Making known

ON October 16, the Ted Basarke Mercy Foundation will be hosting a ‘Celebration of Pets’ at the MoeYallourn Rail Trail from 9.30am. After registration, a walk along the rail trail will begin the celebration, which will include a scavenger hunt, followed by a fundraising sausage sizzle, a free coffee cart and activities for dogs. The Ted Basarke Mercy Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation which subsidises veterinary treatment for pets whose owners are financially vulnerable, as well as supports those whose wellbeing and independence are enhanced by ownership of a companion pet. The TBM Foundation is supported in this event by Latrobe Health Assembly, as well as the Friends of the Moe-Yallourn Rail Trail. This celebration is being named the ‘Jane Morrey Celebration of Pets’, in memory of Jane, who died recently. Jane was a valued, long-term member of the TBMF since 2014, having stepped into the role of president from 2017 until 2021. Jane was a registered dog trainer and her love and passion for all dogs was evident. She was instrumental in the success of the celebration of pets days, creating a dog activity course where dogs and owners could test their skills. Jane also hosted a training/ behaviour workshop as a fundraiser for the foundation. She was a regular at monthly pet walks and was more than happy to share her wealth of knowledge with pet owners. She will be sadly missed. This event will be a great day out with your dog, or indeed any pet. Dogs must be on leash, other pets confined for their safety. A gold coin donation for the walk will assist the fundraising efforts of the group. Prizes will be awarded for various activities on the day. Donations are gratefully received. Inquiries can be made to secretary, Lynne Stayches, on 0457 872 260.

Children’s book out now

INSPIRED by his grandchildren’s demand for longer bedtime songs (Operation Bedtime Delay) local writer Ian Whitehead wrote a children’s book, Wheels on the Bus. Bedtime Edition. A wacky animal alphabet story, the book is best enjoyed when joyfully sung. Published and available in UK and US bookshops, the book is available online in Australia from Booktopia, Amazon, Dymocks and Readings.

Anniversary celebrated

THE 60th anniversary of the Traralgon and District Historical Society was celebrated at the group’s September monthly meeting. The event was also chosen as the occasion to present society member John Power with a Special Award he had received from the Royal Historical Society of Victoria, one of only 10 issued throughout Victoria each year. Professor Richard Broome from Latrobe University came from Melbourne to present the award, and also to be the keynote speaker. Latrobe City Cr Dale Harriman also attended to show his and council’s support for the society. John joined the society in the 1980s, was president for many years and has remained a member since. His ability to reference so much history of the Gormandale, Carrajung, Traralgon and surrounding areas is rare and a very much appreciated skill. Family, friends and members were all there to congratulate and support John. Professor Broome, in his address, spoke of the evolution of Melbourne from its beginnings as a pastoral centre to becoming an education, innovation and industrial urban centre. This was led by the people who had come to join the gold mining efforts of the 1850s and who were a somewhat more educated group. These miners became the civic leaders who had a vision for the future, which led to many changes, including the establishment of The University of Melbourne in 1853 and eventually the establishment of the Education Act of 1872. Up until then, education had been conducted by churches, local groups and private providers. The Act was to establish a system totally different to Great Britain and America, where education was to be centrally controlled and the education was to be secular, compulsory and free. The importance of literacy and numeracy was recognised for a growing society that aimed to produce leaders. Some schools still existing are celebrating their 150 years this year, including Bundalaguah in the Sale area. At the end of Professor Broome’s talk, the anniversary cake was cut by Bruce Lawn, the longest-serving current member of the society, who joined in 1964. The ceremony was followed by supper. The room had a display set out following each decade, which members were able to peruse. The next monthly meeting will take the form of the annual dinner at Dal Mondos in Traralgon on October 11 at 6.30pm (cost $45). Anyone wishing to attend is asked to email the society via secretary@ traralgonhistory.asn.au ASAP. The guest speaker will be Jenny Davis, a granddaughter of Arthur Layton, who with his brother established Layton Bros in Franklin St, Traralgon in a building still standing where the Westpac bank is currently located.

Community Corner with Liam Durkin

Moe Social Dance Club

MOE Social Dance Club are holding their Annual Ball on October 14. The ball will be held at Newborough Public Hall, Balfour St Newborough from 8pm to midnight. Cost is $15. Silhouettes are playing that night and everyone is welcome. For more information, phone the secretary on 0448 906 657.

Queen memories

TRARALGON resident Coralie James has very fond memories of The Queen and Prince Phillip visiting Traralgon in 1954. Ms James was a student at Traralgon High School and remembers it was a very hot day and students sweltered in their heavy school uniforms. Ms James also has photos of Prince Phillip’s visit to Traralgon in 1956 when he visited the paper mill. Her father had the honour of escorting him around.

Royalty: Traralgon resident Coralie James with photos of two royal visits to Gippsland. photographs supplied

Music to our ears: The Moe Latrobe Valley Jazz Club featured ‘Radio Days’ recently.

Radio days

THE Moe Latrobe Valley Jazz Club featured ‘Radio Days’ Jazz Band at its monthly event at Moe RSL last Sunday. Radio Days was formed in Melbourne in 1989 by seven experienced jazz musicians, with the aim to interpret songs from an era when radios still had valves. The members of Radio Days are Pat Miller, Mike Edwards and Peter Mason on reeds, Chris ‘Charley’ Farley on banjo, Steve Paix on piano, Bill Morris on tuba and Richard Opat on drums. Radio Days is performed through the versatility and musicianship of its members, to bring to life a time when melody came into the home by the magic of radio. All members of the band sing, and since its comeback five years ago the band has been in high demand at jazz clubs principally because of its emphasis on dance music. For more information on the Moe Latrobe Valley Jazz Club, phone Bruce Lawn on 5174 3516.

Chess results

IAN Hamilton was undefeated while Peter Bakker was made to pay for his oversights in recent chess action. Another contender for the September honours, Bob Cooper claimed three wins and one loss. Two wins helped Steve Ahern challenge the leaders but the chances

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