Liability waiver

Note: this signed liability waiver is a condition of entry to the said property during Bullock demonstrations.

Provisions of the Privacy Act 1988 will be strictly observed

Name……………………………………………………...,

Address…………………………………………………...

I am desirous of being part of a group to watch a team of bullocks being yoked, instructed and moved on an open paddock at 802 Markwell Road Bulahdelah by Harold Blanch.

I declare that:

presently, I am neither affected by alcohol nor any other mind changing substance.

that I will observe the safety fences by remaining within the designated area and further that any child or children under my care will be restrained to do likewise at all times while on the property. I will take full responsibility for any harm to any child or children under my care.

I will not hold the owner responsible for any occurrence or failure due to any unscheduled event, act of God or behavior of persons or animals on the property including any negligent act or omission by any servant, agent or officer of Harold Blanch.

And I hereby release Harold Blanch, his servants, agents, officers or any entity connected with Harold Blanch from any liability arising from my/our presence at the property 802 Markwell Road Bulahdelah. And further indemnify Harold Blanch from any claim made by third parties against Harold Blanch arising from my presence on the above property.

 Signed on …………………day of …………………….

X………………………………………………………….X

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A brief history

1. Beasts of burden for many centuries all around the world, oxen have been used as beasts of burden. Records show that ancient civilizations used teams of oxen for moving heavy loads.  Training of  Harold's  team of oxen began soon after the calf was weaned. The long horns you can see on the beasts commenced to grow from a young age, sometimes they are tipped, filed and shaped to grow the way they are.  Animal power is also used to drive various machines and heavy devices that are not mere loads, and for ploughing: especially oxen (often considered the best animals for heavy work, especially where surefootedness is necessary or if wet conditions prevail but they are required in numbers that make them expensive to procure and they are generally hard to raise in more arid climates) and water buffalo (in tropical or very wet subtropical areas, often used in rice-growing). Often the same species as beasts of burden, especially in a tread-mill, e.g. to grind or to pump, but other kinds can also be put to work.                   (extract in italics from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Draught_animal )

2. Devon Cattle. When the First Fleet arrived in Sydney Harbour there were on board a number of cattle breeds intended for breeding up a herd for meat, milk and beasts of burden.  As time went on it was found that Devon had a suitable temperament to be part of a team and suitable to be yoked in pairs and trained to obey the Trainer's unique instructions.                                                                                             The Devon breed is said to be one of the oldest breeds of cattle in existence. The original Devon was prehistoric and thought to be descended from the original cattle in Britain. The breed was developed in Devonshire’s grass-covered hills in south-western England, and originally was bred for the high quality of its beef, though sometimes it was used as a dual-purpose type.   A polled version of the breed, resulting from a purebred hornless mutant, dates back to 1915. It was first imported into Australia in 1800 by Captain John Macarthur and was used in the early days as a draught animal.

   1. Distribution The Devon is found in moderate numbers throughout Australia, but particularly in the safer rainfall areas of south-eastern Australia.  

   2. Breed characteristics Colour ranges from deep red to pale chestnut, with darker red being the more popular colour. The skin is yellow and the muzzle flesh-coloured. The horns are of medium size and are creamy white, with the tips a darker shade. The Devon is a handsome animal with clear-cut lines and a blocky but symmetrical body. It is evenly fleshed, with good breadth and depth. Noted as a good forager, it is an early-maturing breed but is capable of producing finished carcases from calf through to heavyweight bullock.                                             Extract in italics from http://www.agric.nsw.gov.au/reader/beef-breeds/a2315.htm

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3. Bullocky - Harold Blanch left school and academic studies very early in his life to learn the skills his father had developed in the timber industry. He was eleven years of age when he followed his father into the forests to learn the skills of a bullocky, that is the skill of breaking in a team of bullocks to answer his instructions. Each bullock has its own special name and place in the team. The beasts are large with long horns measuring up to 1.2 metres and generally weighing close to a tonne.

   Harold worked continuously in the Bulahdelah forest area all of his working life, pulling logs from the forests to a collection area for rendezvous with the  logging trucks. His working hours were long, starting before daybreak, saddling up his horse in order to find where the bullocks had spent the night. Moving the bullocks to where the yokes had been taken off the previous night. he would then yoke the beasts in pairs (up to ten) in preparation for a day of work. At that stage he would have his inevitable 'smoko' by which time of morning it would have been just after sunup before the clanking of chains, and whip cracking sounds would be heard in the bush.

4. Concept of the demonstration. Since his retirement Harold has continued to enjoy working with his bullocks even though modern day heavy machinery is far more appropriate. Technology has overtaken the work that he has performed all his life.   Certain members of the Bulahdelah Chamber of Commerce  having watched several demonstrations felt that the historical nature of the demonstration would be a 'living history' lesson to many tourists passing through Bulahdelah.  Cape Hawke and Port Stephens were originally named by Captain James Cook when he sailed along the coastline in 1770. In 1816 permission was granted for cedar to be removed from the Great Lakes district. The cedar cutters, mostly assigned convicts, moved along the waterways in the early 1800's but made no attempt at settlement Extract in italics from http://www.greatlakes.nsw.gov.au/commprof/european.htm