Hello again. It was January last year when I first wrote about Shepparton’s centenary (1938) and I’ve thought about it frequently since then.
What a fantastic job our civic leaders must have done.
I can picture more than 200 flowering peach trees lining the streets – particularly in Maude St, with our new, brilliantly white council chambers.
There was even a song written for the occasion: Blossom Town.
Our population at that time was around 6700 – enthusiastic, energetic people, passionate about their town.
I could never figure out why I had never heard about it; why my parents and grandparents had never thought it worth a mention.
However, within 11 months of that amazing party, we were at war.
And, as I heard plenty of wartime stories, perhaps six years of a world war created some kind of emotional barrier; ‘Before the war’ became almost like another life.
So, from time to time, whenever I am communicating with someone who may have attended the centenary event, I ask if they have any personal memories.
And, last week, Dot contacted me with her memories of working in Maude St.
Her son, Greg, had facilitated her communication – so, I asked Greg if his mum had any memories of the centenary.
They replied that Dot remembered a big event but few details.
Fair enough. It was, after all, 84 years ago.
However, Greg then sent me this fantastic piece of memorabilia (he said he asked Mr Google) – and we joked about how old we’d be when the next event came along.
Personally, I think I’ll be watching (with great interest, mind you) from another place.
And, it will be very hard to better the pale pink blossom, with its magenta centre and gentle perfume, decorating our streets.
And, what about the date?
I think the centenary date was ‘a bit out’ – just my opinion, of course.
It was taken from that structure near the tennis courts, commemorating the nearby camp of Hawdon and Bonney.
They camped – if indeed they did camp – somewhere on the other side of the river.
Certainly, they were the first white men to pass through the district, in January 1838.
In 1843, there was a sheep station here, being run by Sherbourne Sheppard – but the search engines are saying Shepp was founded in 1860.
Anyway, I guess it doesn’t matter a great deal – except I’ll definitely be watching from another place, if we celebrate the next one in 2060.
Fair go, Daniel
I don’t often get angry – and when I do I try to rid myself of it, quickly.
However, the Commonwealth Games announcement is causing me to maintain my rage. (Bertolt Brecht would be proud of me!)
Our council and its committee worked hard on our proposal, which also involved other areas, and was reasonably sound; not ‘pie in the sky’.
In fact, it was such a good idea that Mr Andrews pinched it and left us out.
I heard him say that if particular facilities are needed, they’ll be built.
Well, build them here, Premier. It was our idea.
Here’s a thought, though. The state election is in November.
Along came Kim
On Wednesday last week, a friend and I were enjoying coffee at Shepparton Art Museum – and talking (among many other topics) about the federal election in Nicholls, which is shaping up to be as tight as they come.
As far as quality candidates go, we are spoilt for choice.
And now, the state election is heading the same way – Suzanna, as far as we know, Cheryl and Kim.
As is always the case, this council has struggled with some decisions – and hasn’t always taken the people with them.
And there is definitely a problem with land development and planning.
However, few can fault Kim O’Keeffe’s work ethic, her commitment and her compassion.
So, hang in there everyone. It will be an interesting year.
Under the clock
The Studebaker
June 8, 1914
Mr J. L. Watson, district agent, Kyabram, for the Studebaker motor, was in Shepparton on Saturday, to give his demonstration in proof of the superiority of the car, with all its latest improvements.
These include electric lights, electric self-starter and electric horn, with detachable rims.
The car is of attractive design, with the body painted grey, and the chassis (under part, including the wheels), painted dark blue.
The motor in which Mr Watson arrived at Shepparton has been doing good work without the slightest trouble; and last week covered 800 miles through the surrounding districts, over rough roads and through water, without suffering any mishap or injury.
A great many called opposite the Victoria hotel and admired the car, and the trial run offered was availed of by several of them.
What’s in a name?
Recently, talking to Kay Ball on the phone, she mentioned that she and John were to attend a family reunion – in Balldale, Corowa and Wagga.
Well. There’s a question to be asked, isn’t there? I found six or seven.
Balldale is a small town in the Riverina, about 15km north-east of Corowa.
Last count, there were 156 people in the town, which, it eventuated, was named after Richard Thomas Ball (1857-1934).
Mr Ball was Member for Corowa for 36 years; he served in 13 parliaments under 11 premiers and took the oath of allegiance to five sovereigns.
And he was involved in the writing of the Australian Constitution.
Richard Thomas Ball probably isn’t aware but he has a new fan: me.
I think our constitution is more than adequate. It clearly lists our rights and our governments’ responsibilities.
I think our governments ignore it at their peril.
However, the real story here is that Richard left his family a fair sort of legacy.
Now, is anybody related to Sherbourne Sheppard?
Easter
When possible, over the past couple of weeks, I’ve been watching Call the Midwife; hadn’t seen it for some years.
Here’s the problem. I’m inclined to get teary when things go wrong — when there is misery or loss.
And I’m inclined to get teary at the happy times, too.
And the sight of a newborn, each bringing hope and possibility to the world, always makes me cry.
End result, I’m swollen-eyed and blubbering. There are seven seasons too.
I do hope you have had a pleasant Easter – each honouring the season, in a way that suits you. The weather was perfect – until it wasn’t!
Here, we had 18 hungry people for lunch on Sunday – which always means a busy Saturday – and Monday morning, returning everything to normal.
For us, it was an Easter gathering combined with two family birthdays.
This year, the birthdays were delayed – not by a lockdown, thank heavens – by a wedding, a long-promised graduation at Melbourne Uni and a honeymoon.
However, we finally made it – all together.
They say laughter is good for the soul – and the body; in which case, we are all healthier and happier than we were before Easter.
A couple of times, I thought the roof would lift off!
We’ll talk again next week – about an interesting man.
May it be easy, my friends.
— Marnie
Email: towntalk@sheppnews.com.au
Letter: Town Talk. Shepparton News. P.O. Box 204. Shepparton 3631.
Phone: Send a text on 0418 962 507. (Note: text only. I will call you back, if you wish)