This February, you can catch an extraordinary production at the Jetty Memorial Theatre in Coffs Harbour featuring internationally acclaimed classical guitarist Karin Schaupp.

Lotte’s Gift is a play, written by David Williamson, that is based on the memoirs and recollections of Lieslotte Reinke as well as the recollections of Isolde and Karin Schaupp and Trudy von Stein.

Toured to Coffs Harbour by Christine Dunstan Productions, the play tells the remarkable journey of three generations of women – Karin Schaupp, her mother Isolde and grandmother Lotte.

Karin brings to life her effervescent grandmother and displays her own sublime musical talent – playing the music that signposted their lives on her guitar.

Lotte’s Gift is a true and heartwarming Australian story that has been described by the Sydney Morning Herald as “intimate and moving theatre” and “exceptionally beautiful”.

The play promises to leave you uplifted and inspired by the power of both love and music.

Lotte’s Gift plays at the Jetty Theatre at 8pm on Friday 19 and Saturday 20 February. More information and tickets ($35/$27/$20) are available from the Jetty Theatre website.

The Jetty Memorial Theatre 2010 Season features a large number of excellent plays, musicals and other productions so make sure to see what’s on in 2010 and get your tickets early. If you’re interested in 4 or more productions this year, why not become a theatre subscriber and enjoy many benefits including 15% discount on ticket prices.

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Rugby League fans – get your tickets now for the exciting NRL trial match between the South Sydney Rabbitohs and the Gold Coast Titans in Coffs Harbour on Saturday 20 February 2010.

The pre-season match, held at the state-of-the-art BCU International Stadium, takes place at the end of a weeklong training camp of South Sydney at ‘Camp Rabbitoh’ in Coffs Harbour.

You’ll be able to see both teams’ star players as well as new recruits battle it out in front of thousands of Coffs Coast fans.

The main game kicks off at 7pm but gates open at 4pm and a preliminary Group 2 Sevens game will be played at 5pm.

Early-bird tickets were available until 22 January. Regular ticket prices now apply and are as follows: $10 child/concession, $15 adult and $40 family (outer ground) and $30 for a grandstand ticket (until sold out).

Children under 5 can access the outer ground free of charge when accompanied by adults, but need a special free ticket.

Visit this special web page for further information about the match, prices, conditions of entry and to book your tickets: NRL Trial Match 20 Feb 2010

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Anyone who likes to swim and who is on the Coffs Coast on Sunday 7 March should take part in this wonderful swimming event: the Novotel Pacific Bay Resort Ocean Swims.

The popular annual Coffs Harbour swimming event takes place in the calm water of the harbour, which is protected by breakwalls and Muttonbird Island.

The historic jetty, which juts out from Jetty Beach, plays an important role in the event. The 600m race consists of one lap around the jetty, while the 2,000m swim takes in a bit more of the harbour area.

If all that sounds too much, you can register for the 250m charity swim, which is less strenuous. Anyone over the age of 10 can take part in the charity swim, and will stand a chance to win one of three random $500 prizes for their nominated school or charity.

Even if you're not planning to get wet, why not come along to witness the event? The hundreds of swimmers in the crystal clear water, with the Coffs Harbour Marina and Muttonbird Island as a beautiful backdrop, is always a spectacular sight from the jetty or the beach.

Up to 1000 swimmers are expected to participate in the Ocean Swims. All competitors will have the chance to go into a draw for a variety of cash prizes and holiday packages, in addition to prizes for the race winners.

You can pre-register via www.coffsoceanswims.com until Friday 5 March or in person at the Coffs Harbour Yacht Club on Saturday 6 March from 2.00-3.30pm.

Registration on the day itself is also still possible, between 6.30am and 8.15am at the Yacht Club, although there's an extra $10 'late fee' for this.

The first race (600m males) starts at 8.45am, followed by the same distance for females at 9am, then the 2km swim at 10am and the 250m charity swim at 11.30am.

For more information on the Novotel Pacific Bay Resort Ocean Swims and any accommodation enquiries, contact the Coffs Coast Visitor Information Centre on 1300 369 070 or email tourism@coffscoast.com.au

For detailed information on the races and for entry forms, go to www.coffsoceanswims.com.

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