Most locals who could stay home did so to avoid the challenging conditions, although not everyone had that chance.
Spare a thought for the sporty among us, who had to be out in the conditions for hours on end.
It certainly made things tough for our footballers and netballers playing in Deniliquin and Blighty.
And spare a thought for those who prefer soccer.
Rotary Park is already known as ‘Arctic Park’ because it has little wind break protection, so Saturday would have been a shocker.
The office Bureau of Meteorology device at Deniliquin Airport recorded wind speeds of up to 43km/h on Saturday, with wind gusts at about 69km/h between 2pm and 4pm before dropping in the evening.
At the same time, the mercury barely rose above 12ºC all day.
Forecast better for train take two
Also forced to endure the strong winds were visitors to the community, including those who came into town on the Riverland steam train.
The toot of a train whistle announced the train’s arrival on Saturday morning, and passengers were able to get off and explore Deniliquin.
Arriving from Melbourne, the train returned home again via Echuca-Moama, where passengers enjoyed Moama Lights.
Let’s hope the weather is better when a second load of passengers arrives on the Riverlander this weekend.
Next weekend’s visitors will be treated to the same experiences, although this time the Deniliquin Lions Community Market will be on in the CBD as extra entertainment.
The forecast for Saturday is for a top of 16ºC, a very slight change of a drizzle of rain and wind speeds of no more than 20km/h.
Celebrations moved indoors
The winds forced a change to the Deniliquin Rams Ladies Day festivities on Saturday, but did little to dampen the enthusiasm.
Celebrations were moved indoors to the clubrooms, with the ladies given an elevated view over the football field for the Moama clash.
Doubling as a fundraiser for Deniliquin CanAssist, the support for the day’s activities were as strong as the winds outside.
Photos from Ladies Day taken by the Deniliquin Rams will appear in Friday’s edition.
Are you enrolled?
Chatter about the local government elections are ramping up, now that election day is less than two months away.
But there’s more to think about than who you’re likely to vote for.
NSW residents must enrol or change their address by 6pm on Monday, August 5 to be eligible to vote.
To update a residential address, go to the Australian Electoral Commission website - https://aec.gov.au/enrol/.
Last chance art viewings
Two of the art exhibitions being showcased in Deniliquin are due to close next week, so now is the time to get out and see them before it’s too late.
On exhibition at the Peppin Heritage Centre until July 29 is the colourful work of international award-winning Australian artist Anthony Breslin.
This collection of works in particular have been described as “spellbinding”.
The Peppin Heritage Centre Gallery is located in George St, Deniliquin. Entry to the exhibition space is by gold coin donation.
Also closing at the end of July is the Boundless exhbition from Kurrajong’s Studio 2710 and Edward River Art Society.
It is being held at the Riverbend Gallery in Hardinge St, which is run by ERAS.
The name of the exhibition reflects that many of the works are abstract art.
“Abstract work challenges traditional boundaries, and encourages both the artist and the viewer to explore new possibilities by being curious about its meaning and the techniques used,” ERAS president Louise Graham said.