Barry and Valma welcomed fifty or so guests including Valma’s cousins Geoff and Judy Brown from Lithgow, Barry’s sister Raylee and her husband Bill Chelo from Bli Bli Qld, his cousins Ray and Olive White and good friends Bob and Joy Bembrick from Bathurst, his cousin Laurel Hull from Forbes, Maureen and Errol Perkins from Young and others from Caragabal and Grenfell.

Wedding attendants Gerald and Janice Percival, Marie Cotter and Raylee Franklin and Barry and Valma’s children Glen and Joanne were present. Their other children Steven and his family from Queensland and daughter Michelle were unable to attend.

Guests enjoyed a beautiful evening at the Club and a delicious smorgasbord dinner.

Barry and Valma cut their anniversary cake which was made by Valma and decorated by Bev Kelly.

On behalf of the Lions Club, President Chris Moran presented Barry and Valma with a beautiful flower arrangement.

From the Grenfell Record 1969: Barry, son of Richard and Dorothy Franklin and Valma Jean, daughter of George and Maisie Holland of “Goodhope” were married in the Salvation Army Citadel on February 22 1969 by Celebrant Captain J Matthews.

Valma’s attendants were her sister Janice Percival and good friend Marie Cotter (nee Buttenshaw) who were Matrons of Honour whilst Barry’s groomsmen were Gerald Percival and Ronald Cotter.

Barry’s sisters Kerrie and Raylee acted as Junior Bridesmaids.

Following their marriage a reception was held in the Grenfell Community Centre Hall (later the Rugby Union Club Hall) where Mr and Mrs Holland and Mr and Mrs Franklin welcomed 140 guests. The happy couple spent their honeymoon on the North Coast.

FINDING DORY: Happy birthday to Memphis Rosetta D’Ombrain who turned two on February 21.  Memphis, daughter of Michael and Belinda celebrated her special themed ‘Finding Dory’ birthday party with family and friends last weekend.

The children had a wonderful time on her water park and enjoyed the beautiful ‘Dory’ birthday cake made by her aunty Alicia.

GOODBY DOGGIE: Family and friends of the late Dr Christopher Everard Cecil Fletcher who was born December 22 1935 and passed away on October 23 2018 gathered in the garden at Mardi Bucknell’s to remember and celebrate his life.

Guests enjoyed drinks and a beautiful afternoon tea and were welcomed by Chris’ son Dougal, who was home from Malaysia. He thanked everyone for taking the time to remember and honour their father.

Chris’ brother Simon talked on their growing up in Africa whilst Michael Frost gave an enlightening talk on Chris’ life at Roseworthy Agricultural College. He was followed by David Park who spoke on being part of the family and good friend from Grenfell, Colin Wood spoke on behalf of “Doggie’s” Grenfell friends. To finalise a wonderful afternoon Alistair Fletcher from Port Macquarie told some humorous stories of growing up in Grenfell with his brother, his mum Pamela and dad Christopher.

He thanked Mardie and her helpers for a memorable afternoon and asked all present to sign a book with their favourite memory of “Doggie”.

LIONS YOUTH OF THE YEAR: The Zone 5 Final for the Lions Youth of the Year will be held at Forbes Services Club on Sunday March 03. Lions members and the general public are most welcome to attend.

Four entrants will contest the Zone Final; Connor Day (The Henry Lawson High School Grenfell), Meagan Carroll (Cowra High School), Katrina Garlick (Hennessey Catholic College Young) and Jamie Mitton (Red Bend Catholic College Forbes).

The quest is recognised nationally for its role in developing vital skills at a time when younger people are preparing to enter the workforce and higher education,

Win or lose the Lions Youth of the Year Quest is widely recognised as having a profound effect on everyone who takes part – giving each entrant a  unique opportunity to discover skills they may be well unaware they possess.

Interviews will take place from 9am. Following lunch at approximately 1pm the Public Speaking segment of the program commences.

A Public Speaking Winner and the Overall winner will be announced with the successful overall winner from the Zone going to the District Final on March 16 in Griffith. The winner from there will progress to the State Final on Saturday April 13 in Armidale (N1) and from here the winner will go onto the MD National Final in Geelong - May 4 - 6.

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