To the editor - Ngaire Soley
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On behalf of the Greek families who came home to Grenfell for the Meet and Greek weekend, we wish to express our sincere gratitude to the organisers of the Meet and Greek Grenfell weekend Margery and Geoff Nicoll and Jan Parlett.
They did something extraordinary - unselfishly giving up their time to bring home the Greeks of Main street.
They invested time and money into ensuring that the Greeks of Main street returned home with love and respect.
We would like to make special mention and give thanks to the Grenfell Record - you support was really appreciated - the brilliant Faces in the Street – fantastic community journalism.
We would also like to thank the catering volunteers Niki , Anna, Telis, Popi, Kay, Michael, Vicky, Areti, Jan and Geoff Parlett - really well done.
Authentic Greek food prepared by friends for friends.
We would also like to acknowledge David Rumps Architects Pty Ltd for the publicity and the Greeks on Main street maps.
The ticket Sales: Jan Parlett, Mareea Brown, Alison Rumps.
Event Team : Geoff Parlett, Hugh Moffitt, Peter Grossman, Liz & Glenn Carroll, Jenny Hetherington, Warwick Crampton, Pam Livingston, Alison & David Rumps, Di Donohue, Lloyd Thomas, Telis and Niki, Luke Gavin.
Auctioneer Danny Joyce, Hugh Moffitt.
Bus Tour: Geoff McClelland, Mark Loader.
The Friday night informal gathering at the Railway hotel built the enthusiasm for what was to come - the conversation was flowing faster than the beer at the bar. No one was late the next day for the Civic reception hosted by the mayor - the presentation of the plaque from the Greek Consul General was a very moving moment. We wish to express our thanks to the Mayor Mark Liebich and the Weddin Shire Council for your support and enthusiasm for bring the Greeks of Main Street home.
The Greeks of Main Street photo shoot was thrilling because everyone in that photo realised that this was a welcome home to Grenfell and not just a reunion. There was laughter and smiles and most of all pride that they were finally home.
The walk up Main street - the photographs taken outside their old shops with the historical photos of them in the windows was amazing - there were tears, laughter and a peace that comes from reflecting back to a different time.
The lunch at Jan Parlett's Country experience - generous and wonderful.
Here everyone just relaxed and the old stories started to come out as fast as the sandwiches made by Geoff Parlett. We all thank Jan and Geoff Parlett for this experience.
The bus tour of Grenfell - just the best way to see the sights of Grenfell – Geoff McClelland had us laughing all the way.
The Meet and Greek Dinner Dance - Walking into the showground hall that was decorated in blue and white (by a team of volunteers), the framed photos on the wall, Louis Café on one side and the rows of tables set up beckoned you to come in and have a great time.
The turn out from the Grenfell community showed respect for the Greeks of Main Street and they in turn felt that they were amongst family. The presentation of the painting by George Raftopoulos - a significant gift to Grenfell from a talented Greek of Main street.
Sunday was another day with everyone gathering on the footpath outside Jan Parlett's Country Experience ready to say their goodbye. A fabulous morning tea inside and the last goodbyes.
I mentioned on the night that I had a dream of walking down Main Street – The organisers Margery and Geoff Nicoll, Jan Parlett and fantastic volunteers made that dream come true for the Greeks of Main Street.
Thank you on behalf of every Greek of Main street and collectively we applaud everyone involved - we applaud the Grenfell community.
Regards
Con Efrossynis