Category Archives: Memorials

Wimbledon Road (near Newbridge) to Bathurst Saturday 31st October 2015

Posted on October 31, 2015 | 1 comment

Before the marchers left ‘Bathampton’ they had their photo taken in front of the woolshed, which is on the site of the old woolshed that the Coo-ees stayed t in 1915.

Marchers in front of the woolshed at Bathampton, on the site of the original woolshed where the Coo-ees stayed in 1915 31/10/2015

Marchers in front of the woolshed at Bathampton, on the site of the original woolshed where the Coo-ees stayed in 1915 31/10/2015

The marchers left ‘Bathampton’ at 8am to be taken back to the point where they stopped the march the previous day on Wimbledon Road, and started marching at about 8.30 am.

They stopped at Perthville for lunch.

The marchers arrived earlier than expected at 2.30 pm at Centennial Park in Bathurst, so marched to Bathurst Showground, just as is started raining.

The street parade started from Centennial Park  at 4 pm.   The Scots School Pipes & Drums Band met with the marchers along William Street, on their way to the Bathurst War Memorial Carillon.

Scots School Pipes & Drums Band in Bathurst Street Parade 31/10/2015

Scots School Pipes & Drums Band in Bathurst Street Parade 31/10/2015

Due to the wet weather, the RSL Sub-Branch had decided to move the venue for the commemorative service from the Bathurst War Memorial Carillon to the Bathurst RSL Club.

Marchers entering Bathurst RSL Club for the commemorative service 31/10/2015

Marchers entering Bathurst RSL Club for the commemorative service 31/10/2015

The service started at approximately 4.3o pm, and the Mayor of Bathurst, Cr. Gary Rush, welcomed the marchers.

The Mayor of Bathurst, Cr. Gary Rush giving speech at Bathurst RSL Club service 31/10/2015

The Mayor of Bathurst, Cr. Gary Rush giving speech at Bathurst RSL Club service 31/10/2015

The Macquarie Male Singers sang several songs from the WWI era, including ‘It’s  a long way to Tipperary’ and ‘Mademoiselle from Armentieres’.

Macquarie Male Singers at Bathurst RSL Club service 31/10/2015

Macquarie Male Singers at Bathurst RSL Club service 31/10/2015

Helen Thompson gave an account of the Coo-ees’ reception in Bathurst in 1915, and spoke about the three Coo-ees from Bathurst who died while on active service during the First World War.

Their names were displayed today on white crosses in the garden bed with red poppies near the Bathurst War Memorial Carillon.

Three white crosses for the three fallen Bathurst Coo-ees at Bathurst War Memorial Carillon 31/10/2015

Three white crosses for the three fallen Bathurst Coo-ees at Bathurst War Memorial Carillon 31/10/2015

The marchers enjoyed a excellent buffet dinner provided by the Bathurst RSL Sub-Branch at the Bathurst RSL Club after the service, before returning to Bathurst Showground for their overnight stay.

 

 

 

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Millthorpe to Blayney Thursday 29th October 2015

Posted on October 29, 2015 | Leave a comment

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.

Pipers leading the marchers out of Millthorpe 29/10//2015

Pipers leading the marchers out of Millthorpe 29/10//2015

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.

Crowd at Blayney War Memorial service 29/10/2015

Crowd at Blayney War Memorial service 29/10/2015

The marchers then retired to Blayney Show Ground for their overnight stay, and had dinner at the Blayney Bowling Club.

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Orange to Millthorpe Wednesday 28th October 2015

Posted on October 28, 2015 | Leave a comment

 

Orange to Millthorpe Wednesday 28th October 2015

The marchers set off from Romani Barracks in Orange at 7.15 am after a hearty breakfast provided by the Canobolas Lions Club.  Marching with them today was approximately 20 members of Australia’s tri-service Federation Guard.

Marchers and Federation Guard leaving Romani Barracks, Orange 28/10/2015

Marchers and Federation Guard leaving Romani Barracks, Orange 28/10/2015

The school children from the Spring Hill Primary School lined the street when the marchers marched into Spring Hill about twelve o’clock, then they marched behind them to the Railway Hotel, where the marchers had a BBQ for lunch.

They arrived at Millthorpe around 3.15 pm, and the school children at Millthorpe Public School lined up to welcome when they marched into the school grounds, where the marchers are staying overnight in the hall, and also on the adjoining Redmond Oval.

Marchers arrive at Millthorpe Public School 28/10/2015

Marchers arrive at Millthorpe Public School 28/10/2015

A short commemorative service was held at the Millthorpe War Memorial at 4 pm.  The Mayor of Blayney, Cr. Scott Ferguson welcomed the marchers. Jo Jackett, Principal of Millthorpe Public School, also gave a speech.  Helen Thompson gave a speech about the Coo-ees’ stay in Millthorpe in 1915, and about the two men who joined the Coo-ee March at Millthorpe.

Mayor of Blayney, Cr. Scott Ferguson, at Millthorpe War Memorial 28/10/2015

Mayor of Blayney, Cr. Scott Ferguson, at Millthorpe War Memorial 28/10/2015

The marchers took the opportunity to look at the Golden Memories Millthorpe Museum across the road from the school, which included research undertaken by the school children on the soldiers listed on the School’s WWI honour roll, that has been compiled into a book.

CompiledResearchBookGoldenMemoriesMillthorpeMuseum28Oct2015

Book compiling the research done by Millthorpe Public School students on Millthorpe’s WWI soldiers at Golden Memories Millthorpe Museum 28/10/2015

The Millthorpe Public School P & C provided a sumptuous BBQ dinner with 236 chops (in memory of the 236 chops that were provided to the Coo-ees by the people of Millthorpe for breakfast when they stayed overnight in 1915), sausages, salad and buns, then cakes and slices,  which was very much appreciated by the marchers, support staff, and the Federation Guard.

BBQ dinner provided by Millthorpe Public School P & C 28/10/2015

BBQ dinner provided by Millthorpe Public School P & C 28/10/2015

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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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Wellington to Stuart Town Friday 23rd October 2015

Posted on October 23, 2015 | 1 comment

Wellington to Stuart Town Friday 23rd October 2015

The marchers left Wellington Showground at 7 am.

They stopped at the Wellington Cemetery to place flowers on the grave of Mrs Emma J. Hitchen, Bill Hitchen’s wife. They also paid their respects at the grave of David O’Rourke, one of the 1915 Coo-ees from Wellington.

Marchers at Wellington Cemetery 23/10/2015

Marchers at Wellington Cemetery 23/10/2015

The Mumbil/Stuart Town CWA ladies provided lunch for the marchers at Mumbil Public School.

After lunch Brian Bywater gave a talk about the 1987 Coo-ee March Re-enactment and the Mumbil medal that had been presented to the marchers. Ross Stocking talked about his experience on the 1987 Re-enactment March as well.

Brian Bywater talking to Mumbil Public School students 23/10/2015

Brian Bywater talking to Mumbil Public School students 23/10/2015

Helen Thompson gave a description of the events that occurred when the Coo-ees were in Mumbil on 19th October 1915, and named the six Coo-ees that were attested at Mumbil (who had undertaken their medical examinations at Wellington, where they had run out of application forms). Don Kenaugh and Eric McCutcheon read poems, and a group of the marchers sang Keep on until the end of the road, and the National Anthem. The students then sang a song about their school.

The marchers left Mumbil Public School at 3.30 pm, and arrived at Stuart Town at 5.15 pm.

Marchers arrive at Stuart Town 23/10/2015

Marchers arrive at Stuart Town 23/10/2015

A short service was held at the Stuart Town War Memorial, then the marchers were invited to the Boehmes Hall Museum for a late afternoon tea, which was situated right next to the Boehmes Hall where the Coo-ees stayed overnight in 1915. They were provided with a banquet of cakes, scones, sandwiches, punch, and tea and coffee.

Marchers outside Boehmes Hall Museum at Stuart Town 23/10/2015

Marchers outside Boehmes Hall Museum at Stuart Town 23/10/2015

The marchers then retired to the Stuart Town School of Arts Hall, where the Stuart Town Advancement Association and Stuart Town RTC/Hall provided a wholesome meal of mashed potatoes, pumpkin, peas, chicken, beef, and buns, followed by sweets, which was very much appreciated by the marchers.

ThankingLadiesWhoProvidedDinnerStuartTown23Oct2015

Marchers thanking the ladies who servied them dinner at Stuart Town School of Arts Hall 23/10/2015

 

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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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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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Program of Events in Gilgandra leading up to the start of the Coo-ee March 2015 Re-enactment

Posted on October 14, 2015 | Leave a comment

Program of Events in Gilgandra leading up to the start

Thursday 15 October 2015:

  • Provisions night and farewell hosted by the Lions Club at the Royal Hotel at the corner of Miller and Bridge Streets in Gilgandra, starting at 6 pm.  There will be a barbecue and a bush band and visitors are welcome to attend

Friday 16 October 2015:

  • Farewell Ball at Gilgandra Shire Hall starting at 7.30 pm. Tickets ($25 each) are available from M H Thomas in Gilgandra (phone 02 6847 2489). Everyone attending is encouraged to wear period costume.

Saturday 17 October 2015:

  • 7 am Marchers leave Showground and march to Hunter Park (CWA Rooms) for a sausage sizzle breakfast catered by the Lions Club
  • 9 am Church service at St Ambrose Church in Myrtle Street in Gilgandra. Members of the public are invited to attend.
  • 10.45 am Official farewell at the commemorative Coo-ee March cairn in Bridge Street, which marks the spot where the original Coo-ee March commenced
  • 11 am Commencement of the Coo-ee March 2015 Re-enactment. Members of the public are encouraged to line the streets to watch the marchers in a street parade from Bridge Street into Miller Street onto the Newell Highway where they will stop at the Coo-ee March Memorial Park gateway for a short commemorative service, before they leave Gilgandra on their long march to Sydney, following in the footsteps of the original Coo-ees, who left Gilgandra on 10th October 1915.

 

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