This was a comment overheard from one of the many who attended the funeral service of Daphne Holgate who died on September 23, aged 98.

Born Daphne Joan Winter on June 23, 1916 to Walter and Mabel Winter at 'Ashell' Lade Vale, she had two sisters Phyllis and Bessie.

War was to mark Daphne’s life in very significant ways.

In 1919 Daphne’s mother died in the flu pandemic and the three year old Daphne went to live with her Winter grandparents, where a caring though strict regime was the custom of the day.

Daphne rode her horse four miles to Lade Vale School. She was quite athletic, excelling at swimming, running and tennis. Music was a special love starting from an early age. She was proficient with the harmonica, accordion, Jew's harp, piano and organ.  

Romance blossomed

At 18 Daphne met Cyril Holgate of Dalton at the Gunning Show and they married at Lade Vale Methodist Church on November 24, 1937.  They had five children, Iris, Wesley, Beryl, Yvonne and Ruth. Tragically Yvonne died from meningococcal septicaemia in 1997, aged 48.

War again marked Daphne’s life as Cyril was called up in 1942, away for four years. Making do with ration cards was difficult but the ever-resourceful Daphne was up to the task of keeping her children warm and fed.  

Gardening was a great love and heaven help any snake or hawk that dared pose a threat. Despite being so busy, Daphne had many hobbies. Daphne and Cyril were keen historical researchers and great supporters of the Historical Society.  Daphne and Cyril were jointly awarded Australia Day Citizen of the Year in 1994, the year that Cyril died.

Deep faith

Daphne was deeply involved in the life of the Methodist (later Uniting) church and a generous supporter of district events.  She regularly visited elderly ladies in the community.  

As she grew older Daphne’s faith grew deeper. In later years she looked forward eagerly (even dreaming about this) to seeing Cyril and Yvonne in Heaven and also to meeting her mother, wondering if she would recognise her.  

Funeral service

Her funeral service was on October 1 at the Uniting Church, Dalton conducted by Ellen Manwaring. The eulogy was read by her daughters Ruth Bosak and Beryl Holgate with readings by Amanda Magnussen and Cathy Bosak. The pall bearers were Wesley, James and David Holgate, Steve and Peter Bosak and Andrew Magnussen.

What a wonderful woman who lived such a full and fulfilling life, devoted to her family, her community and her church.  How lucky are those who had the privilege of welcoming her into their lives. Rest in God’s care Daphne.

Hidden treasure

Congratulations to Gunning resident Ros McLoughlin who features in this year’s Hidden Treasures Honour Roll that acknowledges the important role played by women volunteers within NSW rural communities.  

Ros has lived in Gunning since 2000 and has volunteered for Gunning District Community and Health Service, Gunning Focus Group, Creative Gunning, Gunning Independent Living Limited and Lions Club of Gunning, particularly as editor of the Lions Noticeboard.  

Coming up

Sunday: Christmas Concert is on from 5.30pm at the Courtroom, with tea at the Uniting Hall.

Sunday: Gunning Lions Markets is on from 8am-2pm. For information on stalls call 4845 1288.

Sunday: Blakney Creek and Biala landcare field day at 'Rockview' from 1.30pm.

Monday: Fishing Club AGM at the Telegraph Hotel from 7pm. Members invited. 

Friday December 5: JC Landcare AGM dinner at the Old Hume Cafe from 6.30pm. Call 4845 8217.

Fri December 5: Garden Club Christmas Lunch at 12.15pm Call 4845 1021 for more details.