Millthorpe to Blayney Thursday 29th October 2015
Following a hearty breakfast provided to the marchers by the Millthorpe Public School P & C, the marchers left Millthorpe Primary School where they had stayed overnight in the school hal,l and formed up at the gates near Millthorpe War Memorial at 8 am.
They were marched out of town by the Canobolas Highland Pipe Band from Orange. The school children waved them off, as they set off to Blayney.
The marchers arrived at Blayney at about 10.30 am. The distance travelled was the shorted day of the march – about 14 km.
They formed up at 11.30 am for a street parade to the Blayney War Memorial. School children from three local Blayney schools lined the streets to welcome them, and they then attended a short commemorative service held at Blayney War Memorial, which started at 12 noon.
The Mayor of Blayney, Cr. Scott Ferguson welcomed the marchers to Blayney. Helen Thompson gave a speech on the Coo-ees’ stay at Blayney in 1915, and the men recruited at Blayney.
The President of the Blayney RSL Sub-Branch, Mr Reg Rendell read the Ode. A student at Blayney High School played the Last Post and the Rouse.
The marchers then retired to Blayney Show Ground for their overnight stay, and had dinner at the Blayney Bowling Club.