Orange Blossom stories: Light the Night

Blue, gold and white lanterns with light up Bella Vista Farm on Saturday, September 21 to raise money for the Leukaemia Foundation at the Hills District Light the Night.

The event is being organised by seven Hills mums all who have been imapcted by blood cancer in some way.

Chairwoman Fiona Henness said last year around 1000 people attended and they raised over $25,000.

“The highlight was the lantern walk,” she said. “Watching the lanterns lifted high and the glow as we walked around Bella Vista Farm was truly magical.

“The community spirit is amazing and makes this a truly inspiring night.”

Entertainment on the night will be the Ministry of Rock. The Pickett Sisters will also be performing while the Jigsaw Dance Studio will showcasing some local Hills dance talent.

Every day another 35 Australians are diagnosed with a blood cancer . one person every 41 minutes.

Light the Night will be happening at Bella Vista farm between 4pm and 8.30pm on September 21.

For details visit lightthenight.org.au

Cross Country Challenge

Families are embracing the annual Cross Country Challenge at Bella Vista Farm and the Rotary Club of Castle Hill couldn’t be happier.

This year’s event is on Sunday, September 22 with the first event at 8am.

The Orange Blossom Festival event has grown substantially since it was first run by the Rotary club in 2016.

Mike Blair from the organising committee said they were hoping that it will attract over 400 entrants, from serious runners to family fun runners.

The challenge is designed for all abilities with distances ranging from 3.7km family fun run or walk, a 7.4km track for intermediate runners to a 11.1km challenging run around Bella Vista Farm Park.

Funds raised from this year’s event will go to headspace, the national youth mental health foundation, and other charities including the Police Legacy and the Rural Fire service. The fundraising goal is $25,000.

The Rotary Club of Castle Hill’s first Cross Country Challenge attracted about 120 participants. Mr Blair said the biggest number of entrants were families.

“Last year we had 300 and more than 170 of those were families doing the fun run.”

The action starts at 8am at Bella Vista Farm, at the corner of Norwest Blvde and Elizabeth MacArthur Drive, Bela Vista.

Registration includes runner bib and time tracking.

Costs range from $25 to under 16s; $45 for 16 to 60 year olds; and $30 for over 60s with special prices of $45 for one adult and one child and $65 for two adults and two children.

To register visit www.crosscountrychallenge.com.au

A FEAST OBF EVENTS

September 14: Lights, Beats and Eats Castle Hill Showground, 4pm to 9pm.

September 16: Employment Workshop Rex Money Room, Vinegar Hill Library, Rouse Hill, 10am to 1pm www.olympus.org.au

September 14 to 15 Australasian Native Orchid Spring Show at Kellyville Village by Australasian Native Orchid Society Sydney Group from 8.30am.

September 14 to 28: Orange Blossom Festival Annual Art Awards, Castle Hill Art Society 10am to 4pm at : Castle Glen Community Centre, Ridgecrop Drive, Castle Hill | www.castlehillartsociety.org.au

September 19: Western Sydney Symphony Orchestra (Sydney Contemporary Orchestra) concert at The Pioneer Theatre, Castle Hill from 7.30pm to 9.30pm | www.wsso.com.au

September 20 to 22: Bonsai Journey with Bonsai Society of Australia Inc from 10am at Harvey Lowe Pavilion, Castle Hill Showground | bonsai.asn.au

September 20: Hills Shire Symphony Orchestra Community Concert with The Hills Shire Symphony Orchestra, 7.30pm to 9:30pm at Pioneer Theatre, Castle Hill | www.hillsshiresymphonyorchestra.org.au

September 21: Hills District Light the Night for The Leukaemia Foundation, 4pm to 8.30pm at Bella Vista Farm | www.lightthenight.org.au

September 21: Celebrating Women Seminar, 2.30pm to 4.30pm at Aveo Bella Vista Soroptimist International of the Hills | www.siswp.org

September 22: Cross Country Challenge organised by The Rotary Club of Castle Hill 8am to 11am Bella Vista Farm | www.crosscountrychallenge.com.au

September 29: Pawsitive Steps – Mind, Doggy and Spirit Festival at Castle Hill Showground from 11am to 3pm | positivevibes.org.au