In 1942 a young 10 year-old Margaret Duff (nee Halley) was stationed in Grenfell during WW11 after being removed from her family in Birrong NSW for safety concerns, many children were relocated to be spared from the trials of WW11 during these early years.

Margaret was housed in Main Street in the building where the Salvation Army Shop is today, this premises was for the girls and next door, where Raffia & Co is currently located, was for the boys.

Margaret spent three months in Grenfell before eventually being reunited with her family, she went on to marry and have children of her own and lead a happy, normal life.

Margaret was thrilled to 'Come Home' to Grenfell last week and attend the official opening of the town's Sesquicentenary 'Our Heritage, Our History' exhibition in the Grenfell Art Gallery where she was overjoyed to be re-united with a dear childhood friend from Grenfell, Mary Hunter.

Both Mary and Margaret enjoyed morning tea at the Gallery and reminiscing on the past.

Margaret described having fond memories of Grenfell, however, she said that the hardest time was when she became homesick; she missed her family terribly and was ecstatic when the time came for her to return home to them.

TRACTOR TREK

The 5th Annual Camp Quality Tractor Trek with twenty four tractors and support crew will arrive in Grenfell tomorrow Saturday September 24 around 4.15pm for an overnight stay at the Showground. 

The Trek will leave Cowra following after an overnight stay, via Gooloogong, to Grenfell. Originally the Trek was coming via Adelargo, but owing to the recent heavy rain, it is not able to travel on unsealed roads.

The Trek will return to Cowra via Greenethorpe on Sunday morning

A fundraising dinner and auction for Camp Quality will be held at the Grenfell Bowling Club on Saturday evening and everyone is invited to attend.

Tickets are available from CJ Andersons.  If you wish to only attend the auction, be at the Bowling Club around 6.30pm to support Camp Quality.

On Sunday morning, the Grenfell Lions Club will have breakfast cooked for the trekkers by 7am at the Railway Station where members of the public are more than welcome to join them and purchase breakfast to assist the fundraising for Camp Quality.

The tractors will also be on display.

SESQUICENTENARY BUSH DANCE

As part of the “Come Home to Grenfell” 150 years celebration a bush dance will be held at the Grenfell Showground Pavilion on Saturday October 1.

Fabulous music will be supplied by the band “November Shorn”  and will run from 6pm – 11pm.

This will be a great family night. Tickets may be purchased at CJ Anderson & Co - Family $50, Adults, $25 and Concession $20.   Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Even if you don’t wish to dance, this is a great indoor venue for family and friends to meet and greet at the start the Sesquicentenary celebrations.

Organisers advise that supper and full bar is available and that the Grenfell Lions Club will be running their famous BBQ of Steak and Sausage Sandwiches.

Organisers also ask to please book early.

COME HOME TO GRENFELL

Grenfell Turns 150 and a full program of events is scheduled for the October long weekend to celebrate this milestone.

As well as the Museum and Art Gallery open with outstanding displays, on Saturday there will be vintage steam rollers, Heritage Home Open Gardens (gardens only), guided tours, tree planting and time capsules internment, bush dance, THLHS class of 2006 School Reunion.

On Sunday at 9am a combined Church Service will be held in Taylor Park followed by market stalls, food stalls, children’s entertainment, Cobb & Co Coach rides, vintage car and machinery displays, gold panning, blade shearing demonstration,  Guinea Pig races in Church Street and a costume competition for best dressed people in outfits from the 1860’s.

For further information on attractions contact the Visitors information Centre on 0263 432059.

SINCERE SYMPATHY

Residents will be saddened to learn of the passing of former resident and business owner Louis Bezos.

Louis was the former owner of the Grenfell Fruit Shop before purchasing the ABC Cafe (now Louis’s Locker) from Peter Drivas’ father in the 1960’s. Louis was also a licencenced bookmaker (and sometimes not)! 

Louis, who was born in Kerastari Greece on January 27 1929, passed away peacefully at Calvary Hospital on September 13. He is the beloved husband of Theony and loved and admired father of George and Vivienne and much loved Papou of Alexander. Respected brother of Nick (dec) and Jim.

Brother-in-law of Chris, Tina, Kay and Con. The funeral service for Louis was held in the Greek Orthodox Church of St Nicholas, Gosse Street, Kingston on September 21.

Sympathy is also extended the family of Reverend Brian Hatherly, former minister at the Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Grenfell who was born August 4 1936 and passed away in Canberra on September 12, 2016.

Loving husband of Jean of 55 years, devoted dad and father-in-law of Martin (dec), Brett and Bronwyn, Glen and Grace and adoring pop of Sarah, David, Caleb, Emma and Rachel. He was resilient and faithful throughout his life of 80 years. He loved and served his family, congregations and the Lord.

A celebration and thanksgiving service for Brian was held in the Chapel of Norwood Park Crematorium, Sandford Street, Mitchell on Monday, September 19.

Sympathy is extended to his family.

MEMORIAL SERVICE

A memorial service for the late Dr L John Varejka will be held today Friday September 23, 11am at the Grenfell Bowling Club. Dr Varejka who was born on June 16 1944 and who served the Grenfell community for many years passed away on September 16.