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Lang family history salvaged

Foundation and memorial stones commemorating the Lang family's connection to St David's Presbyterian Church Tocumwal are in safe keeping until family members can be found.
St David's Presbyterian Church Tocumwal
Foundation and memorial stones commemorating the Lang family's connection to St David's Presbyterian Church Tocumwal are in safe keeping until family members can be found.

The Tocumwal War Memorial Hall Committee is searching for any family members of Miss Elizabeth Lang and Mr Alexander Lang, late of ‘Pine Lodge’, Tocumwal.

They were prominent members of the Tocumwal Presbyterian Church congregation in the early 1900s.

The hall committee has in its possession, for safe keeping, the St David's Presbyterian Church Tocumwal Foundation Stone which was laid by Miss Lang on August 9, 1911, and a memorial stone for Mr Alexander Lang noting his death on April 7, 1933.

These stones were salvaged when the church was demolished circa 2012.

There is an interesting article online (https://illuminate.recollect.net.au/nodes/view/1749) about the Tocumwal and Finley Presbyterian Church beginnings which has many mentions of the Lang family, including the following extract from the Tocumwal Guardian on August 14, 1911.

Rev G McCarron related a brief history of Presbyterian effort in the Tocumwal area over the past 15 years by both Deniliquin and Berrigan charges, and the lack of success which attended these attempts until the Rev TS Crawford, ably assisted by members of the Lang family of Pine Lodge, began to organise the congregation with such good results that the foundation of St David's was about to be laid.

The stone was lowered into position and Miss E Lang, who was given a handsome silver trowel, the gift of the architect, declared the stone to be well and truly laid.

A jar containing postage stamps, silver and copper coins and a copy of the local paper was deposited in a recess in the wall.

This is such an incredible piece of Tocumwal’s history, and the hall committee would love to find a suitable home for these stones with family members of Mr A Lang and Miss E Lang.

If you have any information or a contact with a family connection, please contact the committee via email tocumwalwmhall@gmail.com.

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Congratulations to the Tocumwal Public School football team on its win on Friday when they played Deniliquin North Public School and came out on top with a score of 15-6.

Next up, they face Corowa Public School in Term 3 as the next round in the NSWPSSA state-wide Tony Lockett Shield.

Well done to all players and best of luck for your next game.

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The Tocumwal Hospital/MPS phone number has changed and is now (03) 5874 9600.

The old number will still work in the interim and is being diverted, but facility management has asked the community update your records accordingly.

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Remember to get your tickets for the TCDC Christmas in July event to be held on Saturday, July 20 from 6pm at the Tocumwal War Memorial Hall.

The dress code is Christmas Glam - semi-to-formal wear with some Christmas bling and accessories - with prizes for best dressed.

The food will consist of a two-course buffet dinner from Roving Roast Catering while being entertained by tunes from the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s with vocal trio, The Treblettes.

There will be a raffle running with the major prize being a weekend at Dreaming of the Buckland Apline Holiday retreat with a value of $1480.

This event is for 18 years plus, with tickets priced at $95 each.

These are now available at the Tocumwal Post Office, Hayne's Butchery, Rob Crow Real Estate or by emailing tcdc2714@gmail.com.

Payment options include cash, EFTPOS (will incur processing fee of $1.50 per transaction) or bank transfer (you will email your name and the number of tickets required and the TCDC will send bank details by return with tickets to be collected on receipt of payment).

If you have any questions of enquiries, please email the committee.

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The team at the Tocumwal Railway Heritage Museum is heading into hibernation to escape this winter cold.

The museum will be closed from July 13, reopening on Saturday, September 7.

It will open this Saturday from 10am to 3pm if you are looking to get your history fix and discover more about Tocumwal's rail and general history.

They still hope to accommodate any group bookings over the winter, so get in touch to organise your group booking by calling 0417 868 498.

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Berrigan Shire Libraries have announced their next school holiday program - the Winter Textile Workshops.

This workshop involves some fun learning and crafts with textiles.

The children will take home a beanie with the pom pom they make and decorated with cool felt stickers as well as learning to knit, crochet, finger knit or try French knitting.

There is a cost of $4 each and the Tocumwal sessions will be run at 10.30am on Thursdays July 11 and 18.

Reserve your spot by calling the Tocumwal library on 5874 2633.

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If you have something of interest for inclusion in the ‘Tocumwal Tells’ column or are celebrating a special event, please send an email to leonie.smith1725@gmail.com or call on 0432 261 296.