The Tocumwal War Memorial Hall is getting a facelift - possibly its first since it was built in approximately 1927 to commemorate the soldiers of the area who served in WWI.
During the last fortnight, the building facade has had a ‘soft’ pressure wash clean to remove moss, mould and dirt from the bricks, and flaking paint from the decorative inserts and the lion and owl statues at the top.
This was followed by repainting of the brickwork mortar where required, and repairs to the fan decorations above the new sign.
The hall committee is particularly pleased with the WWI Memorial Hall sign above the front doors which gives the hall an identity - which it has not had until now.
The decaying wooden flagpole has been removed from the rooftop and a replacement installed at the front kerbside.
As the hall facade is listed on the Local Environment Plan and with the Australian War Memorial register, any work on the facade is required to be undertaken by a heritage approved contractor and fully qualified trades.
Extra care was taken to cover and protect the ceramic memorial plaques next to the front entry. Restoration works will be continuing.
Unfortunately, no information or photos can be found to describe or show the missing statues, believed to be eagles, from above the main entry.
If anyone has old photos or written details that might help, the committee would love to hear from you. Email tocumwalwmhall@gmail.com.
The committee is appreciative of these trades for their care and attention to detail - Keith for the heritage brick cleaning, Brent Laws for the signage, Tim, and Allan for the brick work and, very importantly, Rotary Club of Tocumwal for their generous funding contribution towards this project.
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Tocumwal Public School last week welcomed the installation team from Edu Marking, a Melbourne based company, to install some fabulous additions to the school outdoor areas.
These items were generously funded by the P&C Committee and a grant from the Tocumwal Golf & Bowls Club.
The school would like to thank both for their donations to this project, with the staff members excited to share these items with the students and the community.
With the funds donated, TPS were able to purchase three hopscotch mats, a bullseye target, a huge number chart (1 to 100), a car mat for imaginative play and an adventure trail.
All these items will encourage physical activity whilst the students are learning.
They also received a school logo as part of the purchased package, which will remind the students of the school motto as they return to class from the playground.
The installations are made from a thermoplastic material which is non-slip and long lasting, so children will be able to enjoy the artwork for years to come.
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Have you got your tickets to Good Times yet?
The event is a family friendly day of live music, epic food, and wine on a private riverfront property just five minutes from Tocumwal.
It will be held Saturday, March 25.
All residents of the Berrigan and Moira Shires can still purchase tickets for half price, with free tickets for kids aged 12 and under.
ID will be required on entry to confirm you live within these shires.
Head to https://www.good-times.com.au/tickets to secure your spot at Good Times.
Tickets are limited to 1000 attendees, so be quick.
Shuttles will also be running from Tocumwal to the festival site.
All profits from Good Times event will go to the Strawberry Fields Community Grants Fund, and later donated to local charities and causes within the Berrigan Shire.
The fund has contributed more than $100,000 in micro grants to the local organisations since 2015.
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After 50 years of dedicated service to Batescrew, Keven Haynes has officially retired.
Commencing his career as an apprentice at 16, Keven worked his way through various positions within the company.
This included 25 years as a tradesman, five years as production manager and finishing up as the star purchasing officer for 16 years.
Nothing goes on at Batescrew without Keven being aware, and he is always happy to lend his knowledge to anyone who needs it.
The team at Batescrew are lucky enough to have Keven continue in a part-time role two days per week, and are truly appreciative for the time he has spent there.
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If you have something of interest for inclusion in the ‘Tocumwal Tells’ column, including if you are celebrating a special event, please send an email to leonie.smith1725@gmail.com or call on 0432 261 296.