The lack of readily available connections at our exchange for new ADSL2 internet connections has been a sore point in the village for some time.

Telstra Wholesale now advises that a substantial upgrade of the exchange, scheduled for December but possibly as early as November, will increase the number of internet ports and make long and frustrating waits for connection a thing of the past.

Meanwhile, the rollout of the national broadband network is moving quickly with the NBN expected to be available through a number of resellers during the first quarter of 2015. 

A SPECIAL sub-committee of the Millthorpe village committee will soon close nominations for its 2014 community awards. 

The awards are presented annually to people who have made our village a better place.

If you would like to nominate someone, give John Mason a call on 6366 3238. All information is treated in strictest confidence.

Members of the Millthorpe and District Historical Society visited Neville earlier this month on an unusual quest. 

They visited the fledgling piano museum recently opened by Raymond Day-Hakker who operates Central West Pianos.

Members were astounded by the quality of the collection they found: golden era pianos from the 1860s to 1915 that have been gathered over a lifetime by Raymond, who is also an accomplished musician and works at restoration and the tuning of pianos.

His passion and knowledge for his pianos and related memorabilia came through as he shared the stories of many of his instruments and even gave some recitals. 

The old store at Neville in which they are housed actually sold pianos in 1915. While there is still work to do in the museum, Raymond plans to open on weekends, public holidays and by request. He can be contacted on 6332 3322.

THE Millthorpe Rural Fire Service annual open day is coming up in just over a week with activities for all the family. 

Head for the RFS station in Park Street on Saturday, November 1 between 10am and 2pm.

There’s new equipment at the station, and kids and big kids alike will be keen to see the station’s two new fire trucks.

You can meet your local firefighters and get some tips on creating a bushfire survival plan, as well as practical information on how to prepare for and stay safe during the bushfire season. 

And a reminder that the season began on  October 1. No fires are permitted without first obtaining a permit, and the RFS are the ones to approach - Warwick Sharples on 0408 401 335 or Andy Ramsey on 0439 175 152.

THOSE marvellous Millthorpe Country Women’s Association members are again cooking up mouth-watering morning teas for a good cause, this time in support of Cancer Council Pink Ribbon Day.

Drop in to the CWA rooms at 21 Pym Street from 9.30am this Saturday, and help raise money for research into combatting breast and gynaecological cancer. 

Something for the Murmurs?  Contact Laurie Williams at mm@goannagraphics.com or drop a note in at Galvanised, 17 Pym Street, Millthorpe.