Easter a time for rest, going away, spending quality time with the family or catching up with friends, eating lots of chocolate, cooking food and sharing a meal and let's not forget the wine!

Easter is celebrated in so many different ways and those who are religious Easter means a great deal more as Easter is the oldest festival in the Christian Church that celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ (son of God) 3 days after his death from being crucified on a cross. We would say that for all of us (religious or not) in some small way Easter is a time for reflection whether it be for ourselves, families or whether we take the time to realise and acknowledge death and also celebrate and rejoice life and living.  

Easter over the years has become a commercialised time of the year with retailers and adertisers taking advantage in one way or another. A time where people, families and children turn to comfort food over the four-day break, card and gift giving. A rise in the consumption of seafood, chocolates and dinning is also notable. This year IBISworld predicts that Australians will spend more than $3 billion with the expectation that $185.7 million of this will be spent on chocolate alone.

During this period being Easter we also need to take care on our roads with the Double Demerit Points Scheme in full operation for 5 days this year. Offences that attract double demerit points include: all speeding offences; all seatbelt and child restraint offences; and all motorcycle helmet offences. The period of time is from midnight Thursday, 28th March 2013 to midnight Monday, 1st April 2013 (inclusive).

There will also be a 5 day Anzac Day double demerit point period commencing on Wednesday, 24th April 2013 to Sunday, 28th April 2013 (inclusive).

So, please drive safe. Take care of yourself, your family, loved ones, children and pets when travelling on our roads. There is never any excuse or need to hurry, you will still be loved even when you are late.

The weather forecast generally for Easter this year seems to be no different to our usual prepare for anything kind of day. Good Friday expected to be fine, Easter Saturday we are expected to get storms and Easter Sunday we are expected to get rain with mid to high 20s for the 1st week of April including Easter Monday.

Please note that Rydalmere Bowling Club is closed Good Friday, 29th March 2013 and therefore we will not be holding our regular Friday night revival and social night. Easter Monday, 1st April 2013 we will still run our Rock 'n' Roll dance classes as normal at Penrith RSL on Level 2, Hornesywood Hall.

Take care and enjoy the break.