Back to Singleton 2020 Events

Due to the current COVID-19 outbreak, some Back to Singleton 2020 events may be cancelled or postponed. Please contact event holders directly for more information.

According to historical documents, 2020 will mark 200 years since the naming of St Patrick’s Plains – the area we now know as Singleton – on 15 March 1820 by an exploration party led by John Howe, which included Benjamin Singleton and two Aboriginal trackers.

Back to Singleton 2020 from 13-15 March 2020 is designed to be a whole-of-community commemoration focusing on the history of St Patrick’s Plains as well as what we love about living, working and playing in Singleton. Whether you’re a long-time resident or a frequent visitor, this is an opportunity to learn more about our area, come together to reflect on the people who wove the fabric of our community and look forward to the opportunities of the Singleton of the future.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a significant portion of Back to Singleton 2020 events have been postponed. Event updates will be posted to this webpage.

Event	Date	Time	Location	Description
Seniors Festival Expo + High Tea	19 February 2020	10am > 2pm	Singleton Civic Centre	A celebration of Singleton seniors including a student-catered luncheon, entertainment, awards ceremony, oral history project and community services expo. More information: T 02 6578 7290
Singleton Combined Services Dinner	2 March 2020		Singleton Diggers, York St, Singleton	The annual Combined Services Dinner will have a Back to Singleton theme in 2020, showcasing Service Club achievements in the town. More information: E lobbs4@bigpond.com
Singleton International Women’s Day Celebrations	6 March 2020	12pm	Sacred Spaces at the Sisters of Mercy Convent, 30 Queen St, Singleton	#EachforEqual: Come along to Singleton Business Chamber’s annual lunch event, with inspiring guest speakers and networking opportunities. More information: W singletonchamber.org.au
Monthly Rally + Back to Pony Club Day	8 March 2020 \|	9am	Singleton Pony Club Grounds, 7 Range Rd, Whittingham	Club members are encouraged to dress in period clothes for the rally, and past club members are invited to attend, share old photos and stories, and enjoy light refreshments. More information: E singletonponyclub@hotmail.com
Hedweld Open to the Public – Facility Tours	13 March 2020	10am > 12pm	Hedweld, 5 Thrift Cl, Mt Thorley	Hedweld will open its doors to the public between 10am and 12pm for tours of the new Advanced Manufacturing Facility and other workshops. In 2020, Hedweld will be celebrating its 40th anniversary. Visitors are requested to wear enclosed shoes, other PPE will be provided. More information: E enquiries@hedweld.com.au
Singleton Lunch, Tennis + Croquet	14 March 2020	12pm	Howe Park Tennis Club, Boundary St, Singleton	Browse the old memorabilia display, dress up in old tennis clothes and try your hand at a wooden racquet. Croquet, social tennis and kids activities will be available. More information: E howeparktennis@live.com.au
Open Day + Evensong at All Saints’ Anglican Church	15 March 2020	Church open all day. Evensong 6pm	All Saints’ Anglican Church, 40 High St, Singleton	The church will have an open day all day, with history of the church on display and Evensong held at 6pm. More information: E admin@singletonanglicans.org.au
New Empire Ballroom Ragtime Dance Orchestra	15 March 2020	2pm	Sisters’ Chapel at Sacred Spaces at the Sisters of Mercy Convent, 30 Queen St, Singleton	A fabulous concert for Singleton’s Bicentenary commemorations, featuring the music of the 1920s. Tickets will include a delicious Convent-made afternoon tea. More information: T 02 6572 2398 W sacredspaces.org.au/events
Singleton Hospital Reunion	15 March 2020	8.30am onwards	Singleton Hospital, Dangar Rd, Singleton	Enjoy breakfast on the lawns of the hospital, catered by the Hospital Auxiliary and Rotary Club of Singleton on Hunter, followed by tours of the hospital and museum. More information: E wendy.masonjones@health.nsw.gov.au
CANCELLED Singleton Garden Viewing	15 March 2020	2pm > 6pm	“Hambledon Hill”, 535 Hambledon Hill Rd, Singleton	First public viewing of ‘Dale Frank Botanical Gardens’ - stage 1, a proposed 20 ha Botanical ‘dry garden’ of rare species and plants developed over the last 10 years. Situated around the original c1864 “Hambledon Hill”. More information: E james_smith1907@hotmail.com
CANCELLED Bushwalk Together	15 March 2020	10am > 2pm	Catherine Vale Wines, 656 Milbrodale Rd, Fordwich	Share with the Landcare Group the experiences of past present and future traditional custodians of this land. Experience positive relationships between the wider community and descendants of original custodians of St Patricks Plain now Singleton Council Area. Program: 10 - 10.30am: Welcome to Country by Pat Hansson Aboriginal smoking Ceremony 10.30 to 11.45am: Family Walk in the Bush - Learn about native plants and recognise how trees can be used for aboriginal crafts. View a Cultural Burned site and compare with a more traditional method of protecting properties from Bushfires as experienced in the recent fires within the Shire (small groups will be formed with leaders). Bark painting with Pat Hanson 11.45am - 12.15pm: Indigenous dancing and singing 12.15 - 1.15pm: Lunch featuring indigenous creations 1.15 - 2pm: Local art exhibition 2pm: Tag on - Those wishing to visit Baiame (aboriginal Cave Painting in Wanaruah Country and Aboriginal grinding stones at another local property. More information: E wine@catherinevale.com.au
Parish Mass for the feast of St Patrick and Back to Singleton	15 March 2020	10am	St Patricks Church, Queen St Singleton	The parish of St Patricks Singleton will come together for one mass to celebrate Back to Singleton 2020 and the Feast of St Patrick. Following mass, morning tea will be served in St Catherine’s Catholic College Hall with displays of memorabilia. More information: E singleton.branxton@mn.catholic.org.au
Singleton Tidy Towns 2020 Garden Competition	17-18 March 2020	Judging commences at 8.30am	Singleton local government area	With 10 categories including a novelty “St Patricks Day” or “The Orange and the Green”, the competition is open to all age groups and all types of gardens in the Singleton local government area. Entries close 13 March 2020 and the winners will be announced at the presentation at the Singleton Mechanics Institute on 20 March 2020 at 6.30pm. More information: E lynmacbain@bigpond.com or E dianathorning@gmail.com
Singleton Emergency Services Expo	28 March 2020	9am > 12pm	Civic Park, 12-14 Queen St, Singleton	The Expo is designed to showcase the role our emergency services play, and how residents can prepare themselves for an emergency situation. The event will include emergency services demonstrations, with disaster assistance and education on ‘Get Ready!’ to prepare for an emergency. More information: T 02 6578 7290
POSTPONED Presentation on the History of the Christian Israelite Church Community	29 March 2020	2pm	Christian Israelite Church Hall, Goulburn St, Singleton	A presentation on the history of the Christian Israelite Church in Singleton detailing the early members and how they influenced the development of Singleton. The sequence of Church buildings and the businesses operated by the Christian Israelites illustrate the involvement and impact that Church members have had on the Singleton community. The presentation will be followed by afternoon tea and fellowship time. More information: E stanley.gould@bigpond.com
Singleton High Tea + Fashion Parade	4 April 2020		Singleton York St Digger’s Club, York St, Singleton	There will be a fashion parade, showcasing local clothing businesses, combined with a high tea. More information: E singletonlioness@gmail.com
Collectables in the Convent	5 April 2020	9am - 4pm	Sacred Spaces at the Sisters of Mercy Convent, 30 Queen Street, Singleton	Our version of Antiques Roadshow! Have your items appraised (booking required), or drop in and listen to the appraisals, browse local collections, learn about collectables, listen to local musicians. Food will be available. Tickets: $5 at the gate. Under 10s free. More information: W sacredspaces.org.au/collectables-in-the-convent-2020/ or T 6572 2398
POSTPONED Singleton Show Rodeo	2 May 2020	12pm	Singleton Showground, 32 Bathurst St, Singleton	The Singleton Rodeo is back in 2020. Come along and watch talented riders test their skills, including bull riding, steer wrestling, bare-back and saddle bronc riding. The rodeo promises to be fun-filled and action packed, with food, bar and post-rodeo entertainment available. More information: W singletonshow.com
POSTPONED Concert - Bach in the Dark	9 May 2020	7.30pm	Sisters’ Chapel at Sacred Spaces at the Sisters of Mercy Convent, 30 Queen Street, Singleton	A concert in the dark by cellist Rachel Scott and classical guitarists Raffaele & Janet Agostino Optional canapés & wine before the concert (pre booked only) Tickets: trybooking.com/BHIJP More information: W sacredspaces.org.au/events or T 6572 2398
POSTPONED Hunter Valley Food + Wine Festival	May + June 2020			There’s no better time to take in the delights of Australia’s premium wine-growing region than the Hunter Valley Wine and Food Festival. Spanning May and June, the festival showcases the epicurean pleasures of this iconic food and wine destination, and offers the perfect journey of discovery through the stunning region. From incredible gourmet dinners at award-winning restaurants to vineyard tours, winemaking masterclasses, hands-on cooking classes and cosy evenings beside an open fire with friends, the Festival has something for everyone. More information: W winecountry.com.au
POSTPONED 10th Putty Road Truck Drivers Memorial	16 May 2020	1pm Memorial Service (refreshments available from 11am)	Garry Miller Memorial Park, Putty Rd, Mibrodale	The memorial honours truck drivers who ran the Putty and lost their lives, as well as those who dedicated a lifelong career to the industry. More information: E crollick@yahoo.com
CANCELLED Cystic Fibrosis Breathe Ball	23 May 2020	6pm		Help to raise funds for vital research and equipment and to assist local families with physio, medical costs and medications. More information: E ruthy2360@gmail.com
POSTPONED Singleton Business Excellence Awards	29 May 2020 \|	6pm	Club Singleton, 50 Pitt St, Singleton	Established more than 30 years ago, the Singleton Business Excellence Awards recognise excellence in business leadership, entrepreneurship, innovation, sustainability, business growth and employment practices in the Singleton local government area. More information: E singletonchamber.org.au
POSTPONED Singleton NAIDOC Celebrations	8 July 2020	10am > 2pm	Singleton Showground, 32 Bathurst St, Singleton	NAIDOC Week is an opportunity to come together as a community to celebrate the rich history, culture and achievements of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Singleton. Celebrations will include a free community event and the NAIDOC awards. More information: T 02 6578 7290
POSTPONED High Tea in the Grand Hall	11 July 2020	2.30pm	Mechanics Institute Singleton, 74 George St, Singleton	The Mechanics Institute was officially opened by the then Hon. Henry Parkes on 8 July 1867. The user groups, including The Family History Society Singleton, Singleton Potters, Singleton Textile Artists, Singleton Artist Group, Singleton Tidy Towns and Singleton Quilters will highlight the history and heritage of the building and its place in our community, as well as their various art and craft forms. More information: E lynmacbain@bigpond.com E rbromfield1@bigpond.com E margaret.cox44@gmail.com
POSTPONED Hunter Wind Ensemble	26 July 2020	2pm	Sisters’ Chapel at Sacred Spaces at the Sisters of Mercy Convent, 30 Queen Street, Singleton	Talented Department of Education Hunter Region wind/brass/percussion musicians in concert More information and tickets: sacredspaces.org.au/events or T 6572 2398
Presentation on the Ancestry of Founding Members of the Christian Israelite Church in Singleton	16 August 2020	2pm	Christian Israelite Church Hall, Goulburn St, Singleton	A presentation on the ancestry of founding members of the Christian Israelite Church in Singleton detailing the families of early members, where they are today and the contribution they made to the development of Singleton. The presentation will be followed by afternoon tea and fellowship time. More information: E stanley.gould@bigpond.com
String Loaded – Celtic fiddle band	30 August 2020	2pm	Sisters’ Chapel at Sacred Spaces at the Sisters of Mercy Convent, 30 Queen Street, Singleton	An Irish celebration concert For more information: W sacredspaces.org.au/events or T 6572 2398
POSTPONED Friends in Stitches - Exhibition of the Australian Quaker Narrative Embroidery Project	30 August - 1 September 2020	Contact Sacred Spaces for Exhibition times	Sisters’ Chapel at Sacred Spaces at the Sisters of Mercy Convent, 30 Queen Street, Singleton	$2 entry, or by donation For more information: W sacredspaces.org.au/events or T 6572 2398
POSTPONED 1875 in Singleton – Let’s Talk Over Tea!	1 September 2020	10am	Sisters’ Chapel at Sacred Spaces at the Sisters of Mercy Convent, 30 Queen Street, Singleton	Over morning tea, local history enthusiasts will share their stories about 1875, the year that the Sisters of Mercy arrived in Singleton. Tickets: $5 per person More information: W sacredspaces.org.au/events or T 6572 2398
Glendon School of Arts Back in Time Devonshire Tea	12 + 13 September 2020		Glendon Hall, Glendon Lane, Glendon	Enjoy a display of back-in-time memorabilia and a Devonshire tea for a small fee. Celebrate the 110th birthday of the historic hall. More information: T 0427 741 282
Singleton Church Service and Presentation on the Lifestyle of Members of the Christian Israelite Church	20 September 2020	3pm	Christian Israelite Church Hall, Goulburn St, Singleton	A service in the church featuring some musical items followed by a presentation and fellowship meal in the Church hall. The presentation will include details of the lifestyle of members and the launch of a vegetarian recipe book. A smorgasbord dinner, featuring some recipes from this book, will be served at the conclusion of this event. More information: E stanley.gould@bigpond.com
CANCELLED Singleton Show	25, 26 + 27 September 2020		Singleton Showground, 32 Bathurst St, Singleton	Running throughout the two days of the show, there will be plenty for all ages to see and do along Sideshow Alley, throughout the various pavilion displays, and animal competitions in the arena. . More information: W singletonshow.com
Plektra ensemble – Music for mandolin and guitar	27 September 2020	2pm	Community Room at Sacred Spaces at the Sisters of Mercy Convent, 30 Queen Street, Singleton	For more information: W sacredspaces.org.au/events or T 6572 2398
Quintus – 5 male voices in concert	18 October 2020	2pm	Sisters’ Chapel at Sacred Spaces at the Sisters of Mercy Convent, 30 Queen Street, Singleton	For more information: W sacredspaces.org.au/events or T 6572 2398
Hunter Coal Festival	23 October 2020			The Hunter Coal Festival is a celebration of the “Hunter community”, marking the co-existence between the people and industries involved in the Hunter’s largest economic force. The festival highlights include a Community Day, Mining Leaders Lunch, Mining & Industry Careers Expo and the annual Hunter Valley Mining Charity Rugby League Day will also be included for the very first time. More information: W huntercoalfestival.org.au
CANCELLED Singleton Show Campdraft	24 + 25 October 2020		Singleton Showground, 32 Bathurst St, Singleton	Singleton Show Campdraft will be held on 24 + 25 October 2020. Spectators can attend the Campdraft for free and see the amazing skill of horsemen and women compete for fantastic prizes. More information: W singletonshow.com
FibreFest 2020 with the Knitters’ Guild NSW	25 October 2020	10am-4pm	Sacred Spaces at the Sisters of Mercy Convent, 30 Queen Street, Singleton	Knitting, crochet, spinning, weaving, felting, machine knitting, lace making… retail & demonstrations day on Sunday. Workshops on Saturday 24th. Tickets: Saturday workshops- bookings to be advised. Sunday retail day – free entry For more information: W sacredspaces.org.au/events or T 6572 2398