After the Annual General Meeting on Thursday night, the meeting was addressed by Nicole Hodgson, Tourism and Events Manager for Seppeltsfield Wines, with a most interesting talk on the history of the winery established by Joseph Seppelt in 1851.  The winery was owned by the Seppelts family until the 1980’s when it passed to corporate ownership.  The purchase of the winery by a private consortium five years ago has led to a reinvigoration of the site with the restoration of the Gravity Feed Cellar, the conversion of the stables to the Jam Factory Arts Centre and now the construction of fine restaurant and new Cellar Door in the old bottling hall.  No expense has been spared, using local artisans and local materials to ensure that Seppeltsfield is still a community centre in another century.

Seppeltsfield has been a great supporter of the work of the Friends of the Library and it is great to see it being restored to its former glory as a jewel in the crown of the Barossa.

Annual General Meeting held on 21st August at Nuriootpa Library and was a great night, with reports from President Bill Biscoe, Treasurer Paddy Carter and Library Services Manager Tania Paull.  Did you know that last year 140,000 people visited our libraries to borrow 243,000 items and that we have 13,650 active members?  Did you also know that only 15% of our funding comes from the State Government and the Barossa Council pays 85%.  About time we started putting pressure on the State Government to lift their game and put in some more money.  13,650 votes or potential votes!

Your Library Needs You!

Calling all Friends of the Barossa Library!  Please consider getting yourself actively involved in the Committee.  Our Annual General Meeting will be held at Nuriootpa library on Thursday 22nd August at 7 pm, when the new Committee for 2013/14 will be elected.  All positions are open for nomination:  President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer and 6 Committee members.  Most of our committee have served for many years and it would be great to see some fresh ideas.

Nomination form available at any library branch:

FRIENDS OF THE BAROSSA LIBRARY

I …………………………………………………………………………………..(Print  Name)

of …………………………………………………………………………………(Contact Details)

…………………………………………………………………………………

nominate for the position of………………………………………………………………..

on the 2014/15 Friends of the Barossa Library Committee.

……………………………………………………………………………………….(Signature)

Nominated by…………………………………………………………………..(Name & signature)

Seconded by …………………………………………………………………….(Name & signature)

Date………………………………………….

Meeting starts at 7 pm, followed by guest speaker Nicole Hodgson on “Seppeltsfield, Past, Present and Future” and then some convivial refreshment and supper.