Category Archives: Events

Ashfield to Martin Place Sydney Wednesday 11th November 2015

Posted on November 11, 2015 | 2 comments

Ashfield to Martin Place Sydney Wednesday 11th November 2015

After a comfortable overnight stay at Ashfield Boys High School, the marchers were provided with breakfast by Wests Ashfield Leagues Club, which was very much appreciated by the marchers and support crew.

Marchers leaving Wests Ashfield Leagues Club 11/11/2015

Marchers leaving Wests Ashfield Leagues Club 11/11/2015

The marchers headed off at 6.15 am for their final stretch of their approximately 640 km long march from Gilgandra to Sydney.

Marchers arriving at Redfern War Memorial 11/11/2015

Marchers arriving at Redfern War Memorial 11/11/2015

They went to Redfern to pay respects to the two Coo-ees whose names are remembered on the Redfern War Memorial, then made their way to Martin Place through Hyde Park, past the Shrine of Remembrance.

Marchers at Martin Place before the parade 11/11/12015

Marchers at Martin Place before the parade 11/11/12015

It was an emotional experience for all to arrive at Martin Place, where the Coo-ee March 2015 Re-enactment ended.  It then started to rain not long after they arrived at Martin Place.

Marchers in Remembrance Day Parade 11/11/2015

Marchers in Remembrance Day Parade 11/11/2015

The marchers then lead the City of Sydney Remembrance Day Parade after the Australian Army Band down Martin Place to the Cenotaph to participate in the Remembrance Day commemorative service.

It was then time for the marchers and support crew to say farewell after their 26 day journey.

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Springwood to Penrith Saturday 7th November 2015

Posted on November 7, 2015 | Leave a comment

The marchers left Springwood at 7.10 am.

Marchers leaving Springwood 7/11/2015

Marchers leaving Springwood 7/11/2015

One of the marchers was a descendant of David James Wagner, one of the Springwood recruits, and she pointed out the house where he lived when he joined the Coo-ees in 1915.

The marchers made their way down Mitchells Pass, which was closed to traffic during this period.  Photos were taken at the historic Lennox Bridge, which the Coo-ees marched over in 1915.

Marchers on the Lennox Bridge on Mitchells Pass 7/11/2015

Marchers on the Lennox Bridge on Mitchells Pass 7/11/2015

A welcome ceremony was held at 11 am at the Old School House in Emu Plains, where the Coo-ees stopped and were given bottles of lemonade by the school children in 1915.

Marchers at the Old School House at Emu Plains 7/11/2015

Marchers at the Old School House at Emu Plains 7/11/2015

A piper lead the marchers in a street parade down High Street at 12.30 pm, then a commemorative service was held at Penrith Memory Park, which was well attended by the community.

Marchers arriving at Penrith Memory Park 7/11/2015

Marchers arriving at Penrith Memory Park 7/11/2015

After lunch had been provided to the marchers, they marched to the Penrith Paceway for their overnight stay.

The Mayor of Penrith, Cr. Karen McKeown, and Penrith City Council, hosted a formal function and dinner at the Penrith Paceway for the marchers in the evening.

Two commemorative plaques about the Coo-ee March unveiled at the evening function at Penrith 7/11/2015

Two commemorative plaques about the Coo-ee March unveiled at the evening function at Penrith 7/11/2015

Two commemorative plaques, one for St Marys War Memorial and one for Penrith Memory Park, were unveiled during the proceedings.

The commemorative medallion that was presented to the marchers during the evening function in the Sky Lounge at Penrith Paceway 7/11/2015

The commemorative medallion that was presented to the marchers during the evening function in the Sky Lounge at Penrith Paceway 7/11/2015

A Coo-ee Chocolate Ration, and  a Coo-ee March Centenary Penrith-St Marys commemorative coin, were gifts provided to the marchers, which were very much appreciated.

Marchers Stuart and Geoff being sung happy birthday at the evening function 7/11/2015

Marchers Stuart and Geoff being sung happy birthday at the evening function 7/11/2015

Two of the marchers celebrated a birthday today, and were sung happy birthday, and presented with a birthday cake, at the evening function.

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Belgravia Road to Orange Tuesday 27th October 2015

Posted on October 27, 2015 | 1 comment

Belgravia Road to Orange Tuesday 27th October 2015

The marchers left the picturesque property “Stirling” at 6.30 am this morning, after a cold windy night.

Marchers leaving "Stirling" 27/10/2015

Marchers leaving “Stirling” 27/10/2015

They arrived at Cook Park in Orange at 12.30 am, and many had a look at the WWI display in Blowes Conservatory, which has 26 banners on display, including one on the Coo-ee March, and others with stories of WWI servicemen and women who enlisted in Orange.

Coo-ee March banner on display at The Blowes Conservatory. Cook Park, Orange 27/10/2015

Coo-ee March banner on display at The Blowes Conservatory. Cook Park, Orange 27/10/2015

There was also a lovely garden bed full of red poppies, and lavender and rosemary, with a plaque “Plants of Gallipoli”.

Flower garden at Cook Park in Orange 27/10/2015

Flower garden at Cook Park in Orange 27/10/2015

At 2 pm the Orange High School Band lead the parade down Summer Street to the Orange War Memorial in Robertson Park, followed by the Coo-ee marchers, and representatives from several schools in Orange with many waving flags, and also the Army cadets, and scouts.

Street parade in Orange 27/10/2015

Street parade in Orange 27/10/2015

A commemorative service was held at the Orange War Memorial at 2.30 pm, at which the Hon. John Cobb MP, and the Mayor of Orange, Cr. John Davis, gave speeches.  Helen Thompson gave a brief talk about the two Coo-ees from the Orange district who died while on active service in WWI.

Cr. John Davis, Mayor of Orange, speech at Orange War Memorial 27/10/2015

Cr. John Davis, Mayor of Orange, speech at Orange War Memorial 27/10/2015

The marchers then had a lovely afternoon tea at the CWA hall in Robertson Park, before retiring to Romani Barracks for the evening.

 

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Boomey to Belgravia Road (via Molong) Monday 26th October 2015

Posted on October 26, 2015 | Leave a comment

The marchers left the campsite at  Boomey at 8 am.

Start of the street parade at Molong 26/10/2015

Start of the street parade at Molong 26/10/2015

They had a street parade in which  some of the local school children participated that started at 11 am and marched along Bank Street, with a short stop at the Town Hall to be welcomed by the Mayor of Cabonne, Cr. Ian Gosper.  The parade then continued along Edward Street to the Coo-ee March Memorial Gateway at the recreation ground, where a commemorative service was held at 11.30 am. There was a large number of school children present, from Molong Public School, and St Josephs Primary School.  Two banners had been made by the school children for the event.

Molong school children with two banners 26/10/2015

Molong school children with two banners 26/10/2015

A delicious lunch of sandwiches, cakes and slices, and fruit,  was provided by the Yarn Market Association Ltd at the historic Cobb & Co Coach House.

Marchers leaving Cobb & Co Couch House at Molong 26/10/2015

Marchers leaving Cobb & Co Couch House at Molong 26/10/2015

The marchers left the Cobb & Co Coach House at 1 pm.

Some of the support people took the opportunity to visit the Molong Museum, to look at a display on the 1915 Coo-ee March.

Some of the support people with Sue Milne at Molong Museum 26/10/2015

Some of the support people with Sue Milne at Molong Museum 26/10/2015

They then visited the Molong and district Servicemen and Servicewomen’s Portrait Gallery at the Molong RSL Club.

Some of the support people at Molong RSL Club 26/10/2015

Some of the support people at Molong RSL Club 26/10/2015

The marchers arrived at the property “Stirling” on Belgravia Road about 4.30 pm, and set up camp for their overnight stay.

Setting up camp at "Stirling" 26/10/2015

Setting up camp at “Stirling” 26/10/2015

 

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Stuart Town to Euchareena Saturday 24th October 2015

Posted on October 24, 2015 | 2 comments

Stuart Town to Euchareena Saturday 24th October 2015

After an overnight stay at Stuart Town School of Arts Hall, the marchers enjoyed breakfast provided by the Stuart Town Advancement Association and Stuart Town RTC/Hall.

The marchers left Stuart Town at 8 am.

Mr Ben Penhall reciting a poem to the marchers on the road to Euchareena 24/10/2015

Mr Ben Penhall reciting a poem to the marchers on the road to Euchareena 24/10/2015

During the morning tea break on the road to Euchareena, Mr Ben Penham from Stuart Town entertained the marchers at a Rest Area with his performance of two poems – ‘The reading room’ by Neville Penham, and ‘Lost’ by Banjo Patterson.

The marchers arrived at Euchareena Soldiers Memorial Hall about 12.30 pm.

A short commemorative service was held in the Hall near the Men of Euchareena & District Who Served in the Great War Roll of Honor. A welcome speech was given by Mr Roly Lyons, and Clint Merriman.

Photograph of Miss Phoebe Lyons ca. 1915 who served cakes to the Coo-ees at Euchareena in 1915, and as a 90 year old served cakes to the marchers in the 1987 Coo-ee March Re-enactment (Photograph courtesy Mrs J. Noble)

Photograph of Miss Mary Lyons ca. 1914 who served cakes to the Coo-ees at Euchareena in 1915, and as a 90 year old served cakes to the marchers in the 1987 Coo-ee March Re-enactment (Photograph courtesy Mrs J. Noble)

A photograph of Miss Mary Lyons, who was one of the local Australian Red Cross ladies who provided cakes to the Coo-ees when they stopped overnight at Euchareena on 20th October 1915, and who also served cakes to the men when they stopped for lunch at Euchareena in the 1987 Coo-ee March as a 90 year old, was on display in the hall.  Also on display were some newspaper articles about Miss Mary Lyons, and articles about the Coo-ees at Euchareena in 1915, and the 1987 Coo-ee March Re-enactment.

Afternoon tea for the marchers at Euchareena Soldiers Memorial Hall 24/10/2015

Afternoon tea for the marchers at Euchareena Soldiers Memorial Hall 24/10/2015

An assortment of cakes, slices, fruit, tea and coffee, and juice was provided for afternoon tea by the local community, followed by a hearty dinner, which was very much appreciated by the marchers.

The marchers then had a “sing-song” in the hall that evening.

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Geurie to Wellington Thursday 22nd October 2015

Posted on October 22, 2015 | 1 comment

After a rainy night where they slept in the Geurie Memorial Hall, the marchers rose early to enjoy breakfast provided for them by Geurie Lions Club.

The marchers left Geurie at 7 am.

Marchers leaving Geurie 22/10/2015

Marchers leaving Geurie 22/10/2015

They passed through four private properties to take the back roads to Maryvale Hall, where they stopped for lunch.  Some locals joined them for a cuppa.

Marchers at Maryvale Hall near Wellington 22/10/2015

Marchers at Maryvale Hall near Wellington 22/10/2015

The marchers formed up with the Mayor of Wellington, Cr. Anne Jones, and Wellington RSL Sub-Branch members,  for a street parade starting at 5.30 pm down Lee Street and Nanima Crescent to Cameron Park.

The Mayor of Wellington, Cr. Anne Jones, at Wellington War Memorial 22/10/2015

The Mayor of Wellington, Cr. Anne Jones, at Wellington War Memorial 22/10/2015

A commemorative service was held at the Wellington War Memorial. Cr. Anne Jones welcomed the marchers, and gave a speech about the 1915 Coo-ee March.

Doug Morley played the Last Post.

The marchers then made their way to Wellington Showground for an overnight stay.

Wellington Rotary Club provided dinner at the Showground, which was very much appreciated.

 

 

 

 

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Goonoo National Park to Dubbo Tuesday 20th October 2015

Posted on October 21, 2015 | 1 comment

Goonoo National Park to Dubbo Tuesday 20th October 2015

After an early start before sunrise, the Coo-ee marchers started out at 7 am on another long day, covering 31 km.

The Mayor of Dubbo, Cr. Mathew Dickerson, met them on the way, and marched into Dubbo with them.

The St Johns Eagles Marching Band participated with the marchers in a street parade  which started at 4 pm, marching down Talbragar Street, left into Macquarie Street, left into Church Street, to the Dubbo War Memorial in Victoria Park.  The band played Waltzing Matilda as they marched down Talbragar Street.

Coo-ees in parade in front of the Royal Hotel, Talbragar Street, Dubbo, 13th October 1915 (Town & Country Journal 20/10/21915)

Coo-ees in parade in front of the Royal Hotel, Talbragar Street, Dubbo, 13/10/1915 (Town & Country Journal 20/10/21915)

Then, and now …

St Johns Eagles Marching Band leading the parade in Dubbo, 20/10/2015

St Johns Eagles Marching Band leading the parade in Dubbo, 20/10/2015

Several hundred people watched them from the footpaths along the streets, with some waving flags.

Coo-ee marchers passing Dubbo City Council chambers, Church Street, Dubbo

Coo-ee marchers passing Dubbo City Council chambers, Church Street, Dubbo

There was also a good sized crowd at the commemorative service at Dubbo War Memorial, which commenced at 4.30 pm.

The Mayor , Cr. Mathew Dickerson welcomed the Coo-ee marchers, and gave a speech about the Coo-ees arrival in Dubbo 100 years ago.

Cr Mathew Dickerson, Mayor of Dubbo, giving welcome speech at Dubbo War Memorial 20/10/2015

Cr Mathew Dickerson, Mayor of Dubbo, giving welcome speech at Dubbo War Memorial 20/10/2015

Helen Thompson, Administration/Research Officer for the Coo-ee March 2015 Inc. (Gilgandra Sub-Committee), gave a speech about Joseph Patrick Wallis (also known as Joseph Patrick Wailes) who was one of the 12 recruits who joined at Dubbo, and who was killed in action at the Battle of Fromelles on 19th/20th July 1915, and Wilfred Ernest McDonald, who was born in Dubbo, and joined the Coo-ees at Wongarbon.  He was killed in action on 3rd May 1917, near Bullecourt in France. His name is on the Dubbo WWI Roll of Honour at the Dubbo War Memorial (and also on the Wongarbon Soldiers’ Memorial).

Further information about these two Coo-ees can be found at: http://cooeemarch1915.com/2014/06/01/joseph-patrick-wallis/ and http://cooeemarch1915.com/2014/07/01/wilfred-ernest-mcdonald/

The Ode was read by Mr Tom Gray, Dubbo RSL Sub-Branch President, and local bugler Mr Alan Sloane played The Last Post.

The marchers stayed overnight at Dubbo Showground, and dinner was provided by Red Rooster.

 

 

 

 

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Balladoran to Eumungerie Sunday 18th October 2015

Posted on October 18, 2015 | 1 comment

After an overnight stay at Mr Ralph Naden’s Balladoran Aboriginal Youth and Cultural Camp, the Coo-ee marchers had  bacon and eggs for breakfast, before taking the opportunity to recreate the ‘sumptuous’ breakfast that the Coo-ees had at Balladoran on 11th October 1915, shown in this photograph from the Daily Telegraph.

Who wouldn't be a recruit? Breakfast at Balladoran (Daily Telegraph 14/10/1915)

Who wouldn’t be a recruit? Breakfast at Balladoran (Daily Telegraph 14/10/1915)

 

Coo-ee marchers breakfast scene at Balladoran

Coo-ee marchers breakfast scene at Balladoran

The Coo-ee marchers left Balladoran at 8 am, and experienced warm weather, and ‘dust and flies’, just like the Coo-ees did in 1915.

The Coo-ee marchers leaving Balladoran

The Coo-ee marchers leaving Balladoran

They arrived at Eumungerie about 11.30 am, where they were greeted by members of the local community at the Eumungerie-Coboco Memorial Hall.

The Coo-ee marchers then went to the Eumungerie-Coboco RSL War Memorial for a commemorative service with local RSL Sub-Branch members, and members of the local community.

Graham Greenleaf, a grandson of Leslie Greenleaf who lived at Eumungerie when he joined the Coo-ee March at Gilgandra in 1915, gave a speech about his grandfather, including how he had felt when he had been presented with a wristwatch by the local people of Eumungerie when the Coo-ees stayed there overnight on 11th October 1915.

Graham Greenleaf speaking at the Eumungerie service

Graham Greenleaf speaking at the Eumungerie service

A new plaque was unveiled at the War Memorial, in memory of the Coo-ee March.  The Reverend Graeme Yager, from St Ambrose Church in Gilgandra, who is one of the Coo-ee marchers, blessed the new plaque.

Cooee March Centenary plaque at Eumungerie-Coboco RSL War Memorial

The new Cooee March Centenary plaque at Eumungerie-Coboco RSL War Memorial

The Coo-ee marchers then had lunch at the Drovers Dog Hotel, before spending the night at the Eumungerie-Coboco Memorial Hall.

Further information about this day in 1915 can be read at http://cooeemarch1915.com/2014/01/30/day-2-monday-11-october-1915-balladoran-to-eumungerieiguy/

 

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The start at Gilgandra on Saturday 17th October 2015

Posted on October 17, 2015 | 1 comment

The start at Gilgandra

At 7 am the Coo-ee marchers enjoyed sausages, bacon and eggs for breakfast, provided by the Lions Club at Hunter Park.

At 9 am the Coo-ee marchers attended a church service with the community at St Ambrose Church in Myrtle Street in Gilgandra.

Church service at St Ambrose Church in Gilgandra

Church service at St Ambrose Church in Gilgandra

At 10.45 the official farewell was given at the commemorative Coo-ee March cairn in Bridge Street, which marks the spot where the original Coo-ee March commenced.

Official farewell in Bridge Street at the spot where the 1915 Coo-ee March started.

Official farewell in Bridge Street at the spot where the 1915 Coo-ee March started.

At 11 am the Coo-ee March 2015 Re-enactment commenced with a street parade from Bridge Street into Miller Street onto the Newell Highway to the Coo-ee Mach Memorial Park gateway, where a commemorative service was held in memory of the 35 men who joined the Coo-ee March from Gilgandra.

Coo-ee marchers arrival at Cooee March Memorial Park gateway for a service.

Coo-ee marchers arrival at Cooee March Memorial Park gateway for a service.

Two family members of Captain Bill Hitchen, William Hitchen and Joanne Holmes, layed a wreath.

William Hitchen and Joanne Holmes laying a wreath

William Hitchen and Joanne Holmes laying a wreath

Brian Bywater then planted a tree near the Coo-ee Heritage Centre.

The Coo-ee marchers then marched out of Gilgandra at 12 noon, starting their long trek to Sydney, in the footsteps of the Coo-ees who left Gilgandra 100 years ago on 10th October 2015.

The marchers arrived at Balladoran for their overnight stay  at 5 pm.

 

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Coo-ee March Re-enactment Farewell Ball Friday 16 October 2015

Posted on October 17, 2015 | Leave a comment

The Coo-ee March Re-enactment Farewell Ball was held at Gilgandra Shire Hall last night, in memory of the Farewell Ball that was held for the 1915 Coo-ees on Friday 8th October 1015.

Many of the people who attended took the opportunity to wear 1915 period costume.

An official welcome was given to the Coo-ee marchers by the Mayor, Cr Doug Batten.  Each marcher was introduced to the audience.

Coo-ee marchers at the Farewell Ball

Coo-ee marchers at the Farewell Ball

The marchers all enjoyed dancing the Barn Dance, and there was dancing throughout the evening.

Descendants and family members for several of the 1915 Coo-ees also attended the Ball.

Descendants and family members of some of the 1915 Coo-ees.

Descendants and family members of some of the 1915 Coo-ees.

The choir sang several songs, and a great night was had by all who attended.

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