Joseph Louis Fish was raised in Redfern, where he lived for around twenty years. When he was born, his mother chose the name Joseph and his father’s choice was Louis – and he was known as Lou all his life till he entered the retirement home in Dubbo when he wished to be called by his correct name – the one his mother gave him - Joseph; hence he is known now as Joe Fish. His mother passed away due to a virus when he was eight or nine months old. His father in those days of the Depression could not afford a housekeeper owing to the shortage of work and he raised Joe and his two step brothers on his own. When he was a kid, transport was by tram and his dad had a horse and cart. When he married he lived in a cottage near Cook’s River and as his daughter suffered with asthma they sought a dry climate and moved to Dubbo in 1948, where they purchased a mixed business on the corner of Brisbane Street and Rankin Avenue. They owned this for three or four years, prior to taking over the licence of the Railway Hotel in Grenfell.

Following his stint in Grenfell, he ran a service station – He said that was shocking and that he should never have taken it on. He then went to work at the Captain Cook Hotel at Miller’s Point for around five years then ended up managing the Bowling Club at Kyeemagh which he enjoyed. Joe served in the armed forces for four years with the Army in Darwin. When he retired he went down the South Coast in his caravan before he settled in St Marys in Sydney. He then moved back to Dubbo to the Orana Gardens. He likes to follow horse and greyhound racing and still enjoys a little punt on them – even putting his own bets on. He said there is only one football team – South Sydney and he always went to watch the games when he was young and lived in the area.  Joe’s son Ron and his wife Beverly and family live in Dubbo, whilst his daughter Louise and her husband Ray Batze live in Cairns. They and their families thoroughly enjoyed their dad’s special day. Pride of place on the day was the striking red and green birthday cake which paid tribute to Joe’s love of footy and the “only team” his South Sydney Rabbitoh’s.

ENGAGEMENT: Congratulations to Sarah Stevens and Daniel Blowes who recently announced their engagement. Daniel is the son of Clint Blowes and Katherine Muss of Mt Lambie/Bathurst. Sarah’s parent’s June and Farran Stevens hosted an evening in Grenfell on March 3 to celebrate this happy occasion. Daniel is an electrician and Sarah works at Devro Pty Ltd both in Bathurst. The happy couple plan to marry in November.

ON THE ROAD AGAIN: Former Grenfell Residents Vicki and Ray Penberthy were in town over the weekend to visit Vicki’s brother Greg Fanning and his wife Mary. En route to Grenfell they stopped off in Canberra to visit their daughter Julie and her husband Troy Newcombe who were celebrating their 17th wedding anniversary. The group arrived in Grenfell for the weekend and had a fabulous time at the Picnic Races and catching up with family and friends. Vicki will be remembered as a wonderful nurse at the local hospital, whilst Ray did farm work and was very involved with the Rugby Union Club. Now semi retired nomads who have lived  and worked in Benalla for some time, sold up, bought their ‘new home’ and together with their beautiful dog Rory set off on their Australia wide adventure. On Sunday Daniel Fanning, Melissa Martens and their children Stella, Jack and Harry enjoyed a family lunch.

ENGAGEMENT: Anthony and Sharon Rudd of Grenfell (formerly of Penrith) are delighted to announce the engagement of their daughter, Crystal Deanne Rudd to Matthew Robert Whitwell, son of Robert and Colleen Whitwell of Penrith. Crystal and Matthew celebrated their engagement with family and friends on April 14 at High Street Social, Penrith. Over the past four years Crystal has been studying and working as a Trainee Veterinarian Nurse. She is currently taking a break from study, and working for Office National in Penrith in Customer Service. Matthew is currently working as a Supervisor/Team Leader for J J Property Maintenance, Orchard Hills.

90th BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS: Following Mavis Drogemuller’s 90th birthday gathering at the Country Club, she was treated to another celebration with her friends from CWA. Judy Mitton, Robyn Logan, Coral Mitton, Kath Smith, Edith Taylor, Esma Baker, Lola Madden, Sally Norrie, Marie Keir, Vera Penhey, Ruth McKellar,  Maureen Piefke, her daughter in law Virginia and granddaughter Paula joined in the celebrations.