/music-muster-poster.jpg?0" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/40439142016-02-16T23:41:53+11:002017-01-16T15:20:44+11:00Sphinx Rock Old Timey & Bluegrass JamExcellent morning at Gareth Bjaaland's Sphinx Rock pick today, with Bill Jacobi, Tom Kemp, Phil and Louise. Thanks for having us!<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/b9e6a7cdecad7b9ab98dbe9c65558f707d8409c1/original/img-20160216-122901833-hdr.jpg?0" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/40289452016-02-07T13:13:33+11:002017-01-16T15:20:44+11:00Meet Thor PhillipsWe have had the marvelous good fortune to recently meet <a contents="Thor Phillips" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/ThorPhillipsBand/" target="_blank">Thor Phillips</a> during a recent busk at the Kyogle Farmers Market! Thor joined us at our most recent Farmers Market and we were so amazed at his talent that Geoff forgot his words and Kym whooped and skipped like she was back in primary school. Thor has graciously accepted our invitation to join us at our Valentine's Day show at the Rappville Pub on Sun 14th Feb and we are giddy with excitement! <br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/74050dcda31ac4821b20118bb300d6861bb66377/original/thor.jpg?0" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br> Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/40263852016-02-05T21:06:23+11:002017-01-16T15:20:44+11:00Valentine's LuncheonSideways glances and cheeky grins will be the order of the day at the <a contents="Rappville Pub" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.rappvillepub.com/" target="_blank">Rappville Pub</a> for the Valentine's Luncheon on Sunday 14th February. Songs of love, cheating, breaking up and making up will be served along with a cool drink, hot coffee, and some of the Northern Rivers finest pub fare. Femme fatales, handsome gentlemen, and jilted lovers will grace the stage and Cupid's bow will be cocked and ready to fire. Come and join us with your heart on your sleeve. Or maybe gravy. We'll be loved up from high noon until 3 pm. <br><br><<< UPDATE>>> Not only will we be joined by Thor Phillips on Dobro and guitar, but we are expecting special visits from two of the most notorious women ever to be immortalised in country song. All will be revealed on the day ...<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/d9039507f294be7e981065172bf7bc453e36d1b7/original/160207-rappville-valentines-day.jpg?0" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/39978712016-01-20T21:32:00+11:002017-01-16T15:20:44+11:00Western Clippings <p>We were online for outlaw pics for our Outlaw Luncheon poster when we discovered Boyd Magers' <a contents="Western Clippings" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.westernclippings.com/" target="_blank">Western Clippings</a> site, where we lassoed some comic book cowfolk. We let Boyd know that we had used the images and cited his page, and asked his permission. Not only was he was happy for us to do so, but has even popped our poster up on his site for his Australian friends. Watling & Bates and the Rappville Pub are now online in Alburquerque, New Mexico! Please visit Boyd's <a contents="Western Clippings" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.westernclippings.com/" target="_blank">Western Clippings</a> page for a wonderful history of TV and comic book cowfolk and outlaws!<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/a7ace9913c2356cba08209abb0dc2771d1d3d4be/original/western-clippings.jpg?1453286475" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/39864412016-01-13T14:52:00+11:002017-12-31T20:26:18+11:00Outlaw Luncheon<p>Watling & Bates are joining drummer Marcus Schintler and bassist Hilton Fatt at the Rappville Pub on Sunday 24th January for an Outlaw Luncheon. We will be adopting the style of our favourite outlaws, and blending some famous outlaw songs amongst our own original tunes. We always have great fun at the Rappville Pub and are champing at the bit to play with such a fine rhythm section. Tighten your bandana and button up your vests. We start playing at high noon and will make a slow getaway after 3 pm. <br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/3c14cdf2911a14081c359b0e9c0d3913ed71cac4/original/outlaw-luncheon-poster-hires.jpg?1452657069" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/39864292016-01-13T13:39:39+11:002017-01-16T15:20:43+11:00Bow & Curtsy at the RotundaWe will be presenting a school holiday version of our Bow & Curtsy aged care social dance program at the Lismore Rotunda in Spinks Park, from 2-4 pm Thursday 14th January. This session is a reward from our ReadyFundGo crowdfunding campaign, purchased by Janelle Saffin and kindly donated to the community as a public event. We'll have all our instruments, our puppet and song mascots, and a second fiddle and percussion instruments so that anyone can have a go. We'll play lots of waltzes and there will be plenty of opportunities to sing along and dance a waltz or jig. <br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/1a0301b7a271b5b3d0a35b50db1cf7bd27cc7142/original/lismore-rotunda-poster.jpg?1452652765" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/39902982016-01-08T20:00:00+11:002017-12-31T20:27:53+11:00Rappville Pick 8th January<p>This Rappville Pick featured Hilton Fatt, Leroy Stevens, Suzette Underwood, and Mark and Annette Schofield. Here we are on the newly refurbished balcony waiting on the XPT. <br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/bc35c059dbed3ed9106594d9588e21c794300c42/original/06-waiting-for-the-train.jpg?1452871142" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/39903302015-12-18T03:35:00+11:002017-01-16T15:20:43+11:00Care Connections ChristmasWonderful to have the opportunity to play for the staff of Northern Rivers Care Connections for their Christmas dinner. Amazing food prepared by the boss herself, Paulene Rorich, for the staff and volunteers. Here are Graham and Jean Warburton, two very well-known volunteers! Cheers to you all!<br><br> <br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/95cf57f97addb46aa5076b71bcd2940d0cdf1fe7/original/warburtons.jpg?1452872043" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/39903002015-12-08T03:30:00+11:002017-01-16T15:20:43+11:00Griffith University We were delighted to play some tunes for the science crew at Griffith University. Thank you all so much for your wonderful hospitality!<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/c98d8504912ca2d3956088bc4b7c1e08e666fd97/original/img-20151208-132525803-hdr.jpg?1452871494" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/39903312015-12-05T03:45:00+11:002017-01-16T15:20:43+11:00Blackall Range Care GroupWe greatly enjoyed playing at the Blackall Range Care Group Christmas party on the Sunshine Coast of Queensland. Many thanks to CEO Kaye Deeley for hosting us, we had a wonderful time and loved our photo with Santa! Here's Kaye drawing one of the many raffle prizes of the day.<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/bb9575ab4f131d9235438ad1d09997c4c115b5fd/original/img-0288.jpg?1452872482" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/39915202015-11-28T17:00:00+11:002017-01-16T15:20:43+11:00Repentance Creek Pizza NightWe've had a soft spot for the Repentance Creek Hall since we first played there in 2014. It's a wonderful old hall with a great deal of history. The Hall Committee runs a Pizza Night every month or two to raise funds for the upkeep, and we go along to eat pizza and busk. They are authentic Mediterranean wood-fired pizzas with fancy things like artichokes and salted fish. Here is Watling with members of the Hall Committee and evidence of their fine work. <br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/422cfa851a0acb82c64af4515db0a47ad0c08c6d/original/rep-ck-pizza.jpg?1452909255" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/39915532015-11-20T20:00:00+11:002017-01-16T15:20:44+11:00Bowraville PubWe detoured through Bowraville on the way home from Sydney, and stayed in this magnificent pub. Our room overlooked the Bowraville Theatre, the starting point of the <a contents="Freedom Ride" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2015/feb/22/the-day-the-freedom-riders-came-to-bowraville-and-gatecrashed-the-cinema" target="_blank">Freedom Ride</a> fifty years ago in 1965. We played some songs in the dining room and the manager pointed a speaker at us and piped us into the bar. Great fun, and a lot of history upon which to reflect.
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/8a9ff236f50f6d7b8f8a5aad198694996e0e331c/original/bowraville-pub.jpg?1452909896" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/39917072015-11-19T18:00:00+11:002020-04-03T19:07:26+11:00Art of Good Health and Wellbeing Conference<br>After raiding funds through crowdfunding, sponsorship, and grants, we presented the results of our Bow & Curtsy Social Dance and Music Program for Aged Care at the 7th International Art of Good Health and Wellbeing Conference at the Art Gallery of NSW. We were honoured to open the plenary sessions on the second and third days, and our oral presentation was well attended. Our poster below was on display outside the Domain Theatre on the final day of the program. <br><br>We are looking forward to developing our Bow & Curtsy program and funding model in 2016!<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/a2af2d12964556428a15ae735dd1318b80b646f1/original/bow-curtsy-poster.jpg?1452858506" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/39979202015-11-02T23:55:00+11:002017-01-16T15:20:44+11:00Rappville Pick 12th NovemberOur inaugural old time bluegrass and countrybilly picking circle will be held at the Rappville Pub on Thursday 12th November. <br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/a3c762e262f2d342955d5709d9d160011909792a/original/rappville-pick-online.jpg?1453291149" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/39979192015-11-01T23:55:00+11:002017-01-16T15:20:44+11:00Old Time Country Blues at Repentance Creek 7th NovemberA stellar line up of Old Timey and Country Blues at the Repentance Creek Hall.<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/f4cba0996e16705997bbd9baeca8951b80334e35/original/151028-repentance-creek-7-nov-online.jpg?1453290970" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/39979182015-10-18T00:05:00+11:002017-01-16T15:20:44+11:00Lismore Car Boot Market We're back at the Lismore Car Boot Market on the 18th October, next to the Poffertje stall!<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/47518e4144f7d6026f139c571eb679f11b5938b1/original/danielle-robert.jpg?1453290771" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br> Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/39979152015-10-04T23:45:00+11:002017-01-16T15:20:44+11:00Tintenbar Up FrontLooking forward to our spot at <a contents="Tintenbar Up Front" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.tintenbarupfront.com/" target="_blank">Tintenbar Up Front</a> on Friday 9th October. We've heard wonderful things about Bev Singh's curry and the hospitality of the Tintenbar crew!<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/b03509096a4c64d4a02b0a9c24714ebfefd7cfad/original/capture.jpg?1453290309" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/39979132015-10-01T23:40:00+11:002017-01-16T15:20:44+11:00Dorrigo Folk & Bluegrass FestivalWe're off to the Dorrigo Folk & Bluegrass festival, where we'll be performing a Bow & Curtsy at the Dorrigo Hospital Friday 23rd, and also at the Banksia tent, Touch of Country Cafe, and Kids' Tent! Hope to see you there!<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/2ef31468cc2d029ba8e1ab742cf10c6098653a3e/original/dorrigo-listing.jpg?1453289853" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/72cc44b7c4e776eb4bd65aadc0ab9fe530bb0eca/original/dorrigo-listing-cafe.jpg?1453289866" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/148298767546680d3de9bd45a42d90f4a0972720/original/dorrigo-listing-kids.jpg?1453289872" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/39979042015-09-18T23:30:00+11:002017-01-16T15:20:44+11:00Hard Travellin' with Reverend Kim McLeanWe will be joining Perch Creek, Black Train, and a host of like-minded locals for a fundraiser at the Lismore City Bowlo for Kim McLean. The Rev was recently injured in a motor vehicle accident, but has been dragged back to the land of the living to continue to delight us with his visual art and music. <br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/34270b4f78293186639390c9bfd486dbcd41c36d/original/poster.jpg?1453289106" class="size_l justify_center border_" /> Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/39979022015-09-06T23:20:00+11:002017-01-16T15:20:44+11:00Fathers' Day with the Naked Baker at DrakeWe're off to spend Fathers Day at the Naked Baker Cafe at the Drake Village Resource Centre. We have heard that the coffee and cake stop folks in their tracks out there, so we are going to find out if the legends are true!<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/fe724187364981b17107b3b6b4d7c8b055f35acc/original/fathers-day-lores.jpg?1453288708" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/39979232015-08-18T00:05:00+11:002017-01-16T15:20:44+11:00Rappville StringtimeThe Rappville Pub are hosting an old time open mic event on August 22nd with the Barkers Vale Brothers, Black Train, and Watling & Bates. Come along and step up to play some tunes through a Beesneez Microphone, made in Kyogle!<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/c8c7350b6c29ceda7af9edf8cccf26765f2ca2a0/original/150821-stringtime-poster.jpg?1453291283" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/39978962015-08-07T20:00:00+11:002017-01-16T15:20:44+11:00Bangalow BBQ & Bluegrass Old Time Variety ShowWhat an honour to be part of the first ever Bangalow BBQ & Bluegrass Old Time Variety Show on 7th August 2015. We were joined by Hilton Fatt on bass, and were captured in this beautiful image by andthetrees. <br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/7ef0921711c76dc3818b05524982b0c09778cc51/original/watling-bates-trio-old-time-variety-by-mid-north.jpg?1453288398" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br> Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/37920952015-07-29T16:25:43+11:002017-01-16T15:20:43+11:00Honoured GuestsWe have been very lucky to have some fine musicians join us from time to time, so we would like to honour our distinguised musical compadres. <br><br><span class="font_large"><strong>MARCUS SCHINTLER</strong></span><br>Marcus Schintler joined us on drums and production for our first CD 'Before I Met You' and jumps in with us whenever the opportunity suits. Marcus spent many years as the drummer for Weddings Parties Anything, and also drums for the surf punk outfit, the Wetsuits. We are grateful for Marcus' industry experience, tea-spitting wit, heavily grounded common sense, and constant reminders that music is a rare joy as precious as a rat's gold tooth. That's Marcus on the right with a very tasteful Hawaiian shirt.<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/86322986cb9615e6f6506f157e3ef3b92f70f3b7/original/box-dice-crew-3.jpg?1452653495" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><span class="font_large"><strong>BRETT HAMLYN</strong></span><br><span class="font_regular">Brett Hamlyn recorded our first EP at his Deva Studio in Eden Creek, west of Kyogle. Brett features on bass on Misery Loves Company and Boots Beside the Bed, and is the bloke on the left in the image above. </span><br><br><span class="font_large"><strong>JOHN WILLSTEED</strong></span><br>John Willsteed was once in a gentle alt-country urban shoegaze outfit called Disgraceland, which also featured Kym Watling, Coojee Timms, Tony Von Wieldt, and Michael Hiron. This band hovered around Brisbane from 1993-2008, disbanding once Watling headed south, and Willsteed found his forever home in Halfway. John laid down some beautiful 12 string and slide guitar on Highway Prayer on Before I Met You and we love him dearly. We love him so much we want three of him.<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/301badc82494cdf12d2783bb85122b548e191477/original/willsteeds.jpg?1438145999" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br><strong><span class="font_large">KIRK STEEL</span></strong><br>An old friend of Bates' from way back, Kirk Steel is the acknowledged King of the Keyboards. Now up in Cairns with his lovely partner Gail Betts, Kirk dropped some authentic honkytonk piano on Misery Loves Company from Before I Met You. Kirk's long-distance relationship with Unumgar was facilitated by Nigel Pegrum from Pegasus Studios in Cairns QLD, and Brett Hamlyn from Deva Studio in Eden Creek NSW. Here are Geoff and Kirk against the eerie backdrop of Black Mountain. <br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/2aabea32bca5c9f5ef651276c3236051c14850b2/original/kirk-geoff.jpg?1438146556" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br><span class="font_large"><strong>JOHN MCDOWALL</strong></span><br>John Mcdowall grabs his stool and joins us when he tires of selling Bodhrans to Ireland. A masterful player and holder of the Celtic tunes, John keeps us honest and makes sure we know a jig from a reel. <br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/b3952dd0bdf30b879ca01089ebb570b8c7da3b15/original/beef-week-final-with-john.jpg?1438147017" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br><span class="font_large"><strong>HILTON FATT</strong></span><br>We have recently been privileged to be joined by Hilton Fatt on bass. Solid, clever, and lyrical, his bass qualities are a joy to behold and a pleasure to experience. Hilton's beefy bottom end is most welcome at the house of Watling & Bates, and we are most grateful that he has come on board with his musical talents and background in production.Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/37725642015-07-10T16:23:24+11:002017-01-16T15:20:43+11:00Bow & Curtsy Implementation Trials<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/592eaeb3df84b00bd6d51d222e664cf740c21a16/large/bow-curtsy-logo-double.jpg?1438133952" class="size_xl justify_center border_" />Our crowdfunding campaign is up and running at <a contents="ReadyFundGo Bow & Curtsy" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://readyfundgo.com/projects/bow-curtsy-aged-care-social-dance-implementation-trials/" target="_blank">ReadyFundGo Bow & Curtsy</a> for our Bow & Curtsy Implementation Trials!<br>The trials, to be held over up to six Aged Care Facilities over six weeks from 7th September - 16th October will be an opportunity to study how we deliver our program in a care setting. It will allow us to find gaps in our understanding, develop appropriate occupational safety procedures, streamline our set up and pack up, and find the optimal way to deliver our service to bring the most enjoyment and benefit to folks in care. <br><br>We will submit an abstract to Art Health Australia's annual conference <a contents="The Art of Good Health and Wellbeing" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.artsandhealth.org.au/conferences/the-art-of-good-health-and-wellbeing-sydney-2015.html" target="_blank">The Art of Good Health and Wellbeing</a>, held in Sydney from 17-19 November, and present both oral and poster presentations if accepted. We will seek a commercial sponsor to help with the conference fees, and have added a travel component to our crowdfunding campaign.<br><br>We are offering care centres a discounted service rate for supporting our trials, and are using a combination of crowdfunding and underwriting with our New Enterprise Incentive Scheme stipend in order to supplement our commercial fee for service. This will enable centres to host us more frequently than their entertainment budgets would otherwise allow, and to accept that our service is still under construction.<br><br>Crowdfunding will provide a valuable opportunity to show community support for our program, which will be of great benefit to our grant applications for 2016. We would be most grateful for you support and are offering some great rewards to thank you for your kindness. Please check out the <a contents="ReadyFundGo Bow & Curtsy" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://readyfundgo.com/projects/bow-curtsy-aged-care-social-dance-implementation-trials/" target="_blank">ReadyFundGo Bow & Curtsy</a> link for further details and help us bring music and memories to folks in care.Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/37920882015-06-22T15:45:00+11:002017-01-16T15:20:43+11:00Primex 2015 with KYOGLE TRACTORSWe just had to check out Primex this year, and Stu from Kyogle Tractors gave us a home at their stand. The rain had cleared up, the sun was drying out the ground as the wind whipped around up giving a great feeling of excitement. We were joined by John Mcdowall who used the opportunity to peruse the latest in woodworking tools.<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/885175de222ba07b73c51531b8c28dcc148d5ce3/original/our-host.jpg?1438144707" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/c7a0cad208af699503268c88657eb7b6db6bdb6b/original/busking-in-action.jpg?1438144720" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br>Our favourite exhibitors were Natureworks, with their life-sized and anatomically correct replicas of every animal you can imagine, and the Mid Nprth Coast Machinery Restoration Club with their vintage engines. Old school doof!<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/5ed8b4a8a9246e7b25f1ff8ac23c660ad8cf39c9/original/natureworks-critter.jpg?1438144738" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/60659963a5872f39022f2af21bba7e3db6b3f74e/original/louis.jpg?1438144729" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/37920862015-05-31T15:10:00+11:002017-01-16T15:20:43+11:00BEEF WEEK TOP THREE!We were delighted to be placed among the top three buskers in the 2015 Beef Week Busking Competition. Here we are with Bodhran tamer John Mcdowall, who joined us for the duration.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/74d2784028f4aa30f7e526aa1453ac9472b3373b/original/beef-week-busking-cre-pinkertons.jpg?1438143258" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Kazya Karski took the top spot and deservingly so, what a young fireball she is, and off to Sydney soon to chase her dreams. <br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/b742d34843bf0455c4b52c1a4851933ee1d4bbf1/original/ms-karzi.jpg?1438143399" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>Taking out the silver was the down home duo of Jerry Byers and Kevin Randall. Jerry's chicken-pickin' guitar just rang out down the street and the folks love it! <br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/39a3867540820626908f1bcfc9f3fef3102c7cf5/original/jerry-byers-kev.jpg?1438143556" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>It was a great showing with lots of locals coming out to share their talents. The Peoples' Choice Award went to Casino High School, with some fabulous young folk showing the way of the future. Many thanks to the Casino Beef Week Committee for looking after us and running an excellent competition. Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/37116302015-05-22T23:50:17+11:002017-01-16T15:20:43+11:00Beef WeekCasino Beef Week is beefier than ever in 2015. We have signed up for the Inaugural Beef Week Busking Competition and will be on Walker St outside Karam's Fruit Mart from 10 am - 2 pm on Mon 25 - Thurs 28th May. There will be stiff competition on the streets of Casino as well as in the bull ring and woodchop. Check out our video page to see the Watling & Bates Trio with John Mcdowall direct from Barker St Casino in front of CASINO REAL ESTATE and PINKERTON'S JEWELLERS.<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/c2f5d1f6617506e57b18a4ae1c952789811455e2/original/150520-beef-week-express-examiner.jpg?1432298985" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/37041932015-05-12T22:00:21+11:002017-01-16T15:20:43+11:00Kyogle's Red Hot SaleKyogle's businesses will be on show for the Red Hot Sale, and that includes us! We'll have CDs for sale and will be busking with international bodhran whisperer John Mcdowall outside the Bottom Pub with a full PA on Friday. We'll be outside Macdades Homewares on Saturday morning, and will top off our triple play on Sunday at Georgie's Country Cafe behind the Kyogle & Villages Information Centre.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/61dba6b523db6657ec17a87cb528064c9271842a/original/red-hot-sale-square-online.jpg?1431428389" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/36747322015-04-24T17:48:55+11:002017-01-16T15:20:43+11:00Mother's Day at RappvilleWe are off to the Rappville Pub on Mother's Day 10th May to celebrate in style with a spit roast and old time tunes! We'll be using the new-fangled microphones and loud-speakers so everyone can hear us, and will be playing from noon to 3 pm. Bring your mum and come along for a lovely day at this fabulous old country pub!<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/7ca2aadf5bf1d9f1b83496786f9344d18725f6c4/original/rappville-mothers-day.jpg?1429857553" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/36526442015-04-11T19:35:15+11:002017-01-16T15:20:43+11:00West of The Range Festival - TAUTLINER UPDATEThe West of The Range Festival is getting so close that you can almost see Bonalbo from the hills of Unumgar! <br><br>The lineup for the Tautliner Stage has been announced, and we are looking forward to a day packed full of local talent. Musicians, artists and artisans will be laying their talents bare for an eclectic audience of locals and seasoned travellers. Watling & Bates will have the Square Rotunda out for an airing, with flag and bunting rampant. The stage fires up from 10 am and we'll be playing at 1 pm. See you there!<br><br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/e7824fc83c9ebdc5028a067dacf48603b948b1a9/original/wotr-promo.jpg?1428740934" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/35698472015-03-03T13:43:52+11:002017-01-16T15:20:43+11:00Seniors' Week 2015Seniors Week is coming up from 14 - 21st March and wonderful things are happening across the region! <br><br>We will be offering an acoustic BOW & CURTSY trial session at 12:45 pm on WED 18th MARCH at the KMI HALL as a MASTERCLASS event. Please contact CARE CONNECTIONS on 6632 2194 if you are interested in coming along. <br><br>We'll be playing a special amplified concert for the WHIDDON GROUP - KYOGLE on FRIDAY 20th MARCH. Please contact 6632 1385 for details.<br><br>The icing on the cake will be welcoming folks to the CARE CONNECTIONS / UNITING CHURCH Square Dance at the UNITING CHURCH HALL from 5 pm on Sat 21ST MARCH with an up close and personal acoustic set. We will also play some tunes during intermission while folk are eating cake as well. Please contact CARE CONNECTIONS on 6632 2194<br><br>The public is welcome at these events, so we hope to catch you sometime during Seniors Week 2015! Photo by Ginny van Rensen.<br><br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/6683211e88614db44497a1d7078aef32ee8f2783/original/determination.jpg?1425350524" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/35489322015-02-22T18:50:08+11:002019-12-24T08:52:16+11:00Bow & Curtsy Aged Care Social Dance ProgramThe first trial of our 'Bow & Curtsy' dance exercise program for aged care has been booked at the KMI Hall on WED 18th MARCH as part of Seniors Week. We are so excited to have the opportunity to develop this program, which we hope will bring some music and movement to the folks in aged care, and provide regular work for us as musicians. Many thanks to Care Connections for giving us the opportunity to trial our program, and Whiddon Group - Kyogle, for inviting us to perform at their Seniors' Week Concert.<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/e6621db6ded2f155ec6249e1ffa0a14361f9e3d7/original/bow-curtsy-flyer-web.jpg?1426124064" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/35489242015-02-22T18:16:13+11:002017-01-16T15:20:42+11:00Unumgar InclusionsUnumgar Inclusions are our band merchandise. They are contemplative art objects comprised of local insects mounted in resin, accompanied by plant and mineral samples. We are currently undertaking market research on our products during our Certificate III in Micro Busness Operations, and our trial products can be seen at our <a contents="Etsy store" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.etsy.com/au/shop/WatlingBates" target="_blank">Etsy store</a>. <br><br>The image below is of the nymph casing of a cicada, an exoskeleton abandoned during pupation. Our inclusions often contain entire insects however, and the collection and treatment of these insects is undertaken under a mindful no-kill policy based upon <a contents="Ahimsa" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ahimsa" target="_blank">Ahimsa</a> principles. If you have any questions regarding the treatment of insects during the production of our Inclusions, please email us on contact@watlingbates.com and I will send further information. <br><br>The Inclusions take a snapshot of our environment, observing the ebb and flow of different species with time. Our Christmas beetles are an excellent example, appearing in late November, and by February no longer to be seen. During December and January their plague proportions were likely responsible for denuding tree plantations in the surrounding regions. <br><br>We love our insects, and we no longer use pesticides in our house (aside from termite control) as we cannot bear to see insects suffer. Unumgar Inclusions offer a way to celebrate the beauty and diversity of these amazing beings after they have packed up their horns, spikes, and armour and gone to insect Valhalla.<br><br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/ac2eb09fa2cd782994b4904e7db3823ef509c253/original/150221-cicada-side.jpg?1424585170" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/35488172015-02-19T20:55:00+11:002017-01-16T15:20:42+11:00Repentance Creek 7th November 2015We are looking forward to our 2015 return to the Repentance Creek Hall on 7th November, to play with Davey Bob's Blue Healers and Black Train. Here is a shot of The Blue Healers up on stage at the hall, with a view to the foodies outside. Last year's fundraiser was fabulous, and the hall now has a polished floor and a lovely new roof. We'll remind you when the show gets closer, but in the meantime, mark it down in your diary and get your Old Time Dance outfit out of the pillowcase ...<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/a8230a653e1086c8f34357191d7494e0de659d99/original/davey-bobs-blue-healers.jpg?1413714621" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/35483812015-02-09T16:05:00+11:002017-01-16T15:20:42+11:00Misery Loves CompanyWe are very excited that the first single has been released through <a contents="CRS Publicity" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.crspublicity.com.au/" target="_blank">CRS Publicity</a>. It is featured on the CRS 179 release, and we are looking forward to getting some feeback on our work from industry professionals. We'd like to thank Daryl Kirkup for his support and recommend his service to any other artists in the country music genre who are looking to get their work out to radio stations in Australia and overseas. <br><br>We have also been working with director Ron Way and cameraman Tony Lake on a filmclip, which is now in the can and undergoing compliance procedures prior to release. We hope to have the video online soon and a launch party sometime after April, when we finish our studies. Here is a still from a scene at the Top Pub, featuring direction by the master, Ron Way, and some of the wonderful locals who jumped on board for filming.<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/f76dd98d4286109ca017ad4b2bbceed85422b526/original/deb-still-bw.jpg?1424573007" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/35488002015-02-06T14:00:00+11:002017-01-16T15:20:42+11:00West of the Range FestivalGreat news! We have won a spot on the Tautliner Stage at the <a contents="Lions West of the Range Festival" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/LionsWestoftheRangeFestival" target="_blank">Lions West of the Range Festival</a> on Sat 2nd May 2015. We are very excited to be heading to the Bonalbo Showground to take part in an eclectic crowd of local artisans and musicians. There will be stalls featuring the finest local arts and crafts, live music, and food! We can't wait to meet our neighbours West of the Range!<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/b11ed48061564038c0d8c6d0a16890720224d767/original/wotr-poster.jpg?1424577263" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/35483712015-01-28T16:05:00+11:002015-02-22T15:05:07+11:00NEIS Program 2015Watling & Bates are delighted to announce that we have been accepted for training as a small business under the NEIS Program. We are currently completing a full-time Certificate III in Micro Business Operations at NORTEC in Ballina, and hope to graduate in April. If our business plan is accepted upon completion of the course, we will develop our 'Bow & Curtsey' program, a dance exercise program for folks in aged care. The program will be complemented by our work as musicians and our production of souvenir merchandise know as 'Unumgar Inclusions'. <br><br>We'll be under the radar for about everything else bar busking and market research until April, and are grateful to the Kyogle Chamber of Commerce, NORTEC Small Biz Connect, Byron Creative Business Incubator Program, NORTEC Employment and Training at Ballina, and the Federal Government New Enterprise Incentive Scheme for helping us to build a business being true to ourselves and doing what we love.Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/35489472015-01-14T20:30:00+11:002017-01-16T15:20:42+11:00Hillbilly Goat Muster at the Eden Creek HallWe had a great time supporting the Hillbilly Goats at the Eden Creek Hall on Wed 14th Jan. It was the second year running that we have supported the Goats at Eden Ck, and we were able to perform an entire set of original material. A great time was had by all, which is the way things go when the Goats are involved. Thanks Hillbilly Goats for giving us a spot on the bill. Happy to know that you'll be staying around these parts for a while. Maaaaa!<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/51dec4e5b2b0685f84b23ef1e56e73167f71919f/original/goats-hermie.jpg?1424593592" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/35489552014-12-30T20:55:00+11:002017-01-16T15:20:42+11:00Splendour in the Grass 2015One of our highlights for 2015 will be joining Black Train in Bennett Miller's Rumspringa installation at Splendour. Rumspringa is a time when young Amish people get to experience a bit of freedom outside the community. Geoff may have to reshape his beard for authenticity and I will need a suitable frock and hat. Many thanks to Kim McLean from Black Train for this exciting invitation. <br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/508a8b15d6d5d9176e1d29a73435abfa041d0a56/original/black-train-dorrigo.jpg?1424595348" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/35489582014-12-25T21:35:00+11:002017-01-16T15:20:42+11:00Christmas 2014 at UnumgarChristmas 2014 was a restful time at Unumgar, filled with the buzzing of Christmas beetles. Some very warm weather prompted us to break out the pool, which provided much enjoyment for the local horseflies and dragonflies. We wish everyone the best for the holiday season and look forward to an exciting 2015!<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/1a59695dbbb9cd938a1e1787d0701d040759f992/original/christmas-inclusions.jpg?1424597052" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/9786e45b0a4cfb10132b0f7cd31bc1963b247f41/original/christmas-clock.jpg?1424597416" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/26f1820e9d43dea32c7ed0460bea63d0a7956c84/original/christmas-pool.jpg?1424597427" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/32745602014-11-10T23:06:17+11:002014-11-10T23:06:17+11:00Arts Northern Rivers Creative Pop UpWatling & Bates are delighted to be playing at the launch of the <a data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/page.php?id=146839568772376" href="https://www.facebook.com/artsnorthernrivers">Arts Northern Rivers</a> Creative Pop Up gallery in Kyogle on the morning of Saturday 22nd November. We look forward to performing in the company of many of our esteemed local artists, and being part of a memorable occasion in Kyogle's cultural landscape. See you there!<br><br><a contents="Arts Northern Rivers Creative Pop Up" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://artsnorthernrivers.com.au/blog/creatives-move-into-kyogle" target="_blank">Arts Northern Rivers Creative Pop Up</a>Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/32744132014-11-10T18:33:42+11:002017-01-16T15:20:42+11:00The Square RotundaAfter getting busy for a while we have been able to return to Sunday busking at the Kyogle Amphitheatre, outside Georgie's Country Cafe. We have taken a shine to the old rotunda which is quietly sliding into disuse and disrepair down the road behind the caravan park. We have told our Mayor that we would love to see it revived, so in tribute, we brought along our own Square Rotunda to busk outside Georgie's. It worked a treat and gave some lovely shade. Here is a view past the bunting to the railway bridge across the park. We love the Square Rotunda and will feature it whenever we can! We'll be back at Georgie's on Dec 7 & 21. <br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/fb4c27918da9d5bbb3a18083cad248f8533f3e80/original/behind-bunting.jpg?1415605138" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/32395822014-10-19T21:26:00+11:002017-01-16T15:20:42+11:00Morning Melodies Thursday 6th November URBENVILLE<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/bd3d11fe8fdedca2409b8fe546b93a62bb5967d5/original/morning-melodies-for-web.jpg?1413714281" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/32395722014-10-19T20:18:52+11:002017-01-16T15:20:42+11:00Radio Ranch Round-Up with John Maloney of River FMWe had a special treat on Thursday 9th October when we dropped into the <a contents="River FM" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://2ncr.org.au/" target="_blank">River FM</a> studio for John Maloney's Radio Ranch Round-Up. John gave our new CD its first spin on the radio and it sounded very punchy. John gave it the official thumbs up!<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/c0ef0ddfcd4f6d0e5ff6911f643f5b29e273e199/original/john-maloney.jpg?1413710103" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br>We played a couple of tunes live to air, and talked about old halls, the Repentance Creek Hall fundraiser. John crossed live to Bridget Sommers, the organiser of the Dorrigo Folk and Bluegrass festival 24-26th Oct to find out about the amazing line up there. We also talked about the headline act Annie Lou, a Canadian band who are coming to Kyogle on the 28th October.<br><br>John is a veritable encyclopedia of music and local history. Catch him live streaming on River FM 92.9 on Thursday nights from 8 pm to midnight, and Sunday mornings with his Memories show at 10 am. <br> Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/32395492014-10-19T18:17:00+11:002017-01-16T15:20:42+11:00Lions TTOctober started off with the roar of motorcycle engines as the Lions TT rolled into town. TT stands for Tourist Trophy, an event in which motorcyclists enjoyed a traffic-free ride on the Lions Rd, while helping to fund the road's upkeep. Watling & Bates took advantage of the TT's offer of a free festival stall and enjoyed busking in our own stall in Geneva St over the Festival weekend. We were tucked in behind the giant bike from the Moo Moo Roadhouse that came all the way from Mooball. Looking forward to the 2015 when the <a contents="Lions TT" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://lionstt.com/">Lions TT</a> returns to Kyogle!<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/da07650d5cd0e0364eb204ec944e031f8bc50796/original/mooball.jpg?1413702599" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/32065632014-09-28T00:04:04+11:002017-01-16T15:20:41+11:00Repentance Creek Hall Fundraiser Sat 11th OctoberLooking forward to an evening at the Repentance Creek Hall on Sat 11th Oct, where we are on the bill for a show to raise money for a new roof and kitchen. <br><br>We love old country halls and are very happy to be joining Kim Banffy, Chris Costello, Jack O'Leary, Davey Bob's Blue Healers, Walrus and the Carpenter, and the Bighill Shakedown to help with the maintenance. There will be music from 3 pm to midnight and food will be available from the Bloody Good Food Company. <br><br>Check out the <a contents="Repentance Creek Fundraiser Facebook Event" data-link-label="" data-link-type="" href="https://www.facebook.com/events/500005523468104/" target="_blank">Repentance Creek Hall Fundraiser Facebook Event</a> for more details.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/32a85fd09aa06c10340d57e202d16156e6a1b52e/original/repentance-creek-hall-fundraiser.jpg?1411823017" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br><br>Here is some history from the hall ...<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/7a1b4acb43cba862559de1f98c90675badef9202/original/rep-ck-hall-nstar-18aug38.jpg?1413714766" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/32065312014-09-27T23:12:28+11:002014-09-27T23:12:28+11:00Lions TT Weeked 4-6 OctoberWatling & Bates will have a busking stall at the Lions TT Motorcycle Festival on Saturday 4th & Sunday 5th October, after our regular Saturday morning busk at the Tidy Towns Farmers Market. For most recent updates on the event, check out the <a contents="Lions TT 2014 Facebook page" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/lionstt" target="_blank">Lions TT 2014 Facebook page</a>.Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/32065272014-09-27T22:56:02+11:002017-01-16T15:20:41+11:00Northern Star Pulse & ABC North Coast RadioWhat a surprise we received this week! We were invited to play some tunes and chat on Friday Live with Jo Shoebridge at ABC North Coast after being spotted in the Northern Star's Pulse Special on local music. Below is a small sample of the Pulse Special, which also featured Mr Cassidy, Vinegar Tom, Mick McHugh, Substation, Pilots, The Chris Cook Band, In Heart's Wake, and Cheynne Murphy. What brilliant company! <br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/94901570a1f6779301816ad1adfbf71c8b774998/original/northern-star-pulse.jpg?1411818443" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/31659282014-09-01T22:20:52+11:002017-01-16T15:20:41+11:00CD Launch at the Box & Dice 21st September<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/803fb651d228d260cff42b9138ba7729295faba4/original/140830-b-d-w-b-poster-draft.jpg?1409570292" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/31380422014-08-15T13:52:16+11:002014-08-15T13:52:16+11:00Lismore Organic Markets Tuesday 19th AugustLook out for us at the Lismore Organic Markets next Tuesday morning!<br><br><a contents="https://www.facebook.com/LismoreOrganicMarket?ref=ts&fref=ts" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://LismoreOrganicMarket" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/LismoreOrganicMarket?ref=ts&fref=ts</a>Watling & Batestag:watlingbates.com,2005:Post/31285632014-08-09T23:58:56+11:002017-01-16T15:20:41+11:00Welcome to Unumgar<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/145162/07f040b010c6a86e74e029a8ea6426f43e248fa7/original/turkey.jpg?1407588581" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Welcome to the Watling & Bates website. We come from Unumgar NSW, which is 40 km NW of Kyogle. Legend has it that the town of Kyogle is named after the bush or scrub turkey, which is odd as you don't see many around town. Unumgar is Yowie territory. They don't make as much mess of the garden, but they can certainly frighten the horses.Watling & Bates