Work on Melrose Street continues, and unforeseen problems are being found. It is hoped that the drainage issues (for the most part) will be dealt with, and people who live around the butcher’s shop will not have to worry about wading through water to get to their front doors. The level of the main road has risen quite a way since it was made over a century ago, and whilst the camber allows for good drainage, the issue was that the footpaths and drains didn’t cope well with the run off during a big event.

Saleyard Road has been totally re-done, which makes it safe for traffic during sale time, but more importantly, for the school and kindy kids and families. The curbing is complete and now the water drains away. The drain at the bottom of the hill required more attention, but seems to be working well now.

Meantime, at the other end of the street, work is continuing with the new owners of The Totness Inn Hotel undertaking extensive restoration and renovations. They have been researching the history of the place and uncovering many interesting facts about the old building and the publicans in the process. It will be great to see the old building used again, and we wish them luck. If you want to see how things are going, check out the Facebook page, where there are blow by blow descriptions. https://www.facebook.com/TotnessInnHotel

Rex Amber was an imaginative and productive community member who was responsible for the wooden animals adorning Talunga Park. A few years ago, The Beat pondered what was to become of these wonderful creations, and thankfully the Progress Association tasked John Bowd, together with offsider Peter Wilde to repair, restore and re-install these fantastical creatures for future generations of children to enjoy. They now take pride of place in the picnic area, near the playground and the Men’s Shed ‘Train’.

And finally - we wish the new committee of the Top of the Torrens Theatre Group all the best with their winter production of Noel Coward’s, ‘Blithe Spirit’. The TOTT productions have been a staple in the community for decades, and considering we are a small community, it is great to see so many people still putting their hands up. So many great performances and productions - a particular favourite of mine was the performance for the 90th celebrations of the Soldiers’ Memorial Hall. What a great night! Even though there might be a few new members on the committee, it is to the great credit of all those who kept in going for so long - because once we lose these fantastic groups, it’s very hard to get them back. https://www.facebook.com/Top-Of-The-Torrens-Theatre-Group-Inc-200700436615816

It might be really cold outside, but there are still lots of events in the hills - especially if you like food and wine - and lots of things also for kids during the School holidays. Get out there and get into it!

Single, red vine…. on the road to Gawler.

Above - Saleyard Road during, and right, after.

I am still waiting for the modem Telstra seems to think will fix my computing woes - in the meantime, I’m still hot spotting and hoping my phone doesn’t run out of data. Yes, I know I could ring and ask for more, but I think I’ve spent enough time on the phone.

A few interesting things in the district lately - not COVID-19 related - including the partial dismantling of a part of the railway line in the Barossa, to accommodate a roundabout.

As you know, I am all about my own district and not as enamoured of others that seem to have had large bites off yummy pies over the years, but I was dismayed to hear about this. Railway lines are a great part of our history. Without the rails, much of the outback would never have been further explored, and certainly not serviced. The local line - ours included - were a major part of our social history, and once dismantled, will never be reinstated.

Take a cue from Peterborough and Terowie. The two towns were amazingly crucial to our links with the eastern states. When all lines were different gauges, thew places are where cargo was swapped and dispersed throughout the state. If you ever have the chance to visit Peterborough, stay in the old Railway Carriages and check our the Railway Museum. In small rural towns that are struggling, keeping these assets are paramount, and it would have been a much bigger drawcard if the link between Peterborough and Tarcowie had remained.

in the past there was a wine train that operated spasmodically in the Barossa region, and although it eventually proved unviable, it will never be resurrected now. I feel it was shortsighted of the state government to pull up the tracks - even though the proposed alternative was much more expensive - that history is gone forever. With the Angaston Rail Precinct now a reality, expansion has effectively been squashed. With drink-driving a bigger issue than ever, the business model of catering for people who want to tour the wineries without driving seems a pipe dream. Of course, apart from the few high-end places to stay in the Barossa, the rest of the accommodation could do with an upgrade, or it will continue to benefit more from local traffic than the overseas visitors they are aiming for.

In the meantime, as the daily briefings from the US seem to get more bizarre, it’s worth watching Chas and John try to make sense of it all on ‘Planet America’, on ABC and iView.