At Yass Street, the March met the 18 Pounder Gun and Limber drawn by six horses (one of only a few of these 6300 artillery pieces left that were in operation during the Great War), restored by the Royal Australian Artillery Company. After a ceremonial lap of Yass Street the whole March halted smartly at the Cenotaph for the Commemorative Service, joining the many district people.

The Service included contributions from local students Kitty Duncan, Jake Waters, Ned Dowling, Francesca Moor, Milly Guilfoyle and Breea Waters. 

Dinner was provided for the marchers by local cooks with breakfast catered by Gunning Lions.

Gifts of Wristlet Watches

In the evening, Terry-Anne O’Neill talked about the effect of recruitment and the aftermath of the Great War on the local district. Expensive wristlet watches were given as gifts to the enlistees instead of fob watches.

There was a rapturous welcome home to those who returned with the Gunning Band meeting each train at the station and then marching down to the main street. At war’s end there were raucous celebrations including the burning of an effigy of the Kaiser outside the Telegraph Hotel. Only a wild storm after two days dampened the revellers.

It was only later when all those that were to come home, had done so that the stark reality of those who were never to return struck home.

Terry-Anne asked if anyone has a photo of the Gunning Band or if they know where Meldrum’s Hall was, to please get in touch with her (0428 113 764 or intwitch1@gmail.com)   

Dead men talking

Banjo Patterson and Henry Lawson graced the stage in the personas of Warren Fahey and Max Cullen with their performance of “Dead Men Talking” with many of the favourite works of these famous artists recited (or in some cases – satirised!) A tasty supper followed.

Thanks go to the Origin Wind Farm for generous sponsorship. Assistance from Council, Shire staff, local police and RFS members is gratefully acknowledged.  

Congratulations to the small group of district folk who helped create a memorable couple of days to mark this once-in-a-hundred-years re-enactment from Jerrawa to Breadalbane.

Can you help the Anglican ladies who will be packing Christmas Shoe Boxes on Friday October 9 from 10am at St Edmund’s Church Hall, Biala Street. All are welcome and morning tea will be provided.

If you have suitable small items for the boxes or wish to make a donation towards the postage, this will be most appreciated.  For enquiries please contact Lesley Johnson on 4845 1102.

Thanks to Bernie Boyce for filling in while I was away.

Saturday: Bush Family Reunion, Greendale from 9am. Call 0408 193 179.

Sunday October 11: Garden Club meeting at 2pm at Pauline Wicksteed’s home. Call 4845 1021.

Saturday October 17: OCTUBAFEST at Gunning Shire Hall from 11.30am. Call 0417 663 045.