This day was organized by John Mitchell from the ACT and Maureen Mitchell from Melbourne to commemorate 30 years since the first attempt (1988) to restore this historic grave site by their mother, Mabel Teese and her cousin, Betty Hardy.

The day started at the Caragabal Hall where some of the descendants of Peter Kelly and Charlotte Gilbert who were transported in the middle 1800’s.

John and Maureen are descendants of these two people.

Registrations commenced around 10am, followed by a welcome, the Kelly history, the restoration story and the Quinn family history, some presentations and the cutting of the cake.

The cake, made and decorated by Bronwyn Mitchell illustrated the Kelly’s life; one being a sailing ship, the poppy for a local Grenfell John Kelly who died in WW1 (Grenfell Memorial) and Peter Kelly stock branding symbol (Trove).

After lunch and a couple of speeches, the group travelled to the graves which are in the middle of a grain crop on private land.

People attending the commemoration included Janelle and Neil Nelson, Maureen and John Mitchell (Kelly descendants), Steve and Steward Quinn, Grenfell attendees were Greg and Mary Fanning, Robyn Haddin and Lisa Bernard and their father Noel Rowlands and George Small, plus family members of the visitors.

Adrian Taylor, the property owner in which the graves are situated was on hand to welcome and guide the visitors to the site. Adrian has assisted with the application through the Weddin Shire Council to have the grave site Heritage listed.

Adrian was presented with a gift in appreciation for his assistance with the project.

A great day was had by all.

OPEN GARDENS: The Grenfell Garden Club’s Open Gardens  is on this weekend October 13 and 14; Entry $2 at each garden – enjoy morning and afternoon teas  or lunch supplied by Red Cross Ladies plus plant and raffle at Bernadette Dykhoff’s home on 62 Gooloogong Road.

There are seven gardens to visit.

Brochures are available Grenfell Tourist and Information centre with direction to all gardens Town and Country.

GRENFELL GARDEN CLUB: The official opening of the Garden Club’s “Poppies for Remembrance” Art Exhibition and Poppy Project commemorating 100 years since the first Armistice Day will take place on Tuesday October 16 at 6pm by the official guest Ian McNamara (Macca) from ABC Radio.

A flag raising ceremony will take place by the cadets prior to the Poppy Project and Art Exhibition being officially opened. The Garden Club will provide finger food/savouries etc for this wonderful evening.

The Exhibition will continue till November 25.    

GRENFELL RSL SUB BRANCH: The sub branch extends an invitation to the Grenfell community to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Armistice Day on Sunday November 11.

Everyone is asked to be at the Cenotaph in Memorial Park by 10.45am. Following the Official proceedings and the laying of wreaths, Emily Douglass will be guest speaker.

This will be followed by a luncheon the Grenfell Bowling Club at 12.30pm. Bookings are essential by November 05 to Margaret Knight on 0263 432120 or mobile 0428634321 or by email to mknight@bigpond.com

John Commins will also take reservations for lunch. He may be contacted on 63432863, mobile 0419481147 or email barbara.commins@bigpond.com

During the afternoon the Grenfell Platoon, Cadet of the Year will be announced.

90th BIRTHDAY: Corrie Drady was treated to a very special afternoon at the Grenfell Bowling Club on Saturday to celebrate her 90th birthday.

Family and friends joined Corrie for this milestone.

Corrie enjoyed dinner on Monday evening at the Railway Hotel with her son Wayne, daughter in law Jan and granddaughter Skye Lawton

FIRST BIRTHDAYS: Zoe Rose Baker, daughter of Katherine and Jonno of Caragabal and Jaxon Hockings of Queensland, son of Rebecca and Jonathan celebrated their first birthdays last weekend.

Zoe and her extended family enjoyed an evening out to dinner on Friday at the Railway and both families and a number of friends had a great afternoon on the lawn at the Grenfell Country Club on Saturday.

Weddin Whispers

Members of the community who have social news they would like to share can forward photos with a brief description to carrollt@tpg.com.au Information can also be left at the Grenfell Record office. We love to hear stories of special family events and visits.