On Saturday May 3 members past and present of the Oolong RFS gathered at “Hillgrove” in Ladevale to celebrate 50 years of operation. President Andrew Basnett mentioned Ladevale and Oolong family names that were associated with the Brigade from its outset – Medway, Brown, Lees, Hazell, Hillier, Chapple, Armour, Lawton, Granger, Weatherstone and Bush. There were some appreciative chuckles when he recounted that the drive to form the brigade was probably conceived by four men at the bar during the 1964 Jerrawa Show.
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RFS Zone Manager Peter Alley calculated that there has been a combined 417 years of service to the brigade. As well as presenting John Weatherstone with his 50 year service badge, Brigade certificates were given to Esma Bush, Harold Hazell and Don Priol for many years of willing service. The new elegant maple Captains Honour Board that was unveiled had been crafted by Don Priol in his home workshop.
Later in the afternoon captain Terry Hazell recalled his formative years using the council issued leather beaters and the ornery pumps of yesteryear. RFSA State Secretary Ken Middleton emphasised the role of its support for smaller brigades with a modest population to call on.
Come fly with me
Last weekend the huge flock of galahs at the Gunning Showground turned out to be part of the Central Cumberland Racing Pigeon Club’s event. Gunning resident Jenny Vaughan s reported that as well as utes and small trucks, there was one semi-trailer laden with cages of pigeons.
As we approach the centenary of ANZAC it is worthwhile recalling the work done by racing pigeons during both world wars. According to the club’s website there will be another release at the grounds this coming weekend- www.ccfpigeons.com.
Pastance performs
The popular group Pastance will return to Gunning this Sunday to share some Celtic and traditional music. The performance is at the Gunning Courthouse at 2pm. Call the Focus Group on 0417 663 045.
Gunning Scouts alive and well
Gunning 1st Scouts continues to grow and flourish under the watchful guidance of newly qualified local leaders. Currently there are a healthy mob of Joeys, Cubs and Scouts who meet on a Monday night at the Gunning Scout Hall with Joeys and Cubs starting at 5.00 pm and Scouts at 6.30 pm.
Members come from as far as Collector and Dalton, with the current Cubs leader Karen Lumsden from Collector and Scouts leader Michael Wooton from Dalton. He’s also a new dad.
The group has secured funding from Origin Energy for improvements to the hall and equipmen, and had contributions from Reece Plumbing Goulburn and Argyle Fire Service.
The group is looking to partner with local organisations such as Landcare to assist with regeneration projects with Coronation Park.
Call John Duncan on 0429 940 4931 or group treasurer Bernie Boyce on 0414 714 562.
Gunning shines at Yass district athletics
Gunning and Dalton Public students recently attended the District Athletics Carnival in Victoria Park in Yass. All students were at their best, with some qualifying for further competition.
Thanks to those who worked to make the carnival a great success. Gunning Public School relieving principal acted as starter for a long list of track events.
Results
Bailey Lanham: First in shot put and second in both 100 and 200m track events.
Chantelle Blacker: Second in long jump.
Lilly-Belle Brett: Second in 800m.
Millie Guilfoyle: First 800m, third long jump, first high jump, third in 200m and second in 100m
Rubin Lees First long jump, first 100m, second 200m and third shot put.
Breea Waters: First 100m, third high jump and third long jump.
Chloe Lawton: Second 800m and second long jump.
Coming up
Saturday: Pastance – Gunning Court House. Call 0417 663 045.
June 21: Karaoke from 7–11 pm at Telegraph Hotel.
June 28 and 29: Gunning Patchwork Weekend Call 4845 1617 or go to www.gunningpatchworkweekend.com
With Ann Darbyshire taking a well earned break, the column is being brought to you by roving (sometimes raving) reporter, Bernie Boyce. Feel free to send any news item for the next week to Boyceb16@gmail.com.
