News from the Heritage Complex

Hello Everyone, We hope that your Christmas was a happy one, and that you have had the opportunity of a relaxing break from routine. Unfortunately, here at the Heritage Complex, we are beginning the New Year on a sad note.

VALE BON WILLIAMS

Our district has lost another of its treasured residents with the death last Friday of our good friend Bon Williams. Though he was not born here, many of Bon’s ninety-plus years were spent in Lockington and he was an important element in the life of the town. Interestingly, his name was not Bon, or Boniface, but Olaf. He told us that a family friend, who described him as a ‘bonnie babe’ all those many years ago, was responsible for giving him the name by which we all knew him best. While he lived in our district, Bon was an excellent example of a community man – Always interested in local events, active in the support of his church and other organizations, present and helping at whatever fundraising or other community events took place. Will we ever forget him, driving his T model truck backwards in the Back to-Tennyson/Pine Grove street procession? The truck had only one gear operating – Reverse! Or playing his piano accordion at the Back-to- Lockington concert? Bon was so slight, it seemed a wonder that he could support the instrument’s weight. However, he not only played it well, but danced a few twirls around the stage in time to the music! Bon was a great friend to the Heritage Complex. For the first few years of its existence, he visited on most Sunday afternoons, and at other times besides. His little dog spent quite a bit of time, tied to the veranda post in the shade outside while, inside over a cuppa, Bon regaled us with stories. He had an absolute wealth of them. His family had come to this district at about the time when irrigation was introduced and he had seen the town grow. He knew the history of each of the business premises, the various proprietors and tenants, and the type of establishments that each had run. There were all sorts of little vignettes for each, too – Some we might have written down, but most will have been forgotten. In any case, we could never have retold them in just the way that Bon did. There was the one about the attractive young lady music teacher who came to Lockington for a while, and all the young lads – including Bon himself – began taking music lessons. Another was of his experiences with a visiting dentist, and Bon donated the actual false teeth that featured in that story. Bon donated many an interesting artifact to the Heritage Complex. Most were small items, but there were large ones too. His T-Model Ford truck is a valued part of our collection, and then there is the tram. It seems to have come to the district at about the same time as did Bon himself, initially (I think) as accommodation for fruit pickers on one of the orchards. It then spent some time on a property "near the MIA Hall" – Does anyone know exactly where that property was? – From there, it went to the Williams Family property in Vise Road and served as Bon’s bedroom for a good many years. When Bon moved into Lockington, he donated the tram to us. Its relocation was not without some difficulties, but they were overcome. Now beautifully restored by Heritage Complex committee member Bernie Crumpler, the tram is part of the Complex’s display and a source of great pride. Bernie is appreciative of having had the opportunity to chat with Bon about the tram and to learn something of its local history. We are grateful to Bernie for his painstaking restoration work, and we are particularly grateful to Bon – For the tram and for the many other gifts that he gave to us, and for giving so much of himself to this district and its people for so many wonderful years. Thank you, Bon! Our deepest sympathy is extended to all of Bon’s family and his many friends. His cheerful presence has been much missed in Lockington and will continue to be so.

'Bye for now, Marg O'Brien

Previous Items of Interest

• July 2007
• January 2006
• April 2005
• January 2005
• December 2004
• September 2004
• August 2004
• July 2004
• June 2004
• 6 February 2004
• January 2004
• December 2003
• Before December 2003

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Hello Everyone,

FIFTIETH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

Members of the Heritage Complex Committee - and all of our readers, too, I feel sure - extend our heartiest congratulations to fellow-members, Lexie and Ted Koch, who celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary recently. We wish them all the very best, now and in the future!

NATIONAL FAMILY HISTORY WEEK

National Family History Week (www.familyhistoryweek.org.au) is coming up soon - from 4th to 12th August 2007. The week is sponsored by the Australasian Federation of Family History Organisations, a number of genealogical groups, archival repositories, and the Australian Government. Suggested activities for the week include: - Have a Family Reunion; start drawing up your Family Tree; organize your family photos; start a journal; write your life story; interview and record a relative's life story; talk to distant relatives; give some thought to family traits - find out where they came from; take a history walk; and visit areas of family significance. I am very hopeful that, sometime in the future, we will be able to have some activities of this kind at the Heritage Complex, to celebrate Family History Week. Unfortunately, it won't be happening this year, but you might like to undertake one or more of them privately. If you do decide to do so, please let me know if I can help in any way. While I am thinking about Family History, thanks to Frank Dullard, we have another four well researched and presented Family Histories to add to our Heritage Complex reference library; the stories of the Dullard, Cummins and O'Donoghue families. (Thank you, Frank.) These are much appreciated as they add to our knowledge of the history of our own district and beyond. At its source, every great historical event is family and local history. If you have written the story of your family, or if some one among your relatives has done so, please think about giving a copy of the document to the Complex. We would be very grateful. Still on the subject of Family History, the Complex received a letter recently from Jacinta Evans, grand-daughter of Peter Maxwell Evans and his wife Jean, who moved to Lockington from Bonnie Doon in about 1948. Jacinta's parents are Peter (Tim) Evans and Kathleen Evans (nee Palling), who lived in Lockington before moving to Colac in 1975. Jacinta is researching her Family History, and wondered if we had any references to the family among our resources. Tim Evans and P M Evans's butcher shop are briefly mentioned in the local history books, Then the Water-Wheel Turned and Endurance and Motivation Survives, but I've found no other information in our collection so far. If anyone has memories of the time the Evans family spent in this district, and would like to write these down, I will be happy to forward them on to Jacinta. Yet again, in regard to Family History, we have recently acquired some more copies of the biography of Major General Rankin. They can be purchased for $10.00 each at the Complex.

That must be it for this time,

'Bye for now,
Marg O'Brien.

January 2006

Hello Everyone!

Happy New Year! We have already had our first Committee Meeting for 2006, with quite a good turn-up considering the heat. Items for discussion included the new kitchen, and plans for its official opening, and early promotion for this year's Vintage Tractor Rally. Many of you may have read the excellent article that appeared in the Riverine Herald last week. This publicity was largely due to Committee member, Paul Connors. Throughout the year, Paul attends a considerable number of rallies across the State and beyond, and promotes the Lockington event at every opportunity. Thanks Paul, we really appreciate your efforts!
Once again, this year's Vintage Tractor Rally will be a two-day event, taking place on the weekend of 22-23 April. For anyone who would like to take part, registration forms are already available by telephoning Paul, or writing to the Heritage Complex at P.O. Box 150, Lockington, 3563. I'll have more information about the Rally in future issues of the Community News.

COMMERCIAL KITCHEN

Our new kitchen is coming along slowly but surely. Fixtures and fittings are currently being installed, with wiring and plumbing to be finalised where required. At this stage, it is hoped that the kitchen will be ready for its official opening in late February or early March. We are very grateful to all who have given time to help construct the kitchen; these include Committee members, but also associates like Ted Koch, Rick Connors and Bernie Crumpler. We thank them and the many others who have been involved.

MOWING

Whilst on the subject of thanks, the Heritage Complex Committee is most grateful to our friend and neighbour, Max Kellett, who used his own equipment and devoted a considerable amount of time to mowing the grassed area across Market Street from the Complex. This has been a valuable contribution at this time of the year with fire risk being a major consideration. Thank, Max!

CAROLS BY TORCHLIGHT

Our annual "Carols by Torchlight," was held on Sunday evening, 18 December, at the Heritage Complex, and was a very enjoyable event with an attendance of about 160 people of all ages. Everyone was in good voice and, between carolling, we enjoyed entertainment provided by our Lockington Choir, by the Male Trio (Ian, Geoff and Scott), by singer Tameka Pentreath, and by singer-guitarist Rupe Adams. Thanks to all of these good people, and to Andrew Rankin, who loaned the sleigh bells that were used to such good effect by members of the choir. A highlight of the night was undoubtedly the puppet show presented by Rev. Ken Rookes, assisted by a team of local puppeteers. Rev. Rookes also delivered this year's Christmas message. Thanks Reverend Rookes! We also appreciate the effort made by Santa, who once again fitted us into his schedule at this particularly busy time of the year. Thanks Santa! Thank you everyone who came along to take part in the evening. Donations amounted to approximately $150.00, which will go this year towards the purchase of overhead fans for the Complex - items that we will no doubt appreciate on hot evenings in the future!

That is it from me for this fortnight, except to say that because there is quite a bit of work to be done on the kitchen in coming weeks, there will not be a School Holiday Film Night this month. We look forward to screening a family movie at the end of First Term and I'll let you know more about it in a few weeks.
Bye for now, Marg O'Brien.

April 2005

LIVING HERITAGE TOURIST DRIVE

The Living Heritage Tourist drive was among the items to be addressed at the public meeting at the Community Centre on Monday, 21 March 2005. While it is not among the projects listed as high priority, it is still very definitely on the agenda. I am still keen to hear from readers with suggestions of sites that might be featured as part of the Tourist Drive. We hope that a series of nine or ten story boards located at relevant points along the Drive will give tourists an inkling of the long history of the area. There are many aspects that could be featured - Possibly the aboriginal history of this district; the early pastoralists like Patterson and Rowe; the selectors who came here in the 1870s; the schools, halls, churches, stores and inns that were built at that time; early ventures in irrigation farming; closer settlement, horticulture and dairying; war service, and others. The route of the Drive, as it currently exists, goes along the Northern Highway from Echuca to the Mitiamo turn-off, along the Echuca-Mitiamo Road to Kotta, from there southwards through Lockington to the Prairie Road intersection, eastward along Prairie Road to the Northern Highway and from there into Rochester, returning along the Northern Highway to Echuca. I know there are places along this route that have stories to tell. If you can think of any that would be appropriate, I would love to hear from you.

WHARPARILLA WEST SCHOOL STORY

Mary L.Elliott was the Head Teacher at Wharparilla West in 1896. She did not use the residence and boarded more than a mile away. On 2 March 1896, she reported to the Education Department that, during her absence during the weekend, a person travelling with cattle opened the gateAll the trees that were planted [were] bitten off. She asked for a NO TRESPASSERS notice to be provided, and inquired if the responsibility for providing a padlock lay with the Teacher or with the local Board. Teachers at Wharparilla West over the following decade were Minnie Kilfeder, Isabella Flett, Mort J.Woodhouse and George McDonald. Mr McDonald lived in the school residence for the first year after his arrival in the district in 1904. The following year, he found alternative accommodation in Echuca as the residence was in a bad state of repair. In October, 1909, he reported to the Education Department that an outbreak of whooping cough in the district had reduced attendance at the school from 23 to just two. In view of this, he considered this might be a good time to close the school for repairs. He even wrote to the local MLA, Mr McKenzie, to ask his support for this proposal but the Education Department did not take up the suggestion. R.H.Finney was the Head Teacher in May, 1910, when Inspector A S McIntyre reported to the Department that the general condition of the school buildings was poor. He described the residence as a poor affair, unfit for habitation. In mid-1911, the School Committee decided to put a verandah on the front of the residence as some protection from the summer heat but by October 1912, the Education Department had not yet approved the project and the support of the local MLA was being sought. In the meantime Mr Finneys place as Head Teacher had been taken by Miss Louisa Beckham and then by Miss L Ferrari, who remained in charge until the end of 1913. Repairs to the school and the residence were a long time coming, but Ill leave the details for next time.

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January 2005

To return to our ongoing history:-
PRAIRIE PARK SCHOOL STORY

It seems that the removal of the school building, from the site of the former Wanurp School to the site of the proposed Prairie Park School, took place immediately after the 1932/33 harvest had been completed. On 2 February, 1933, J.L.Whitfield contacted the Education Department to ask if the shelter shed that remained on the site of the closed Mitiamo East School, could be moved to Prairie Park. (The Mitiamo East school building had been removed to Prairie West some time previously.) By 17 February, 1933, all was in readiness for classes to begin at Prairie Park, and Francis Muller was appointed Head Teacher.

On 23 March, Mr Whitfield requested that the Education Department provide a fence around the school yard. The Department's reply stated that wire for a fence would be provided, if the local residents would dig the holes and provide the fence posts. This caused some consternation, as the local residents were still experiencing financial difficulties. On 4 May, they informed the Department of this, stating that they could not supply posts but agreed to do whatever work was required. That same day, Mr.L.J.Baker, in whose paddock the new school was located, wrote to the Education Department, saying that his fence had been cut to put the building in place. The fence had then been left lying on the ground, allowing stray cattle to access his crop. Fencing was an urgent need and presumably it was met. So lessons went ahead without interruption at Prairie Park, for the next 6 years. Then, on 21 August, 1939, Francis Muller wrote to the Education Department with the news that a family had left the district, and that attendance numbers had been reduced to six. No new enrolments were expected in the near future. Part-time operation with Prairie or Terricks South schools was suggested, but the closure of Prairie Park was the recommended option. The school ceased to operate from 30 January, 1940, and the building was once again unused, and available for removal to another location. We'll follow its trail next time.

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December 2004

PRAIRIE PARK SCHOOL STORY

After having been unsuccessful in their initial application for a school, submitted in July, 1926, the Soldier Settlers and other residents of the Prairie Park district proposed a slightly different option. Their correspondent, Thomas Crossman, wrote to the Education Department on 15 November, 1926, stating that the residents were prepared to move the school building from Wanurp, and set it up at their own expense. The removal would be carried out by the Reigel Brothers, and land for the school would be a gift to the Department but, once again, their application was denied. Thomas Crossman contacted the Department again, on 24 July, 1927, to say that, because the Pine Grove School was to be closed, half of the students from there would be eligible to attend the proposed new school at Prairie Park. Though this increased the number of potential pupils to ten, the Department still considered it did not warrant the provision of a school there. When this reply was received, James Hutcheson wrote to Members of Parliament, John Allan, William Dunstone and H. Angus, asking that they use their influence to assist the Prairie Park residents. There were no further developments by September, 1928, though a different site was now proposed for the school - It was in the Parish of Mitiamo, south-west of the earlier site, and on the main Mitiamo Road. This meant that the Trimby children, whose names were on the earlier submissions, would be better off to continue attending the Terricks South School, and the number of potential students was still too small to justify a school at Prairie Park. It was 1932, before another application for educational facilities was lodged by the residents of Prairie Park. There were now considerably more children likely to attend - Families ( and numbers of children ) were :- Phillips (5), Mullins (2), Hutcheson (5), Baker (4), Whitfield (3), Crossman (4), and Richards (5). On 1 June, 1932, a deputation from Prairie Park, introduced by John Allan MLA, was received by the Hon. J.W.Pennington MLA. This had the desired effect. Two acres of land for the school was acquired from the Closer Settlement Board, and the Education Department wrote to request that residents pay 50 pounds towards the cost of removing the school building from Wanurp. George Millar, one of the residents, then wrote to John Allan MLA saying that, though the parents were happy to do all the work, "through no fault of their own, [they were] today receiving sustenance to live on. How [were] they to find 50 pounds?" Good sense appears to have prevailed and the removal was authorised. However, it had not yet been done when, on 30 November, George Millar again contacted the Department to urge that the removal be carried out immediately after the harvest finished and "whilst roads are still passable." So the Prairie Park School was closer, though still not a reality. The rest of the story will have to come in a 2005 issue of the Community News.

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September 2004

RON ARNOLD'S GRINDER

I have heard of yet another of Ron Arnold's grinders, this time as part of a shearing plant, and in Lockington until ever-so-recently! Unfortunately, it was sold and its present whereabouts are unknown. Never mind, we are still hopeful that one of these items will yet become a part of our local history and heritage collection.

THE WANURP SCHOOL STORY

After the little piece in the last issue about Robert Wilson facilitating the 1894 relocation of Wanurp School to a new site further east, one of our readers was able to tell me a bit more about this one-time-local landholder. I had assumed that he was one of the parents involved, but Mr Wilson was a bachelor and had no family. He owned land in the PineGrove-Wanurp area and also at Mystic Park, and seems to have been a community-minded man, concerned for the well-being of his neighbours, employees and their families. On his death, it was learned that he had bequeathed his landholdings in this area to three of the neighbouring settlers.

To return to the story:- In 1898, the Inspector of Works, William Rettie, visited the Wanurp School and described it in his report. "The building is an old style Portable & Quarters, weatherboarded, to which has been added a wide verandah on the south side, covering the porch door and school tank, The school is half time attendance and small. Closets are the usual portable structures, no screen fences. The place is much exposed, no trees or natural shelter of any kind. A screen to the boys toilet is necessary...There is plenty of filling and gravel round the building. It is worn away a little at school entrance but as this is under cover of the verandah it does not matter much. A small hardwood wicket gate and post would be convenient but it is quite easy to get through the wire fence." It certainly brings an interesting picture to mind. Though there was no similar letter on this particular file, I recall reading one from a teacher at another small school in the district, pleading for a gate to be put in as she was finding it necessary to leave her horse outside, tied to the fence.

I'll leave Wanurp for another time and say cheerio for now,
Marg OBrien.

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August 2004

CONTINUING THE WANURP SCHOOL HISTORY.

As I haven't a lot of current news to give you, I'll return to the story of Harriett Palmer at the Wanurp State School in the 1880s. You may remember that I wrote that she had taken up the position of resident Head Teacher at the beginning of 1882, but she actually began teaching there at the beginning of 1880. She contacted the Education Department at the beginning of 1882, and again in January, 1883, to report that the school building and attached Teacher's Quarters were in serious "want of repairs."

There was no positive response to her reports and, on 13 August, 1883, Harriett wrote again to the Education Department.

"Sir

I have the honour to beg, that the [Wanurp] school may receive some attention before the summer sets in. Last Sat'y morning we were awakened by the rain beating in, on the bed; the school & bed-room floors were drenched. The heat enters as easily as the rain & wind. During the summer, there is nothing, but a zinc roof & papered lining between us and the scorching sun, so that the heat of the room with the children in, is indeed distressing. It is situated on a large plain without a tree near it. Hoping that it will receive attention as it is, in truth, poor protection against any kind of weather.

I remain, Sir

Your ob'ent Serv't,

(Signed) Harriett Palmer."

Still there was no response from the Department. Harriett wrote yet another letter, dated 8 December, 1883, after hearing locally that the teacher at Pine Grove State School was faring a little better than she had been.

"Sir

I have the honour to request, that the ill-condition of the [Wanurp] school, may receive consideration and attention.

Now that the hot weather has come, the boards are some inches apart, admitting hot winds, heat, dust, & sunlight. There are but slight traces, that some time in the past, it has had a coat of red paint. During winter the wind & rain enter freely, & in summer it is almost unbearably hot.

It is, I believe, one of the shabbiest buildings I've seen belonging to the State. The District Inspector (R.F.Russell Esq.} has several times recommended that it should be repaired, & last July two members of the Board of Advice recorded in the rolls 'The school is badly out of repair.' The attendance will increase. The Pine Grove private residence though lined & painted, is to be re-done up, & I can truly say, there is not the slightest comparison between the respectability & comfort of the two buildings. That [the Pine Grove school residence] is lined & waterproof, but often we [in the Wanurp Teacher's Quarters] have had difficulty in keeping our bedding etc. dry.

It is a truly needful case, & pleading that it may receive attention

I have the honour to remain Sir

Your Obed't Serv't

Harriett Palmer."

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July 2004

CONTINUING THE STORY OF WANURP SCHOOL.

As promised in the last issue, I have some more information from the Wanurp School Building file that wouldn't fit in the school history that we published last year. Harriett Palmer became the teacher-in-charge at the beginning of 1882. She lived in the Teacher's Quarters attached to the school with another family member. I don't know if this would have been her mother. Harriett later married, lived in the district, and raised a family. Someone from among her descendants might know who else experienced the discomforts that Harriett described in her letters to the Education Department. The first letter was dated 23 February, 1882, and read:-

Sir,
I have the honour to draw your attention to the dilapedated condition of the [Wanurp] school. It stands on a plain, where there is not the slightest shelter, & when a heavy wind is raging, it blows from one side to another, so that we are quite frightened to live in it. During the Xmas holidays, neighbours placed it in position with crowbars & propped it temporarily on one side. When it rains, I have to arrange the children at one side of the school, as water pours in round windows and through great cracks (inches wide) in the walls. the place is not fit to live in; it wants lining, painting, locks repairing, & an oven in the quarters. Hoping this will receive your favourable consideration before the winter comes on. I have the honour to be Sir
Your Most Obedient.
(Signed) HARRIETT PALMER.

Nothing happened, and almost a year later, Harriett wrote again.

Sir
I have the honour to draw your attention to the want of repairs in the [Wanurp] school. Unless it is repaired before the winter sets in, I cannot hope to have a good attendance; as the parents declare their children are always suffering from colds, sore throats, etc caught at school. When every door and window is closed, & a strong wind is blowing, the maps flap to and fro on the walls; papers etc are blown about the floor. It is an intensely cold place, & I consider it dangerous to live the winter in it. Sometimes of an evening our candle or lamp is blown out. I believe R.F.Russell Esq (the Inspector) has given evidence to this effect. The school requires lining, painting, & an oven in the quarters. There is no probability of the attendance being less than the last twelve months. Hoping this will receive instant attention. I am Sir
Your obed't Serv't
(Signed) HARRIETT PALMER

Harriett did not receive the hoped-for response.

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June 2004

F This fortnight's column will be a little bit different, as I've been away and feel a bit out of touch with current developments at the Complex. I thought it might be a good opportunity to share with you some of the details that were available on the School Building Files, but couldn't be included in the school history due to lack of space. I'll begin with the Wanurp school.

In response to some letters from the residents of the district, in late 1876, followed by representations from Thompson Moore, MP, in March, 1877, the Education Department's Inspector came to Wanurp and made a report. He stated that the population there was involved in "Farming and stock-holding," and that he considered that most of the settlers intended to make it their permanent home. However, he added that "Two or three of the families nearest to Mack's station [were] considered likely to transfer to him when they [could]." There were seven children of school age, living within two miles of the site that he recommended for the school, and none of them were able to attend an existing State School. He also stated that there were fifteen other children, living more than two miles from the proposed site, who could be expected to attend the school. This latter number included the four Rankins "not yet arrived, but said to be likely to arrive soon." The Inspector estimated the probable attendance at the school would be "Fifteen to twenty," and did not "expect it ever to exceed twenty." The provision of a school at Wanurp was approved, and arrangements were made for a Portable School with Quarters to be brought from the German School, Sandhurst. However, on 20 October, 1877, the following letter was adressed to the Education Department Architect, from Echuca.

Wanurp Appn 1936

McCulloch & Co. Agent at Rochester having reported the material of Portable Bldg intended for the above delivered - I drove out the men to erect it on Wednesday last but when we got there we found this bldg had not been delivered on the site nor could we find anyone who knew anything about it although we drove for miles around - Next morning we started for Rochester. On arrival there I wired to Mr.Inspr. Dobbin. I afterwards found the party who carted it and he said he had delivered it at Dingee according to his instructions. As Mr.Dobbin had just got notice of one coming up for there, he decided if this one was delivered on the right site at Dingee to erect it there and direct that the Bldg intended for Dingee should be taken to Wanurp - I then in accordance with his instructions took the men to Dingee on Friday, found it allright & set the men to work. The one intended for Dingee should be forwarded without delay so that the same men could erect it when finished where they are. The distance apart is only 9 or 10 miles. I am yours respectfully, (Signed) Peter Thomson.

That will have to be it for this issue. The school building was erected at Wanurp, but it must have been quite Spartan in character. The first teacher, Amelia Steed, seems to have coped in the couple of years that she was there, but her successor, Harriet Palmer who later became Mrs James, wrote some really descriptive letters to the Education Department to let it be known just how uncomfortable the building had become. I'll share them with you another time.

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6 February 2004

LOOKING BACK 80+ YEARS!

The following item appeared in the Riverine Herald on 9 October, 1922. It was sent to me by Mrs. Joan Mitchell (of the Echuca Historical Museum), who found it when she was doing some research. I thought you might find it interesting:-

"LOCKINGTON."

"A stranger visiting Lockington for the first time would find it hard to realise the fact that the first building on the town site was only erected 12 months ago, but such is the fact. During recent months the building of business houses has gone ahead with rapid strides, and a fine little township is springing up round the railway station that taps the fertile lands in the vicinity. One of its latest acquisitions is the Memorial Hall. This building is a brick one, 80ft. in length, and has a seating capacity for 500 people. It is lofty and well ventilated, and has a fine stage, with well appointed dressing rooms. A special operating room has been included for the purposes of moving pictures, which will, no doubt, be availed of in the near future. The cost of building and furnishing the hall was 1700 pounds, a sum that was guaranteed by 12 of the residents. This sum is being raised by the holding of entertainments and sports meetings. The ladies' committee have recently handed in the sum of 150 pounds, and at a sports meeting held at Lockington the sum of 130 pounds was added to the building fund. A crescent-shaped plantation is being laid out, and this will be planted with palms and flowering shrubs. This work, when completed, will be a fine set off to the hall. "As showing the possibilities of Lockington as a business centre in the near future, one has only to look at the vast amount of work that comes into the shop of the local blacksmith. His premises are over-taxed with farm implements, wagons (sic), buggies, etc., that are waiting for repairs. To cope with the rapid increase in business he had to have power installed to drive his huge hammer. His drilling machine, emery wheels, and forges are power-driven, and a more up-to-date smithy would be hard to find. This modern village blacksmith effects repairs to vehicles of all descriptions, including motor cars, besides shoeing of horses, and it is a far cry from the blacksmith of Long fellow to this smithy of modern times. "Like many other townships that are springing up in the North, Lockington has no water supply for domestic use, except that which is drawn from the tanks. Recently, however, they have received information that a water tower will be installed, and the householders are eagerly looking forward to its installation."

There's lots of food for thought there!!

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January 2004

Kevin Sarre Song


All those attending the unveiling of the Kevin Sarre Memorial sculpture last November, were moved by the musical tribute to Kevin that was performed by Hec Griffiths that day. The song "327 Down the Chute", was co-written by Hec and Lesley Tracey. We congratulate them on their excellent song, which tells Kevin's story. We thought you might like to read the lyrics.

327 Down the Chute 2003

Blackall grew a champion by the name of Jackie Howe
His feat of 1892 is talked about til now
Seven hours, forty minutes he finished off his fun
A record for blade shearing with a tally three two one

Then in Lockington, Victoria, one November morn.
In the year of nineteen thirty three Kevin Sarre was born.
Proud parents Frank and Thellie, aunty Rene and uncle Ron
Never dreamed hed be a legend as future years rolled on

Or look back on achievements of this their only son
Always a trier never quitting till hed won
Through times of sport and fancy cars one thing shone above
To follow his dads footsteps, for shearing was his love.

CHORUS:- Then in the spring of fifty one at the age of seventeen With a tally of two twenty six Kevin Sarre had hit the scene*********

Kevin he shore thousands with his family contract team
Striving all along the way to fulfil a lifetime dream
Sharpened gear, position, high tallies on his mind,
Thoughts of competitions, quality and time.

CHORUS:- With a smooth running handpiece and ten tooth standard comb, soon to be a Champion and stand out on his own*******


On Hopefield, Pyramid Hill nineteen fifty seven
A record was on the way as the clock ticked past eleven
And when the final bell sounded on that October day
Sarre had passed Howes three two one in a dazzling display

CHORUS:- In his well cut dungarees and his own self made bag boots, Sarre officially broke Howes record - three two seven down the chute******

From small towns to the cities, contests more and more
The victor of most challenges then he left Australias shore
And an international shears while in New Zealand won
Acclaimed best shearer in the world, unparalleled top gun

CHORUS:- Winning sixty seven titles during competition years, five times Australian Champion, outstanding career********

In nineteen sixty three the wool board commissioned Sarre
To create a shearing method for shearers near and far
With help from Parkes and others Tally Hi came into being
A shearer training program Australia had not seen

CHORUS:- Tally Hi went national maybe to achieve sheep shearing excellence with Sarrey in The lead*******

Kevin Sarre passed away at the age of sixty-three
Leaving for his family lasting memories
Inducted as a legend in Hays Shearers Hall of Fame
This champion by nature, champion by name.
CHORUS:- In his well cut dungarees and his own self made bag boots
Sarre offically broke Howes record - three two seven down the chute
Sarre officially broke Howes record - three two seven down the chute.

December 2003

School Reunion and Book Launch

Congratulations to the School Reunion Committee on their first-rate organisational skills. And a big Thank You to them, and to the teachers and staff at the school, for the assistance given to Louise and me in the production of Bark Huts to Better Times.

It was good to have a part to play in such a well supported function. We felt honoured to be allocated a place in Miss Thomsons Office as that lady was so significant a person in the history of schools in this district. It seemed appropriate that our history book should be available there.

We are very grateful to the many people who pre-ordered and pre-paid for the books. Without their support we lacked the confidence to go ahead with printing arrangements. We thank them, our own Heritage Complex committee, the School Reunion committee, and our local Shire Councillor, Greg Toll, all of whom supplied the morale boost that we needed. We also thank former Lockington Consolidated School teacher, Mr. Barry Graham, for launching the book, which has been very well supported. I hope it will provide some interesting and enjoyable reading. We still have copies available for purchase at the Heritage Complex, if you have not bought yours yet.

We are sorry to say, there has been one technical hitch A book was returned to us, that had been stapled with the middle 40 pages upside-down! We are aware of only the one instance but, if you happened to receive one like that, or if you know of anyone else who had a similar experience, we are anxious that such copies be returned to us for replacement, please. The Complex is open on Sundays from 1:00pm to 4:00pm, or you can write to us at PO Box 150, Lockington or, if you would like to contact us by telephone to arrange a time to exchange a faulty book, our telephone number is (03) 54862515. There is an answering machine on that number so that you can leave a message if there is no-one in attendance when you ring.

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Heritage Shed Museum Opened

Many thanks to everyone who came along to the Complex on Sunday, 30 November, for the grand opening of our new shed; from Councillor Toll, who performed the opening, to the people who provided exhibits for the day, to all the wonderful people who were involved in putting the shed there in the first place!! In years to come I feel sure it will provide a venue for many a great display, both locally produced and touring exhibitions. It is a wonderful asset for the Heritage Complex and a credit to the contributions made, and effort put in, by so many.

A special thanks goes to those involved in providing hospitality on the big day, particularly those who cooked food, served up meals, and manned the sink. They give top service in somewhat less than ideal conditions, and their hard work is really appreciated.

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Sculpture Unveiling

Credit for the Kevin Sarre sculpture goes to the sculptor, Ivo Tadic, and also to the Shire of Campaspe and, particularly, to Bob Watts and the members of the Western Ward Arts and Culture Advisory Committee. We thank them all for a significant addition to the Complex surrounds, and one which will be appreciated both locally and further afield. The sculpture was primarily funded by a $5000 grant, which is made available each year, by the Shire of Campaspe to one Ward within the shire.(In this respect, the Mayor, Councillor Murray McDonald was the ideal person to officiate on Sunday, 30 November, when the sculpture was unveiled.) The Western Ward was the recipient of this years grant, and the Lockington Arts & Culture group was successful in putting forward the proposal to erect a sculpture to honour the memory of Lockingtons shearing great, the late Kevin Sarre.

It was important that there be an appropriate display area to house the sculpture, though this was not something that could be financed by the Arts & Culture grant. As the memorial was to be located at the Heritage Complex, our committee took on this responsibility. Im sure you will agree that our local Lockington artisans have done us proud with the elegant bluestone, glass-fronted, copper-roofed structure that they have built on the site to meet this need. We at the Complex thank them sincerely for their wonderful workmanship, and for the time that they have put into this project. (Funding has still to be addressed, and we are aware that our district has gone through and still goes through some difficult times in recent months. However, if anyone feels able, and wishes to make a donation towards this particular project, any contributions will be gratefully received.)

It was a real thrill that the unveiling on Sunday was attended by all three of Kevin Sarres children, and four of his grandchildren! That they made the effort to be here Garry and Deanne and their family members had come all the way from Western Australia, and Ricky and his family travelled a considerable distance,too is an indication of their appreciation of Lockingtons part in honouring Kevins memory and ensuring that history accords him the recognition that he deserves. We thank them for that, and it was wonderful to have the opportunity of meeting with them.

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Before December 2003

SPECIAL FEATURE - NEW SHEDDING

Thanks to generous financial assistance from local community organisations, the support and advice of the Campaspe Shire and an amazing level of participation by local volunteers, our new display area is taking shape. The addition to the Complex will enable us to house larger artefacts, farming implements, and horse-drawn vehicles. There will also be some much needed storage space and a workshop area. There is still quite a bit to be done, including landscaping, but motivation is high. We will have a facility that will be a real asset to the community and the district.

   

 

FAMILY HISTORY RESEARCH

We have had an inquiry from a lady who is researching her grandmother's family history. The names from this district which interest her are Martin, Yeaman, Golden, Appleby and Sanderson. If you feel that you might be able to assist her in her quest, please ring the Heritage Complex and I will put this lady in touch with you.

DISABILITY ACCESS AUDIT

The Heritage Complex has been assessed recently by a Disability Access Auditor. When his report is received, plans will be drawn up to make the Complex easier to access for all visitors. The heritage values of the site will be taken into consideration, and ample time is allowed for the organisation to comply with the recommendations resulting from the audit.

LOCKINGTON ARTS & CULTURAL GROUP MEETING

The quarterly meeting of the Western Ward's arts and cultural group was held at the Complex on Thursday, 13 February, 2003, and was of particular local interest. With the assistance of an Arts & Cultural Grant from the Shire of Campaspe, a set of six full-colour postcards of the Lockington township has been printed. The Heritage Complex will have these postcards available for purchase, as will several commercial outlets in the town. Cards can be bought individually @ $1.00 each, or as a set of six for $5.00, and will be really appreciated by visitors to the area.

DONATIONS

Thanks to some significant changes taking place at the Lockington Bush Nursing Centre, and at the Echuca campus of the Bendigo Regional Institute of TAFE, the Complex has been the grateful recipient of some very useful items donated from both institutions. We thank them sincerely. We also thank the interested friends of the Heritage Complex, who keep their eyes open for artefacts and articles that we can display, or recycle, for the benefit of all the community, and which might not otherwise find a home. It represents a real win-win solution.

CAN YOU HELP US?

The Complex was contacted recently by a lady who is compiling her family history and needs information about James Hill, William Ferguson, and Thomas Pitts, who lived in the Tennyson area many years ago. If any of these names is familiar to you and you might be able to help this lady, please contact me on (03) 54862515.We are still hoping to hear from someone who knows where the Pannoomilloo Gun Club used to be, and from people who have photographs, memorabilia, or stories about any of the many small schools that used to exist throughout the district. Please ring us, or fax us, or write us a letter.

IRRIGATION HISTORY

Thanks to a number of generous donors we have quite a few artifacts which recall the establishment of irrigation, and the orchards which were so important to the district in the past. If you have any items, which relate to this part of our local history, please think of the Complex rather than discard them. Thank you to those who contacted me with information about Mr Ernest Jackson. It was interesting to hear of the significant role which he and other district residents played in urging the government of the day to increase the capacity of the Sugarloaf (Eildon) Resevoir. I hope to research further in this regard.

WEDDING PHOTOS

We think we might try to gather up some additional Wedding photos and reports etc. and put them together with those we've had on display to make a book, or maybe two books, for publication. The Pyramid Hill Historical Society has published several books of weddings in that district which took place during the past 130 years or so. They are great books to look through and read. Perhaps you have some photos or reports of weddings which took place in your family over the years. If so and if you would like them to be included in our planned publications could we please borrow them for copying? Ring me at the Complex.