Gumboots at Elmore, prince at Nagambie, October 1974
An already wet year was worsened when heavy spring rain brought more flooding near Corop and a very muddy start to the opening of the Elmore Field Days. Anyone without gumboots might as well have not paid the entry fee, as Ayson’s Reserve had been inundated the weekend prior. Just how exhibitors got on to the field on the Monday before the Tuesday opening is one of life’s great mysteries.
Prince Charles attended the Bendigo Show, before being driven to stay overnight at the home of Sir Alec Chesurch at Avenel. The journey took the prince (and his showbags) via Nagambie as he was driven up the main street, waving to the crowds without the car stopping! (Perhaps he was in a hurry. Any reader meeting King Charles now should ask whether he remembers Nagambie. It was only 50 years ago and he would have been there for about two minutes.)
Shire of Waranga
Tony Larkins was announced as the new Shire Secretary. The Shire was again extremely busy with road repairs following flood damage.
Community
Within an innovative programme taking arts-related activities to country Victoria, an Arts Train came to Rushworth, offering various classes in the railway carriages.
Rushworth – Colbinabbin Apex Club held a gymkhana on the Colbinabbin Recreation Reserve.
Forty Rushworth CWA ladies attended an afternoon garden party at the home of Mrs Ivan Jell in Parker Street.
Personal
Noela Flanagan of Stanhope and Michael Barlow of Rushworth announced their engagement.
A kitchen tea was extended to Heather McLean, formerly of Moora, at the home of Mrs Eileen Barlow at Rushworth. Colours indicated for the gifts were green, gold and brown. (Just thought you might like to know.) Heather was preparing to marry Joel Reed, of Oak Park. (They visit Rushworth regularly. If you see Joel about town, just say “Gidday mate, how are ya?”)
Another kitchen tea was given to Marcia Jacobson of Wanalta, at the home of her aunt Mrs Shirley Jacobson. Marcia was preparing to marry an Englishman and to move to England.
The death was announced of Stan Risstrom at Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital. He was 83, and the bachelor brother of Lance Risstrom of Rushworth.
After over 17 years as an agent for Ampol, selling fuel by the 44-gallon drum, Alf Raglus took a public notice to advise of his resignation. There were still three service stations in the town and two agents selling petrol by the drum.
Perrys’ Butcher shop advertised sides of beef, cut and packed, at 31 cents per pound! (I will have a side thanks Graham, at the price which is about 70 cents per kilo.) Strangely the same deal for lamb cut and packed was 32 cents per pound. (Hang the expense Graham. I’ll have a pack of lamb as well, and put it in the freezer!)
Advertising sale of monuments for cemeteries was the company Geo. Ferries, based at Castlemaine. Local agents for Ferries gravestones were Graeme Collard of Rushworth, Bill McTaggart of Colbinabbin and Mrs J. Watt at Murchison. (I might also need one of those before long!)
Sport
Footy season was still wrapping up. Over at Toolleen, the Mt Pleasant club presented David Roulston with Life Membership, after many years in various administrative roles. He went on to become the long-serving secretary of the Heathcote District Football League.
The Elmore club gave ten trophies in each of three grades, so anyone missing out was a bit stiff. Most Determined Player award in the Seconds went to Gavin O’Sullivan, of truck fleet fame.
In the opening round of A-grade cricket at Rushworth, John Raglus took a hat-trick. Rushworth had also entered a B-grade team and the Under-15 boys played in the mornings, on the now disused High School commemorative oval adjacent to the golf club.
The Rushworth Speedway continued to be popular with events well supported and decent crowds turning up to see the vehicles charge through the mud.
Murchison bowlers started their season with a win by two shots over Hill Top Tatura, though three rinks went down. Bill Tuena’s team were 10 up, Alan Tweddle’s trundlers down by four, Ern Darby’s squad also under by four, with Jim Hammond’s brigade played a draw.
