On October 30, sixty-six people attended a fun filled evening of sharing memories of Gwen and Ted. No doubt some wonderful memories were re-lived. Many travelled to Bimbi via Loader’s Coaches for this memorable evening where locals joined with them for the “Benches Party”. The group also visited ‘Glenesk’, the former family home of the Lobb’s to see the wonderful renovations that Simon and Claire Nowlan have done to the house.

ALOHA: Freuin Forsyth was treated to a very special “Aloha Hawaiian” surprise to celebrate her 40th birthday on December 01.

Good friends Symmone Curl, Katie Blair and Natasha Batinich, James Barker and Karl Makin together with Freuin’s parents Don and Val  and her Fiancé Jason Clark tried to keep this a big surprise, but when she was asked to don an Hawaiian outfit she became suspicious. The girls decorated the courtyard at the Railway Hotel in palms, and a toy pool and many other island/festive decorations, whilst the boys dressed and cooked a lamb on the spit. The lamb was complimented with chickens and beautiful salads made by many of the party goers.

Prior to dinner guest mingled and enjoyed the beautiful hors d’oeuvres. A ‘Slushy Machine’ was the order of the night, with beautiful cocktails being enjoyed. Freuin’s sister Megan and her husband Mitchell Ray travelled from Wollongong, Jason’s parents Rita and Arthur and his brother Jon and girlfriend attended from Canberra.

Former Grenfell resident Kylie Singleton made the long journey from Moree with her daughter Vye and Vye’s boyfriend Jacob Berry. Kylie’s parents Sue and Ken Singleton travelled over from Cowra. Val Forsyth gave an hilarious encounter of Freuin growing up in Pooncarie and the mischief she got herself into. Symmone and Katie presented Freuin with a travel voucher – obviously to Hawaii on behalf of all present. Freuin suitably responded before cutting her birthday cake, made and decorated by Sharon Bradtke.

BIRTHDAYS AT THE RAILWAY: Hilary McKellar, daughter of Stuart and Kathy was treated to a birthday dinner at the Railway Hotel. Helping celebrate her birthday were her parents, her sister Ingrid, grandparents Ruth and Ian McKellar and her Aunty Tracey and Uncle Brett McKellar.

Kelly Bembrick celebrated her birthday on December 7 at the Lachlan Fertilizer’s Staff and family Christmas Party at the Railway Hotel.

Andy Stevens (the hardest man to get a photograph of) was asked to blow out the candles on his surprise “Railway Hotdog” on December 7.

FAMILY FESTIVITIES: Each year Joan McSpadden and her family have a pre Christmas gathering. Joining Joan for a night out were her brother George Hampton and his son Allan, her sister Shirley and her husband Barry Hazelgrove, daughters Jenny and her husband Ian Armstrong and Tracie and her husband Glen Ivins. A good friend Roger Miles from Tamworth (or maybe Humpty doo) joined them for the festivities.

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WEDDIN WHISPERS:  If you have any social news you wish to have published in the column please contact Deidre Carroll on 6343 1574, Mobile 0403 480 729 or by email at carrollt@tpg.com.au. News of special occasions eg: weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, holidays, visitors, new babies and achievements of family and friends would be greatly appreciated. 

Information may also be left at the Grenfell Record Drop Box at the Grenfell Newsagency. Photos published in Weddin Whispers (not copyright or contributed) may be ordered with Ngaire Soley by email: ngaire.soley@fairfaxmedia.com.au or mobile 0448 277 050 at the Record.