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What a weekend we had!

Skies above Corowa came alive with the hum of antique plane engines over the weekend as the Antique Aeroplane Association of Australia celebrated its 50th Anniversary with a special fly-in to the town. Photo: Duncan Fenn.
Gyles Newsagency owner Sandra Dunn and sister Pam Tobias had a marvellous time exploring art and science at the Limelight event on Thursday.

Limelight 3.0

Hoping for an attendance of 500 people to Thursday night’s Limelight 3.0, Murray Arts event organiser Alyce Fisher was overwhelmed by the community’s response.

“Oh my gosh!” Ms Fisher exclaimed.

“Thursday night exceeded all of our expectations with more than 900 local residents enjoying what was an awesome evening.

The youth crew completing their duties with a photo at the interactive ‘Glow’ installation by Streat Events.

“The Federation Event Youth Assistant crew were outstanding and got stuck into every task handed to them which was a great help in making the event run so smoothly.”

Residents of all ages were out in force in support of the event and gushed in wonderment over each installation.

Gyles Newsagent owner, Sandra Dunn attended with her sister and was most impressed.

“It was so beautiful down there on the river,” Ms Dunn said.

“Everybody was saying how good it was.

“It was really fantastic.”

Antique Aeroplane’s 50th Anniversary Fly In

Showing off its 285hp nine-cylinder radial engine the Chinese trainer plane was a highlight of the event. Photo Credit: Duncan Fenn

The skies over Corowa were abuzz last weekend with the sounds of 140 antique and vintage aircraft, as the aerodrome played host to the 50th Anniversary Fly-in of the Antique Aeroplane Association of Australia.

More than 300 Association members descended on Corowa for the celebrations which culminated in a major awards dinner at Club Corowa on Saturday night.

Aircraft came from all over Australia with Kevin Bailey flying his two seater 1945 Stampe biplane all the way from Perth!

Other visitors arrived from as far as Port Lincoln South Australia, and Caboolture Queensland.

Visitors took advantage of Corowa’s offerings, with families spreading out through the region to sample the wineries, restaurants and other attractions.

Onlookers were wowed by the range and aerodynamics of the antique aircraft.

Association President Gordon Rich-Phillips said, “The fly-in was a great success.”

“We were looking for a location which combined an attractive aerodrome and a family friendly town, and we found that in Corowa.

“I’d like to thank the Corowa community for welcoming us so warmly and providing so much assistance.

“Our members have returned home with very positive memories of Corowa.”

Federation Museum 50th Anniversary

Inaugural President Rob Jones with June Williamson and Phillip Jones at the Federation Museum 50th Anniversary celebrations.

The Corowa District Historical Society held an Open Museum Day on Sunday to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the inception of the society and the establishment of the Corowa Federation Museum.

More than 60 people took the opportunity to visit on what was a beautiful autumn day, wandering through all the amazing exhibits in the Museum and enjoying the hospitality of the CDHS with a complimentary cuppa and one of their renowned Anzac biscuits.

In the absence of CDHS President Mrs Gwynneth Handberg, due to ill health, Committee member Mrs Lesley New welcomed the crowd and introduced Mr Rob Jones, Inaugural President.

“Mr Jones regaled the audience with some fascinating and very amusing stories,” committee member Heather Hall said.

“He spoke of the dedicated work and foresight from a small band of local community minded folk which resulted in the formation of the society and the establishment of the museum in the beautiful Corowa Brass Band Hall.”

Mrs New also thanked all the past and present volunteers and committee members for their dedication to preserving the rich history of the Corowa and District Community.

Just a few of the dedicated volunteers and committee members that have contributed to the preservation of Corowa’s rich history.

“Without these tireless workers these fascinating stories, photographs and objects would be lost forever,” Ms Hall said.

Foundation member of the Corowa District Historical Society and tireless worker, June Williamson, was also in attendance, welcoming visitors, offering cuppas and Anzacs and sharing her vast knowledge of the museum displays.