WELCOME HOME INGA: The calling cry Come Home to Grenfell saw a visit to town last week from author Inga Simpson, daughter of Barbara and the late Bryce Simpson of Eureka, Young Road.
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Between engagements at the Sydney Writers Festival and the Australian Booksellers Association Conference in Canberra, Inga was able to manage a few nights back in her home town but was busy indeed, having generously committed to running creative writing workshops with young people and present an evening talk at Mingle on Main. That gathering included family, old school buddies, former teachers, local arts lovers and book club members, as well as long-standing fans of the author’s works.
Inga spoke of influences on her writing, gave some background on each of her novels, read from her latest work Where the Trees Were, and answered questions from her curious audience. Inga is a rising star in the Australian literary world and it was a pleasure to welcome her home and have her share her experiences so far.
90TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS: Les Hampton, who celebrated his 90th birthday on Saturday May 28, enjoyed a luncheon at Fettler’s Restaurant.
Helping Les celebrate this milestone was his best friend and partner Anne Hillier, Anne’s daughter Sue and her husband John Priestly from Quandialla, Carol and Dale Maynard from Forbes and good friends Joan Pipe and Peter Wynn.
Following the cutting of his beautiful cake, Joan Pipe gave a fitting tribute to Les.
Joan (Birch) said she and her family lived on the farm on Bimbi Road and Les lived further down the road. Les would call in pick the kids up and drive them all into Grenfell to go to the pictures. Naturally this would be a fun-filled adventure.
Joan added that when Herb and Bertha and family moved into their home in Wood Street, Les moved in with the family. When the siblings moved out or were married, Les stayed on till Herb and then Bertha’s passing. He was a great friend who helped with the gardening.
The group sat in the cosy room and reminisced for some time.
BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS: The Happy Inn Chinese Restaurant was the scene last week for an impromptu 88th birthday get together for Norma Smith from “Mirrabooka”, Grenfell.
Thanks to grand-daughter in law, Zanette Wood, who made all the arrangements.
Norma was accompanied by a number of relatives and friends. On this occasion, Norma’s younger sister June McGuire, who travelled from Dudley in Newcastle, was also present. Norma’s eldest son Clyde from Sydney was also staying at “Mirrabooka” as part of the current crop planting exercise.
As well as family members, Norma’s good friends Kath Smith, Gingah Milne and Teddy Simpson were also present to celebrate.
HAPPY 18TH BIRTHDAY: Holly Shaw, daughter of Warren and Carolyn celebrated her eighteenth birthday at home on Saturday evening with family and friends.
As she was not at work at IGA on her actual birthday, Thursday May 26, the staff presented her with a birthday cake and gift at morning tea on Tuesday.
Congratulations Holly.
HENRY LAWSON FESTIVAL STREET STALLS: Bill Rudd and his small group of volunteers will be busy today and tomorrow and again next Friday with the Henry Lawson Festival Street Stall.
Bill is seeking more volunteers as well as saleable goods for the stall. Margaret Shaw’s famous plain and date scones will be on sale as well as Festival memorabilia. If you have any plants, produce, jams or pickles Bill will only too happy to receive them as well as cakes, biscuits or slices.
The Henry Lawson Festival program is now available at business throughout the town and at the brand new Visitors Information Centre at the Grenfell Hub – or you may go on line www.henrylawsonfestival.com for more information.
“WALLANGREEN” SCULPTURE PARK GARDEN AND GALLERY:
Jan Wallace wishes to advise residents and visitor to the Festival that the gardens will be open on Saturday June 11 from 2-4 pm and again Sunday June 12 from 1-4pm.
There are over 100 steel sculptures, comic and reflective works, many made giving new life to former machinery parts.
The Gallery displays a variety of artworks.
Gardens have been altered by age and rainfall patterns.
This Garden is different, located at the Corner of Fitch’s Lane and Melyra Street. Gate Entry is $5 (accompanied children free). Gate Monies raised support the Grenfell Men’s Shed, Henry Lawson Festival and Grace Inc.
For more information go to: www.grenfell.org.au/wallangreen
JUNIOR FARMERS/RURAL YOUTH REUNION: As part of the 150 Years Grenfell Celebrations – the Junior Farmers/Rural Youth are planning a reunion on Saturday October 8 at the Grenfell Showground.
Reunion convenor Jim Griffiths is seeking names for the reunion and he can be contacted on 0427 967 100 or email bonusdowns@gmail.com.
Other locals on the committee are Dorothy Starr, Stephen Lander, Philip Walmsley, Nevin Hughes, Bruce Simpson, Justyn Armstrong and Maurice Simpson. Just give them a call if you know of any former members who may wish to return to Grenfell in October