Category Archives: Parades

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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Mt Victoria to Katoomba Thursday 5th November 2015

Posted on November 5, 2015 | Leave a comment

The marchers left Browntown Oval at 7 am, in light rain.

Due to the rain, the commemorative service that had been planned to be held at Blackheath War Memorial was moved to Blackheath-Mt. Victoria RSL Sub-Branch Hall.  The service started at 8.30 am.

Morning tea was provided after the service by the ladies at Blackheath Quota Club.  The marchers left at 9.30 am, being waved goodbye by local school children.

The marchers leaving Blacktown-Mt. Victoria RSL Sub-Branch Hall 5/11/2015

The marchers leaving Blacktown-Mt. Victoria RSL Sub-Branch Hall 5/11/2015

The marchers stopped at the Hydro Majestic for a coffee about 10.30 am.

The marchers arrived at Katoomba at about 12 noon.

The Australian Army Band and the marchers arriving at Katoomba RSL Club 5/11/2015

The Australian Army Band and the marchers arriving at Katoomba RSL Club 5/11/2015

A street parade was held in Katoomba from Katoomba  Street to the Katoomba RSL Club, which was lead by The Australian Army Band from Victoria Barracks, followed by the marchers, and a large number of local school children.

A commemorative service was held at Katoomba Community War Memorial starting at 1 pm.

Marchers at the Katoomba Community War Memorial, later in the afternoon after the service 5/11/2015

Marchers at the Katoomba Community War Memorial, later in the afternoon after the service 5/11/2015

Lunch was provided by Katoomba RSL Club, which was very much appreciated by the marchers.

Katoomba RSL Club very kindly also provided the auditorium for the marchers to stay overnight in, due to the rain.  The marchers had showers at Katoomba Showground.

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Lithgow to Mt Victoria Wednesday 4th November 2015

Posted on November 4, 2015 | 2 comments

Lithgow to Mt Victoria Wednesday 4th November 2015

100 years ago to the day. the Coo-ees arrived at Mt Victoria on 4th November 1915.

Today the marchers left the Tony Luchetti Sportsground at Lithgow at 7 am, following a cooked breakfast provided by the Lithgow Lions Club.

The day was quite wet, with mist and light rain.

They stopped at Hartley for lunch, and took the opportunity to have their photo taken in front of the Old Court House, where the Coo-ees dined, and slept overnight at, in 1915.

Marchers lined up at Old Court House, where the Coo-ees stayed overnight in 1915, 4/11/2015

Marchers lined up at Old Court House, where the Coo-ees stayed overnight in 1915, 4/11/2015

They also had a photo taken in front of the Old Royal Hotel at Hartley, where the Coo-ees also had their photo taken in 1915.

Marchers lined up in spot where the Coo-ees were in 1915, 4/11/2015

Marchers lined up in front of the Old Royal Hotel at Hartley  in the spot where the Coo-ees were in 1915, 4/11/2015

The marchers climbed Berghofers Pass, then arrived at Mt Victoria about 2.45 pm.

Marchers resting at the Imperial Hotel In Mt Victoria 4/11/2015

Marchers resting at the Imperial Hotel In Mt Victoria 4/11/2015

Due to the rain, the commemorative service held at 3 pm was moved to the Ballroom at the Imperial Hotel across the road from the Mt Victoria War Memorial, where afternoon tea was provided by the Blackheath-Mt Victoria RSL Sub-Branch, and the Mt Victoria Community Association Inc.

Laying the wreath at the Mt Victoria War Memorial 4/11/2015

Laying the wreath at the Mt Victoria War Memorial 4/11/2015

The wreath laying ceremony was undertaken at the Mt Victoria War Memorial, where the Last Post was played by the bugler.

Some of the marchers camped at Browntown Oval.  Others camped at the Anglican Church Hall which was kindly made available to them, due to the rain.  A few decided to stay overnight at the Imperial Hotel.

 

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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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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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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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