A great day was spent touring the district. This included a climb to Ben Hall’s Cave, a visit to Seaton’s Farm, a drive to Caragabal, Quandialla and Young. The week culminated in a Phillips family reunion on Saturday in Bathurst.

John, Fran and Libby were joined by Gordon Phillips from Sydney, Merrilyn Foreman from New Zealand and Jenny Murray from the Central Coast. The six Phillips cousins, partners, children and grandchildren had a lovely time catching up and getting to know each other.

BAPTISM: Lettie Jane Hunter was welcomed into the parish community when she received the Sacrament of Baptism during Mass in St Joseph’s Church on Sunday July 16. Lettie Jane is the daughter of Myles and Sheridan.

Lettie's Godparents are Symmone Curl, Courtney Hunter and Brad Stevens. Father Tom Thornton was the officiating priest. Following the Baptism, family and friends celebrated with a morning tea at Fettlers Restaurant.

WELCOME BACK:  Epeli Sovalevu from Fiji returned to Grenfell for the Panthers Rugby Union 50th anniversary. Epeli was in Grenfell in 1991-92 playing with the Panthers. He had a wonderful time catching up with friends at the reunion footy and dinner and enjoyed a trip to the Eastaway farm at Caragabal. On Tuesday evening last week he was a guest at a special dinner at Fettlers with many of his friends from Grenfell.  The Eastaway, Oliver, Leibick, Taylor, Cooper and Ryder families were there to enjoy a night with Epili before he returned to Fiji on Wednesday.

MEMORABLE VISIT: Maria Nieuwkamp arrived in Australia almost five weeks ago. She has been ‘home’ visiting her children John, Garry, Patricia, Joanne, Tanya and Inga and their families. Her last visit to Australia was five years ago. Maria came to Grenfell and was hosted by friends Robyn and Norman Horne and caught up with many of her friends. Maria and family owned Nieuwkamp’s Bakery (now a private home) which is situated in Camp Street near Memorial Park and Cenotaph. Marie left Grenfell in 1992 and moved to Stradbroke Island for eight years before returning to the Netherlands. Maria, who lives in Zenderen, is due to depart on July 30.

WELCOME VISITOR: Jeff Connelly and Sue Trigg welcomed a visit from Jeff’s daughter Nic who lives in Bondi. Nic is a university graduate from UTS with a Bachelor of Business.

GREAT NEWS FOR GRENFELL:  Deputy Premier John Barilaro with Member for Cootamundra Katrina Hodgkinson MP were in Grenfell to announce that Weddin Shire would receive $950k towards the amenities at the new pool. Councillors and interested Grenfell/Shire citizens from various organisations were present to receive this great news. Grenfell’s own Roma Sinclair, whose father, Thomas was instrumental in the formation years of the Grenfell Pool and Swimming Club was privileged to have a chat with the Deputy Premier.

WEDDIN WHISPERS: due to a change to NBN Broadband my home phone and internet have been down. You may still send contribution to my email as listed, but if you wish to contact me please phone 0403 480 729.

DIARY DATES:  August 05-06 - Active Festival, September 01-02 - Show, 09 - Caragabal Sheep Races, 23 - Jockey Club’s Sesquicentenary (150 years) of Racing, 24 -Le Tour de Greenethorpe, 24-29 - Weddin Mountain Muster, October 07 -  Business Under the Stars, 14-15 - Public School Sesquicentenary (150 years). The GPS is seeking memorabilia from members of the community for this weekend.