50 years ago December 1974
Rochester’s augmented choir will again sing the carols at the Carols by Candlelight to be held at Rochester Shire Hall.
In previous years, the choir has been conducted by Mr Geoff Wilkins, who has left the district; this year, Mrs I.J. Thompson will take over the reins of the augmented choir.
There is a need for singers, and any persons interested should report for choir practice at the shire hall on a Friday night.
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Three men who have given many years of service to the Rochester Football Club, have been honoured with life membership.
The new life members are Messrs Bruce McCormick, Barney Donovan and Bert Major.
Bert Major is a former club president and Bruce McCormick was secretary for considerable time. Barney Donovan has been a player and a committeeman for many years.
25 years ago December 1999
Doiraine Hart has been involved in Red Cross for almost as many years as she’s lived in Rochester.
Her 45 years of service were recognised recently with the presentation of a Special Award of Merit.
The Rochester unit had gone into recession after the busy war years and then restarted some years later.
“I went that first time and haven’t stopped,’’ she said.
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Rochester Brownie pack had its last outing on Sunday with the seven remaining Brownies enjoying a day of ice-skating and fast food in Bendigo.
The demise of the group comes only months after Rochester Guides closed their doors.
Brownie leader Barbara Kestle said it was a sad day but a sign of the times.
‘’The girls have so many more options of things to do these days. Unfortunately, when given a choice of two things on the same night, they’re not choosing Brownies or Guides.’’
10 years ago December 2014
More than 100 concerned residents went to the Rochester swimming pool last Monday night for Campaspe Shire’s Aquatic Services Review pool party and focus group.
The overwhelming crowd took shire employees by surprise as more than half in attendance were left standing outside the one marquee provided and windy conditions made it almost impossible to hear.
Campaspe mayor Leigh Wilson spoke about the review itself, feedback from the online survey and the expensive task of maintaining shire assets.
He said the Rochester meeting was ‘‘not about making a decision tonight’’.
In an attempt to settle concerned residents, shire employees repeatedly stated throughout the evening that ‘‘nobody said anything about closing the pool’’.
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An 18-year-old had his car impounded after being caught hooning in Rochester last Tuesday.
And the next day another Rochester teenager was nabbed hooning in Echuca.
The teens will both receive a summons to appear in court and are the latest incidents in what local police are describing as a growing trend of risk-taking behaviour by youths behind the wheel.
Police are concerned and said if the irresponsible driving continued a serious accident or death was inevitable.
‘‘Law of averages say something will happen and it won’t only affect those responsible, but families and potentially innocent road users,’’ Senior Sergeant John Atley said.