GERMAN WAR GRAVES CEMETERY

After the end of the Second World War, it was decided to bring the remains of all German citizens who had died in Australia as Internees or Prisoners of war to a common burial ground. A section of the northern part of the Tatura Cemetery was annexed to form the Tatura German War Graves Cemetery. This cemetery contains the remains of 250 Germans who died in Australia during the two world wars. Each Grave is marked by a bronze plaque bearing the deceased’s name and date of death. On the plaque an iron cross signifies the grave of a Prisoner of War and the Latin Cross that of a civilian internee. A monument at the eastern end records the names of 27 Germans buried elsewhere in Australia and also commemorates 129 Catholic and 45 protestant missionaries. The first four rows of graves, running north to south contain those who died during World War 2, and the rows running east to west are World War1 fatalities. The World War 2 section was officially inaugurated on Sunday, 16th November 1958 by the West German Ambassador. The impressive dignified and deeply moving ceremony was witnessed by about 1000 people. Local school children laid posies on each of the grave plaques. Each year on the Sunday after 11th November, the German Consulate and the Temple Society hold a Memorial Service at the Tatura War Graves Cemetery. This year on Sunday 13th November the service was held in the Senior Citizens Rooms as heavy rain was forecast. Led by Mr Michael Pearce, the German Honorary Consul General, there were speeches by Cr. Anthony Brophy, Seumas Spark, Renate Beilharz and Pastor Kim Kiessling. Music accompanists were a trumpet and guitar.

George Ferguson Tatura Museum

IT'S GOING TO BE HUGE

Things are building up for Hussln's Open Day 2023 already. This next one is going to be a really large car show, once again raising money for Beyond Blue. To be held in Tatura on Saturday, March 18, anyone (business or privately) even thinking to sponsor the event or donate for the raffle should contact Hussln on 0437 897 938 or email: husslnautodetailing@gmail.com, and Cam will be happy to explain conditions on offer with absolutely no obligation.

- Janice Dreyer

OPENING HOURS

Ring the shop on 5824 3059 to enquire about our opening hours. Currently open weekdays only.

Tatura Lions Club

Christmas Trees

Tatura Lions will be selling Christmas Trees again this year. Place your order as soon as possible to Malcolm 0429 683 775 or Glenda 0411 298 113.

Sizes are 1.5m -1.8m -2.1m.

Support Lions and have the smell of a fresh tree in your home to celebrate this year.

Christmas Cakes

Don’t forget to purchase your Lions Christmas Cake’s and Puddings this year. Give Charlie a call on 0410 676 995 or many of the local shops will be selling them.

International Dairy Week 2023

The event is to be held between Saturday 14 January to Thursday 19 January 2023. Event coordinator Stacey Leppert is confident and excited that IDW 2023 will be bigger and better than last year when Covid affected the number of entries. The event will commence a day earlier on the Saturday and will include a Food Truck festival and entertainment on Saturday evening commencing at 5pm. This will be free entry and it is hoped that local people from Tatura and surrounding areas will bring families and friends to enjoy the party atmosphere and to get to know what Dairy Week is all about. The Tatura Football Netball Club will once again be responsible for catering and bar duties throughout the week. If any new volunteers wish to be involved in any of the various jobs required, please ring the TFNC IDW Coordinator, Daryl Eaton, on 0408335284.

Cwa Harston

The last meeting of the CWA Harston branch was our Branch AGM, attended by the Goulburn Valley West CWA Group President Mrs. Mandy Perkins and the Group Secretary Mrs. Janette Mason. This was held at the Tatura Bowls Club rooms where we now meet each month. Most Harston members were in attendance, we have a few still not well enough to come along and our thoughts are with Mrs. Margaret Donaldson, Mrs. Irene Gale, Mrs. Margaret Hedges, Mrs. Mary McGrath and Mrs. Marie Wright. These ladies have been long time members and are dearly missed at our meetings.

Moving on, it was another successful AGM with all positions filled, I’m sure it appeared the same as last year. As our Branch President is Mrs. Glenys Eberle, Secretary is Mrs. Freda Clements, and the Treasurer is Mrs. Marilyn Pell. Most other members have their support positions within our Branch.

The highlight of the day for myself, as a past Group President was to see the Group President Mandy present the Country Women’s Association Service Certificates and Badges to three Members. Mrs. Margaret Hedges (unfortunately absent) for her Ten years of Service, Mrs. Freda Clement for her Twenty years Service, and Mrs. Lucy Harper for her Seventy years of Service to the CWA.

As Group President Mandy pointed out, Lucy has been a member of the CWA long before she was born. Having joined in October 1952, Lucy was a member of the CWA Murchison branch prior to moving to Tatura and transferring to Harston Branch. We presented Lucy with a lovely lavender plant, the service badges and certificate are just one way to recognise these milestones in CWA life.

A lovely morning tea followed with Scones, Jam and cream enjoyed by all, to end the AGM year on.

Then it was back to business with our regular meeting, with thoughts about ideas for future fundraising activities, and next year’s Branch competitions. The Harston Branch has its own Inaugural trophy, dedicated to the Late Mrs. Lucy Nicholls, this is for the most points at the end of the AGM year for the Best flower Bloom, it was presented to Mrs. Glenys Eberle for 2022.

The point winners at our November meeting being for ‘Something in a lady’s handbag’ was:

1st Freda Clement,

2nd Glenys Eberle,

3rd Fay Alexander

The best bloom:

1st Margaret Corrigan,

2nd Glenys Eberle,

The study of Tarot is a study of our journey through life. A Tarot reading can help you find answers to troubling questions, increase self-awareness and bring about personal insights otherwise left undiscovered. Tarot is a tool for empowerment –thus allowing you to be in control of your life!

3rd Freda Clement.

The 12th of December meeting is our Christmas Lunch, members are reminded to wear something Christmassy, and the Branch competition is a Christmas Brooch. Contact Glenys for details, please.

Yours in CWA Friendship, Mrs. Marilyn Pell.