The Myth of the "Boring" Country Town.

Heavenly Beverley lies in the Avon Valley, about one hundred and thirty kilometres east of Perth. We are a reasonably sized town, with about a thousand residents in Beverley itself and another seven hundred or so within the Shire. Exact numbers are not easy to calculate - elderly people tend to be moving on and are replaced by young families, active retirees and escapees from the Big Smoke (like us). Not to mention the population written on the Shire signs hasn't changed in over five years!

There are almost forty Shires within the Wheatbelt, each with their share of small, medium and larger towns.The Wheatbelt itself is a dynamic agricultural district, and farms are branching out into growing other crops as the changing climate has reduced the annual rainfall. And behind the scenes, tourism is growing into a major player. A quick scratch of the surface often reveals fantastic history and stories galore of any town visitors may care to visit.

We have a dream of a series of artisan trails right through the Wheatbelt - for every town to have its individual gallery or giftshop or studio or craft centre. Or for artists to work together in a collaborative way within a town to enhance tourism potential for us all. In Beverley, we are so lucky to have two galleries, a studio, craft markets and a splendid outside theatre. When there is a particular event in town, we are well-served to promote each other. Then we can all benefit from the swell of guests over that day or weekend.

And as for Beverley, the list of activities available for locals or visitors is extraordinary. As cricket, tennis, bowling and swimming activities are winding up with the advent of autumn, off road autocross and motocross are just beginning. As is pony club, footy, badminton, netball and golf.  The gym, line dancing and the over-fifty exercise group keep those active sorts on their toes. The Dead Finish Museum has begun its opening season. Quilting, samba and bridge are other options. Beverley has both ladies' and men's darts for the keen-eyed and the accurate.

Concerts and live music are available in the pubs, at the Platform Theatre and in the Town Hall. The Show towards the end of August usually signals the beginning of spring. Then, of course, we showcase the Beverley Heroic, a full weekend devoted to bicycles and racing and outrageous costumes. There are different categories and fun for everyone.

The reason most country towns appear to be "boring" is to prevent a mass exodus from the metropolitan areas. I have never felt lonely in Beverley from day 1. Although really good friends take some time to cultivate, the good-natured and welcoming attitude of most inhabitants of this terrific country town has shone through from the very beginning.

Take last night. I went to a Partylite Candle evening at the Moads. Becky, the hostess with the mostess, was ably assisted by Val, let down by Cory (!) who failed to bring the fairy bread and Ethan who provided the comic relief. Jo, the Partylite consultant, was informative, casual and very friendly - typical Beverley. We had a particularly enjoyable evening and the best news was that none of us had far to drive home.

Today, we are back in the East End Gallery. We have had a number of guests and lots of favourable comments. This is our last free weekend for a while as social events are filling our calendar. Then we have the Anzac Day long weekend to finish April.

I'll let you know if I am ever bored....!

A Snapshot of Beverley...

The Dead Finish Museum - open March to November - Sundays and by appointment

The Art Deco town hall

outside deck for diners at The Red Vault

Street view of the Red Vault

The Avon River

Yenyening Lakes from County Peak

and introducing the quiet and conservative Moad family!