We’re a little slow getting this edition online. Our apologies, we had technical problems. But that didn’t stop us from cramming so much news and information into 28 pages, including a wrap-up of the 2025 Applefest. Thank you, George for getting a report to us so quickly.

Besides all our regular contributors, to whom we owe a huge debt of gratitude, there’s our front page news of Lisa Chester’s visit to the primary school, an important update on Plan Harcourt, and the continuing saga of the roundabout.

There are details of what’s happening at the Castlemaine Fringe Festival (22 March-6 April), Blumes Bakery is up baking again, and George reminisces about packing apples 65 years ago.

And a reminder about the next Gather ABBA or ABBA Gather on March 29.

And a callout for volunteers. If you think that you would like to give some of your valuable time to a local organisation, then give them a ring, email them, talk to some of the members … whatever, just do it. You’ll get a kick out of it, and the organisation will welcome you with open arms. Two that are close to my heart are The Core and the Heritage Centre.