NEWS
Still moved by avenue of elms
Details: 0417 339 795
Michael Copp
WHILE some people boast about the foreign sights they’ve seen, Bacchus Marsh’s Heather Shugg appreciates what’s at home and all that was sacrificed in World War I to attain it. Mrs Shugg’s father, John Chambers, and three of his brothers fought in the war and all have trees commemorating them along Bacchus Marsh’s Avenue of Honour. Their lives were cut short, Mrs Shugg said, all dying before the age of 60. One of her uncles, Harold Chambers, died at 21 in the Gallipoli landing. “When we were kids and the avenue was much younger too, we’d go and put flowers down at the tree since we didn’t have a grave for our uncle who was killed,’’ she said. ‘‘It’s silly to say a tree’s like a headstone, but to us it was because there was no grave to visit here.”
Mrs Shugg said although she has lived in Bacchus Marsh all her life, the avenue of tall elms still moves her. “Every time I drive down there, I think about them and remember. The avenue’s very beautiful – whatever the season, whether it’s just the stark branches of the trees in winter or the shade of them in the summer.” On August 10, Mrs Shugg will bring personal artefacts to the Bacchus Marsh Great War centenary committee’s awareness day. The event, at Bacchus Marsh’s RSL hall from 10am, will include storytelling, photography displays, school artwork, biographies, audiovisual displays, a sausage sizzle and information about the Avenue of Honour. Groups involved include the RSL, National Trust, Moorabool council, local schools, historical societies and photography groups.
VICROADS will inspect pedestrian crossing lights on Main Street, Bacchus Marsh, after complaints that several have not been working for some time. “We need [the lights] fixed before someone gets hurt,” Bacchus Marsh resident Kerryn Robinson said. “If someone’s wearing dark clothes and it’s raining it’d be pretty difficult to spot them.” VicRoads regional director Ewen Nevett said the street would be inspected within two weeks, but drivers should still be alert to the pedestrian crossing as amber flashing lights were working. “The speed limit through these zones on Bacchus Marsh Road is 50km/h, which should further reduce the safety risk to pedestrians,’’ he said. ‘‘VicRoads advises pedestrians and motorists to take care at all crossings, particularly at night.” – Priscilla Moca Report faults or hazards to VicRoads’ traffic management centre: 13 11 70
Tree tributes: Heather Shugg has four relatives recognised on Bacchus Marsh’s Avenue of Honour.
LAST CHANCE JULY STOCKTAKE SALE
$
NOW WARMBRITE 140FSR Heats up to 14 squares. Includes FREE toolset.
799
$
NOW COONARA HERMITAGE Heats up to 12 squares. FREE flue kit. Was $3339
3199
NOW SETTLER 500 WOODHEATER Heats up to 20 Squares. Includes FREE toolset.
1999
$
$
MMP05838-03-a16Jul©FCNVIC
NOW RINNAI SYMMETRY GAS LOG FIRE Wall mounted In built gas heater, 4.2 star rating. FREE flue kit.
4799
*Conditions Apply
BY PRISCILLA MOCA
Lights out, time to get up and go
This FRIDAY, SATURDAY and SUNDAY only. Lay-by welcome. 100’s more to choose from, huge range in-store! Up to 24 months interest free terms available* Shop 14/399 Melton Hwy TAYLORS LAKES • 94491555 • Next door to BCF and Toyworld July 16, 2013 \ WEEKLY – YOUR COMMUNITY VOICE 7