FIRE UPDATE - Redesdale

09/02/2009

It's been a torrid week. Vineyards and the Estate are safe, not burnt. However, Stonewall Farm at Barfold was in the direct path of the fire and our original Australian galvanised shed, The Shearers Quarters accommodation, so newly restored, refitted and furnished has burned to the ground, as did our storage shed. This held some lovely big pieces of furniture from our Italian house, including 14 new Italian beds for our proposed accommodations at The Redesdale.

The CFA were amazing. They saved the farmhouse and it stands untouched. They also saved the cattle, driving them behind the fire front and dousing them with their hoses. All survived.

Many have lost their homes, none their lives in this particular fire, so we are all thinking we are lucky, especially with the horrendous stories coming out now about what others face.

We have been quite overwhelmed by the offers of help from friends and clients, but especially by the volunteerism of the whole community. This Thursday Peter and I, with the help of one of the local landowners, are putting on a BBQ at The Redesdale for all involved in this particular fire. It will give us an opportunity to harness the skills of those who wish to help - and make those who need help aware of this generosity.

If one were to express a single benefit, it must be that the local community of Redesdale has become closer amid the adversity.