WRITTEN BY OUR EDITOR-IN-CHIEF SARAH LANG

WRAP UP OF NEWS AND HAPPENINGS IN OUR REGION

Pretty much seems like only 6 weeks ago that I was sitting in front of my computer, typing out the very first “Letter From The Editor”. I was nervous, excited and hoping like hell that you, our readers, would not hate the changes that I had implemented and at best, would be somewhat kind and not throw rotten tomatoes at me… Suddenly it is one year on and here I am, sitting in a new office in beautiful tranquil Hepburn Springs overlooking a forest, and genuinely feel like I am writing a letter to friends. I could never have dreamt how incredible this whole year would be. 

From the first magazine that hit the streets back on 1 September 2017, I have been inundated with the most amazing feedback and support. Lost had been going for nearly 18 years when we took over. She’s old enough to drink, drive and vote. But I’m pretty confident that she really only hit her straps in the past 12 months. 

An enormous amount of gratitude and appreciation has to go out to my incredible team. To my Editor-At-Large and ridiculously talented friend, Richard Cornish, I could not have done this without you. Your wry sense of humour, dry wit and gigantic heart has been a constant source of strength, comfort and inspiration. The incredibly talented Danny Wootton – your images just take my breath away. I have to make special mention of our wonderful printers, Sovereign Press in Ballarat. Its a family owned business and owner Brad Wootton (no relation to Danny!) bends over backwards each month to make sure that it is printed on time. It's so refreshing to see a small family owned business that not only trumps big city competition on quality, but they do it on price too. So for an unsolicited plug, next time you need to do any printing, give Brad a call and support a local business. You won't be disappointed. To the deliciously naughty Ritchie Rich and little Blossom, who every month, packs up his car and delivers Lost all around Central Victoria - thank you from the bottom of my heart. Without you, Lost would simply not get out to where it needs to be. And life would be way less colourful. 

But above all, to you our readers - thank you! Without you, we simply would not exist. We love how you embrace our stories, the businesses that advertise in our magazine. Keep up the feedback - I love hearing stories about how you have tested our recipes or adjusted our cocktails! To celebrate, we are giving away two tickets to see The Hungry Gentlemen host Masterquiz at Farmers Arms Hotel on Monday 15th October. You’ll also get a swanky room at the Art Motel just across the road and to top it off, you can buy yourself some booty with a $100 gift voucher from the very clever and talented folk at Bowen and Kenneth. All you have to do is tell us the weirdest thing you have ever tasted with your tongue! See page 42 for more details.

This month sees the official start of Spring but in reality, the solstice is still a while off and our gardens will quietly start to awaken and by the end of the month, we will hopefully start to see some growth in our vegie and herb gardens. 

ChillOut Festival is kicking up its heels with a Spring Fling weekend on September 8. A women’s choir workshop with Wendy Stapleton is being held at Daylesford Town Hall 10am-3pm. Tickets are $25 and include light refreshments. Later that evening, they are holding the Flappers Masquerade Women’s Ball which will see all the pretty fillies dressing up to the nines and kicking up their heels. Tickets $38. The following day sees the Topp Twins performing at the town hall from 2pm. Tickets $42/$38; All tickets can be purchased at chilloutfestival.com.au

Animus Distillery in Kyneton will be releasing a new gin on September 1, Davidsonia Gin. With a distinctive palate of sour plum, raspberry and feijoa, this is a seriously delicious gin. The guys at Animus have offered to help us celebrate our birthday by creating a new cocktail for us! (See page 38.) animusdistillery.com

Until next month, have a great start to Spring. Its daunting to think that there is only 3 and a bit months until Christmas. I wonder how many Prime Ministers we will get by then?...

Got news to share? Drop us a line at
found@lostmagazine.com.au