The Local Paper Vale Howard Purcell

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■ A true son of Yea, Howard William Purcell, died on January 13, at the age 83, following a long illness.

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Northcote Budget (Est.

Heidelberg City News (Est. 1897), Preston Post (Est. 1888), Whittlesea Post (Est. 1935), Diamond Valley News (Est. 1959), Diamond ValleyWhittlesea Advertiser (Est. 1995).

The funeral service was held at the Chapel of the Holy Trinity at Ivanhoe Grammar School on January 24, with burial that same afternoon at Yea Lawn Cemetery.

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In the eulogy delivered by family friend Geoff Brown (Executive Officer of Old Ivanhoe Grammarians), Howard was remembered for his Yea family and business roots, his Ivanhoe Grammar School connection, his long service as a Freemason, and his community associations.

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Howard Purcell was born on September 19, 1939. His mother was Mary Stuart ‘Joy’ Purcell (nee Sergeant).

His father, Bill, and uncle George, were Ivanhoe Grammar School boarders in 1920. His uncle, Harold, attended in 1933-34. Howard attended from 1957.

Bill (BEM) assisted School founder Sydney Buckley evacuate the Ivanhoe pupils to Yea’s Beaufort House in 1942, during World War II.

There is a photo of Howard on his fourth birthday, surrounded by Ivanhoe students.

He received halfcolours for football, and was a handy batsman in the 2nd XI.

In 1963, Howard began courting a young nurse, Beverley Hacquoil. Bev and Howard had known each other as children in Yea.

They married in 1965. Son Stuart arrived in 1967.

Celebrating 54 years in local media

Geoff Brown mentioned that Stuart had returned home for the past three years, to play his part in attending to his parents.

Howard joined Freemasonry in 1960, first as a member then Master of the Duke of Clarence Lodge, Yea, and later at Ivanhoe Grammarians Lodge where he was Master for three years.

In recent years he was presented with his 60-year jewel.

A Masonic Commemoration Service was led by Haydn Gregson and Todd Little.

The service at Ivanhoe was led by Canon John Sanderson, and a tribute was paid at Yea Lawn Cemetery by Gary Pollard.

Howard’s many Yea involvements included the Apex Club, Boundary Creek Cricket Club and the Yea Football Club.

In addition to his community contact through E.S. Purcell & Co., the family had a deep involvement with the Yea CFA.

Geoff Brown mentioned Howard’s involvement as an Old Ivanhoe Grammarians Councillor, donating a library, a seat of learning, and a bequest.

“For the cause that lacks assistance, ‘Gainst the wrongs that need resistance For the future in the distance, And the good that we can do”

“Well done, good and faithful servant,” Mr Brown said.

Arrangements were in the hands of Selwyn Allen & Co.

■ Banyule Council is seeking expressionsw of interest for a public art commission and a mural commission for the new Were St Reserve in Montmorency.

The Council is upgrading the streetscape, public toilets and open spaces, including the reserve. The inclusion of a public artwork and a mural will form part of the upgrade.

The Council is seeking two artworks (separate briefs) that respond to the site, the surrounding retail precinct and build on the body of existing public and community artworks.

Workshops start

■ Tips and tricks in the art of sustainable, climate-resilient living will be discussed in a series of free, hands-on workshops hosted by the City of Whittlesea.

The first workshop kicks off tonight (Wed., Feb. 8). Details of each event are listed below or can be found on the City of Whittlesea website: www.whittlesea.vic.gov.au