josie waldron a chorus revived - lancefield.org.au

1VOL. 31 NO 2 MARCH 2021

A reason to celebrate so early in the new year is the return of Pitch Please! the community choir brainchild of Josie Waldron.

I went to the first session of the revived choir and, being newish in town, and knowing nothing about the choir’s previous life, I thought I’d meet Josie and share my chat with Mercury readers.

Sydney-born Josie was classically trained in piano from the age of three, and by 6 was playing piano for the junior school girls to march into morning assembly. Then she learnt violin, viola, and flute. Later she added singing to her skill set, with private lessons from Julian Bailey, a tenor with the Victorian Opera, who helped her develop her fine mezzo-soprano.

Along the way, at the age of 10, she wrote an opera – not quite Puccini! - and a song which she later realised had the same tune as Why Must I Be a Teenager in Love? Given the credits of composers Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman (Save the Last Dance for Me, Suspicion, amongst dozens of other hits) her early sense of catchy tunes was acute.

Josie won the Gold Award at school for playing Cecily in The Importance of Being Earnest, proving the theatre adage that casting against type can be much more interesting, and rewarding, for both audience and actor.

Originally intending to read Law at the University of Melbourne, she went to UK instead, with Mickey. They came back to get married and they have, as of the week of writing, been married 30 years.

Five children followed – Amy-Lou, Jack, Tiffany, Jethro and Polly. In between the first two and Tiffany, Josie did a university course in Professional Writing and almost got her

degree; studies were interrupted by the arrival of child #3. The family is now into another generation, with Amy-Lou’s son Onyx (age 4) the most recent branch to spring from the family tree. He is a drummer and pianist with a wide repertoire, from Dolly Parton and Diana Krall to Playschool in his set list.

Josie and Mickey moved to Lancefield in 2004, having come on a day trip and liked the feel of the place.

Having started with strictly classical repertoire, these days Josie has broad taste in music. After classical, jazz came into her life – Ella, Sarah – and then her tastes widened again to good singers, good music, any genre.

For a while she played gigs, singing - mostly jazz standards - and accompanying herself on piano, at wineries

JOSIE WALDRONA CHORUS REVIVED

VOL. 31 NO 2 MARCH 2021

We were incredibly pleased to attend the official opening of the Romsey Men’s Shed. Full marks to those involved for bringing this project to completion.

The lights at the Romsey roundabout have had their final electrical inspection. Hopefully Powercor will have them switched on by the time you read this.

At a recent meeting, Council resolved to submit on Green Wedge protection and agricultural activities in the Shire’s Farming Zone. There appears to be plenty of interest in the Government’s plans for the zone within a 100 kilometre radius of Melbourne. For those in the west of the Ward, The Woodend Community Centre Master Plan is out for comment until the 8th March. It is worth a look.

Council has also adopted a Community Engagement Policy and Councillor Code of Conduct in line with Government policy. Processes are under way to employ a Chief Executive Officer (CEO). It is hoped the selected person

will be ‘in the chair’ by April. The work of Acting CEO, John Nevins, is very much appreciated.

We will be starting Budget deliberations soon, with many important aspects to consider, including the COVID impact over the past year.

Planning permit applications continue to flow in, with Riddells Creek prominent. It is pleasing to see the degree of public interest being shown.

Recent damage to public and private property in several locations across the Ward is disturbing. Thanks to those members of the public who report such vandalism to the Shire and Police. Efforts are being made to curtail the damage done (and associated repair costs).

Geoff Neil 0419 244 776 [email protected] Death 0427 956 117 [email protected] West 0400 025 455 [email protected]

WE WERE WRONG!

We were wrong! The lead article on the front page of the Lancefield Mercury last month put the date of the photo of the Hay and Grain Store as 1903. The photo is much more recent than that, possibly 1990’s. One of the clues, spotted by a least a couple of our readers, was the BP pump. British Petroleum did not start until 1909 and did not open in Australia for another 10 years.

LANCEFIELD SWAP MEET Lancefield Swap Meet will not go ahead on Sunday April 18th due to the uncertainty over COVID restrictions.

FROM YOUR COUNCILLORS

2 VOL. 31 NO 2 MARCH 2021 3VOL. 31 NO 2 MARCH 2021

and private events.More recently she played Justice (the Mary J Blige role) in

The Mount Players’ production. of Rock of Ages.Somewhere in there, Josie and her bestie from school

went off to Glamour Puss Studios to learn tap dancing, so we can expect the toes to be twinkling in future performances.

Having gained a nursing degree at 40, and quickly being promoted to Nurse Unit Manager, which occupied her for the past ten years, Josie is now back to her first love (after the family) (and gardening) (and crochet) (in no particular order) - music!

Now Josie has a plan: Macedon Ranges Shire Council is offering regional grants funding, and it’s her dream to bring diverse community members together in the revived Pitch Please! culminating in a concert with local musicians and performers – a whole town event. She is also keen to attract an audience into the town from the rest of Victoria, of course – at least! - to enjoy the music, and ideally make it an annual

event – a Lancefield Music Festival!For her, the reformation of the choir is a reconnection

with Lancefield, and an opportunity for everyone to “see the potential of Life” through their involvement with, and enjoyment of, music.

Our community is so richly populated with musicians, performers, and artists of all kinds – it would be good if we became a hub for people from here and elsewhere to celebrate music, arts, and other benefits that the town, and the Goldfields region, has to offer.

I can vouch for the fun and lovely four-part sounds we made on the first night, thanks to Josie’s inimitable combo of laughs and musicianship.

Everyone can sing, no matter what some grinch told you at school - SO many grinches in our childhoods! – so come along on Wednesday nights and make a joyful noise.

Be part of the revival of Lancefield’s performing arts life. This will be just the beginning.

LANCEFIELD MERCURY INC.A0045845D

Items for publication should be sent to [email protected] enquiries Andy Moore 0430 448 120

Advertising should be sent to [email protected] enquiries Ken Allender 0404 886 580

All articles should reach The Mercury by the fifteenth of the month.Each edition will be distributed by mail in the first week of the

month. The Lancefield Mercury is produced by the volunteer

committee as a service to the people of Lancefield and

surrounding districts.

The editorial committee reserves the right to edit articles for

length and clarity.

Feedback? Let us know your thoughts: [email protected]

Editorial Committee:

Andy Moore

Craig Longmuir

Karen Barr

Fay Woodhouse

Ken Allender

Julianne Graham

Beth Child

Editorial Enquiries to

Andy Moore 0430 448 120

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Ken Allender 0404 886 580.

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With summer saying goodbye as we head into Autumn, it is time to have a quick look at your vehicle. Please check your tyres for tread and correct pressure, make sure all your lights work, and that your windscreen is clean and your wipers work.

The last couple of months has seen a slight decrease in activity.

CRIME

There was an aggravated burglary in Lancelot Crescent where a set of car keys were stolen. Later that day the vehicle was intercepted in Kerrie and a 27 year old male arrested and charged with over 150 offences.

A motor vehicle was stolen from an address in King Drive and later found by Ballarat Police, stripped.

Over the last 6 weeks there have been 2 incidents of family violence reported in the Lancefield area and 1 incident in the Cobaw area. The same period of time has seen 2 burglaries, 1 on residential premises and 1 on business premises.

For those wishing for more information about what the Police are doing in your area, you can go to our Facebook page – Eyewatch Macedon Ranges Police Service Area.

These incidents go to show you never know who’s floating through our town. If you see a person or car that doesn’t quite fit, please take the details down, either description or

registration number and ring 000 for Police to attend. What you see may be the piece of the puzzle required to solve a crime and prevent more continuing.

Any other information, you can give me a ring at the station or crime stoppers on 1800 333 000. I can also be contacted on the following email [email protected].

TRAFFIC

A 34 year old Lancefield resident was intercepted driving a motor vehicle whilst her licence was suspended. She will be charged on summons and application made at court to impound her vehicle for 30 days. School’s back so don’t forget the School Zones locations, times and the speed limit of 40 kph. Remember the speed zone starts at the first 40 sign, not the second and ends at the 60 sign.

The stop signs at Raglan Street and High Street near the Post Office continue to be an issue and I’ve received several complaints.

Please stay safe as we head into the Labour Day long weekend and Easter Break. On that, just a reminder to everyone that daylight savings finished at 3 am on Sunday the 4th of April.

Chris BotwoodLeading Senior Constable Lancefield Police Station 5429 2000

We are in the middle of a 5-day lockdown as I type this article……so who knows where we will be by the time it’s published….very surreal! However, I continue on a positive, hopeful note by way of telling you about our first production which will open in May.

“Too Many Crooks” was a 1959 British comedy movie starring, among others, Terry Thomas, Sid James & George Cole. Director, John Rowlands has adapted the script for the stage in the form of a BBC Radio Play.

The plot concerns a bunch of inept crooks led by an incompetent boss, who continue to botch straight-forward robberies. When their plans turn to kidnapping, matters become overly complicated.

John brought his radio play, ‘The Wrong Box’ to the Mountview Theatre in 2018 and it was a real hit.

‘Too Many Crooks’ promises our audience lots of laughs with great characters, and of course, live sound effects…..just like it used to be! The season will run from 14 – 30 May.

Rest assured our theatre has a thorough COVID plan already in place to look after our patrons.

For more details on the show and to book tickets go to our website www.themountplayers.com or call 5426 1892 for enquiries.

See you all in May……fingers crossed.

Karen Hunt

The fair will be held on the 20th March 2021 Saturday from 9.30am till 3.30pm in the Mechanics Institute 122 Main Street, Romsey. Entry is $5 on the day.

Stallholder enquiries to Gail on 0416 028 219. The fair will be COVID-19 compliant with

QR code registration.

T H E M O U N T P L A Y E R S H A P P E N I N G S

“TOO MANY CROOKS” ON STAGE IN MAY

ROMSEY ANTIQUES, VINTAGE AND COLLECTIBLES FAIR

L A N C E F I E L D P O L I C E

GOODBYE SUMMER...


S T . M A R Y ’ S P A R I S H – L A N C E F I E L D & R O M S E Y27-29 Chauncey St, Lancefield & 85 Main Rd, Romsey, [email protected] Parish Priest: Fr. Martin Fleming, Supply Priest: Fr. Daryl

Montecillo, Parish Secretary Mrs. Tammie Dalgleish, C/- Woodend Presbytery 5427 2690, Presbytery 5429 2130

The post office was of major importance to the lives of Australians, as it was the primary means of keeping in touch with family and friends, no matter how distant. The first post offices were often make-shift buildings or sometimes the front room of a private residence. During the 1880s in Victoria, the Queen Anne and Free Style were popular for post office buildings. Victorian PWD architects such as S E Brindley and A J Macdonald designed post office buildings in these styles.

At the Federation of the Australian States in 1901, the Colonial Postal Service was succeeded by the Postmaster General’s Department (PMG). The PMG was split into two in 1975, forming the Australian Telecommunications Commission (known as Telecom Australia, now Telstra) and the Australian Postal Commission. Both were statutory bodies without direct government funding and had to be financially self-sufficient. In 1988-89 the Australian Postal Commission was converted into the Australian Postal Corporation (known as Australia Post) under the Australian Postal Corporation Act 1989 (the APC Act) with the Australian government as the sole shareholder. In 2009 Australia Post celebrated its 200th anniversary.

The site for the former Post & Telegraph Office (now Australia Post) was acquired by the Postmaster General’s Department in 1886. The first stage of the design of the Post Office was under the signature of the then-Chief Architect of the Public Works Department (PWD), Henry Bastow. The second architect to contribute design elements was John H Marsden, the Chief Architect succeeding Bastow.

This red brick tuck-pointed post office building is typical of the Queen Anne and Free Style, exhibiting exposed face brick, asymmetrical composition, differing expressions of functions,

and attenuated detail and dressing. The windows are segment-arched with label moulds, and the chimneys are banded cement and face brick with corbeled tops. A string mould unites the facades at impost level, paralleling with another at sill level. The clock and outbuildings were added over the next thirteen years. The residential section addresses Raglan Street, with a timber post, concave profile verandah.

The Post Office is significant for its long-term public building status in the Lancefield community. The 1994 Macedon Heritage Study wrote that the Post Office was ‘also near its original form externally and hence provides a faithful expression of Public Works Department architecture of the 1880s which contrasts with the classical formalism used in the same era by the National Bank’. The Post Office is prominently sited and contributes to the predominantly nineteenth century Lancefield commercial precinct.

The current owner of the Australia Post building and business is Simon Thompson who purchased the Licensed Post Office and site in 1988 to run what was then a Post Office Agency. Previous owners include Tom Collins, Norman Price and John White.

Last year’s COVID-19 restrictions changed the face of parcel delivery in Australia. Online shopping meant more and more items were delivered to home addresses via the Post Office. As Simon Thompson has been heard to comment, the volume is sometimes unmanageable. He found that last year he had to employ more people to deliver the parcels, and sometimes the backlog was significant. Today, more than ever, the Post Office is an important hub of the township.

Fay Woodhouse

STEPHAN P KOSA & ASSOCIATES PTY LTDARCHITECTS, PLANNING & CONCILIATIONS

MELBOURNE OFFICE27 Church Street, Hawthorn Vic 3122

P 9853 3513M 0412 102 673

E [email protected]

MACEDON RANGES OFFICEP.O Box 226, Lancefield, Vic 3435

W www.kosaarchitects.com.au

As I write this, Victoria has just been placed under a 5-day lockdown. The following information was current this morning and if we return to the same level of COVID rules after our 5-day lockdown, it will remain the same. To be certain, please phone the presbytery for the most current rules.

Attendance at Mass is by registration only. Please contact the Secretary at [email protected] or by phone on 5429 2130 to reserve your place at the next available Mass. Social distancing, hygiene protocols and QR code sign-in are all place at our churches. Mass numbers are restricted at this time and masks must be worn. Please do not show up at Mass without a booking as you may be turned away. Thank you for your co-operation to keep our churches open.

CURRENT MASS TIMES:

SUNDAY MASS

Sunday Mass will be celebrated at 9am and will alternate between Lancefield & Romsey.1st & 3rd Sunday’s of the month in Romsey, 2nd, 4th & 5th Sundays of the month in Lancefield.

SATURDAY HEALING MASS

The Healing Mass will be celebrated at 10am in Romsey on the 1st Saturday of each month.

BAPTISMS

Baptisms are held at 2pm on the 2nd & 4th Sunday’s of the month. Please contact the office for the next available date.

Should a parishioner want to go to Reconciliation, please contact Fr. Martin directly at Woodend on 5427 2690 to book a time.

Please direct enquiries to the parish office on 5429 2130 or by email at [email protected]

For funeral arrangements, please contact Fr. Martin on 5427 2690 or by email at [email protected]

WORSHIP FROM HOME – HOW TO PARTICIPATE IN MASS ONLINE

St. Patrick’s Cathedral Melbourne, daily Mass at 1pm, Sunday Mass 11am.

Watch this at https://melbournecatholic.org.au/Mass

Via facebook https://www.facebook.com/CatholicArchdioceseofMelbourne

The Archdiocese youtube channel at www.youtube.com/archmelb

Mass for you at home is broadcast on network Ten on Sundays https://10play.com.au/mass-for-you-at-home

MASS ATTENDANCE AVAILABLE BY BOOKING ONLY

LANCEFIELD POST OFFICE 135 YEARS OF SERVICE AND NEVER BUSIER OR MORE IMPORTANT!


Bulk Billing for Children Under 16 Pensioners & HCC Holders

We offer onsite Podiatry, Physiotherapy and Audiology services

Opening HoursMonday to Friday 9:00am – 5:00pm

Saturdays 8:30 – 12 midday

Live music is set to return to the Macedon Ranges in a big way when the Macedon Ranges Music Festival arrives on Saturday March 13 at the Gisborne Steam Park!

The festival has just announced their biggest line up yet with Aussie legends The Black Sorrows set to headline the event with their classic blues rock. Front man and ARIA Hall of Fame member Joe Camilleri will bring his electric presence and dynamic show along with his full band for the special event. Joining them on the bill is acclaimed Indigenous singer Emma Donovan performing with Melbourne’s best backing band The Putbacks, celebrating the release of their collaborative 2020 album Crossover, which was named 3rd best album of the year by Double J. Festival favourite Nick Barker also returns to the festival stage in a rare solo performance alongside a long list of local Australian acts.

In addition to the stellar line up, the festival also celebrates the best local drinks providers at the full bar, along with a special cocktail bar from Macedon-based distillery Mountain Distilling Company. The all-ages event also offers plenty for the kids with a jumping castle, mini-train rides and other kids’ activities.

The volunteer-run festival keeps the good vibes on a high by donating 100% of profits to the Woodend-based Cambodian Kids Foundation, to support their work in providing education and healthcare to a rural Cambodian community.

The COVID-safe event requires that all attendees book tickets online in advance. Tickets are strictly limited and expected to sell quickly. Go to www.macedonrangesmusicfestival.org for more information and tickets.

When I first wrote our February article, we were optimistic that we were over the worst of this pandemic. Unfortunately, at the time of writing, the COVID situation remains a very serious concern. Hopefully, the vaccination roll-out will have a positive impact.

Our country of study for 2021 is Indigenous Australia. This will give us an opportunity to focus on the experiences of Indigenous people, especially women, and how their lives are now changing. Knowledge and understanding of our First Nations people was never taught at school in my generation. Hopefully by the end of the year, we will have extended our knowledge of our original settlers.

We look forward to having guest speakers sharing

their knowledge and experiences with us, with respectful discussion. Maybe some long-held beliefs will be challenged. Closer to home we have the unique Aboriginal Stone Quarry of Mt. William, Lancefield. The quarry was extremely significant as part of the aboriginal culture. The stone was prized and valued. As we learn more about the quarry, we will share our knowledge with the readers of the Mercury.

In the meanwhile, have you seen the mural on the outer wall of Red Door Bookshop painted by a local artist depicting our surrounding district? I am looking forward to discovering exciting ‘bush tucker foods ‘ and how we can incorporate them into our diet .

L A N C E F I E L D C O U N T R Y W O M E N ’ S A S S O C I A T I O NPresident Rosemarie Jones. Secretary Lyn Barclay. Treasurer Lorraine Pearce [email protected]

UNDERSTANDING INDIGENOUS AUSTRALIA

MACEDON RANGES MACEDON RANGES MUSIC MUSIC FESTIVALFESTIVAL

FOR SALEItem 1: New and as new bamboo flooring (excess to our requirements)“Coffee Bean” colour, plus thermal underlay.Suit renovators – area would cover approx. 30 ft x 30 ftIn situ flooring can also be viewed.Valued at $2,000 – will sell for $800Item 2: New, still in package – Solid Manhole Ladder – $200.

For further enquiries ring 5429 1026Leave message with phone number and we will ring back.


R O M S E Y - L A N C E F I E L D R S L S U B - B R A N C HPresident: Reinhard Goschiniak 0419 375 060 Secretary: Patricia Vowles 03 5429 3456.

[email protected] PO Box 315 Romsey Vic 3434

FREE REMOVAL OF OLD OR INCOMPLETE CAR BODIES, 4X4 AND LIGHT TRUCKS

The Romsey-Lancefield RSL sub-branch has scheduled its AGM and a new incoming committee will assume control.

“All current executive committee members are standing down, due to a variety of reasons,” said outgoing president Tony O’Brien. “Family commitments, relocations and greying hairs are the driving forces”, he said.

When elected President two years ago, O’Brien made the commitment that he would serve one term only, as he does not believe in the ‘divine right to rule in perpetuity’.

“The last year, 2020, was a difficult time for the veteran community. We managed a limited Remembrance Day service, yet we faced total prohibitions on our fortnightly morning tea gatherings,” he said. “Our older members

were greatly impacted by the isolation caused by the lockdowns and restrictions on social gatherings and mates’ funerals

With restrictions eased in recent weeks, the Sub-branch was quick to reinstate the essential morning tea gatherings for their vets.

Mr. O’Brien’s final action as President was to apply for permits to conduct a big ANZAC Day service at the Lancefield cenotaph, with a military catafalque party and RAAF flyover as occurred in 2019.

“On behalf of the retiring committee, the members and affiliates of the Romsey - Lancefield RSL, we thank the local community for their great support”, said Mr O’Brien.

RSL ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING AND ANZAC DAY EVENT


AMERICAN BBQ LUNCH:2nd Sunday of Every Month.Sunday March 14th “BOOK NOW AND BOOK FAST”

NEW RESIDENTS’ AFTERNOON – SUNDAY 28 MARCH

An event to welcome new residents to the Lancefield area - an opportunity to find out about what is available in the community, and a chance for new and not-so-new residents to meet.

Free children’s activities and refreshments provided, local coffee and ice cream van will be on site if you want to purchase a hot, or cold, treat.

Sunday 28 March at the Laurie Green Pavilion, Lancefield Park from 3-5pm. Everyone is welcome whether you have been in Lancefield for five generations or five minutes.

If you are a local organisation, or business, who would like to showcase what you offer, contact Viv on 0409 386 875.

If you are thinking of coming, please help us with catering by either phoning the House on 5429 1214 or see the event listing on the Lancefield Neighbourhood House Facebook page.

WHOLETOWN GARAGE SALE - SATURDAY 6TH MARCH

Start clearing out - one person’s trash is another’s treasure. Register your garage, or car boot sale, online through our

Any donated excess harvest will be used in the monthly lunches, the distributed meals or will be available in our Food Share pantry.

BARREL WEDNESDAYS ARE NOW ON MONDAYS

Help for an hour or two to maintain our street barrels, community garden and seed library.

Meet at the Townhouse Mondays at 10am.

FOOD SHARE

Food share, swap, take or donate is the process. Groceries and fresh produce are donated and are available

for community members on a ‘take what you need and give when you can basis’.

Life might be a bit tough for you at the moment, so take the pressure off and utilise this service. If you are need of a food parcel or some meals, visit the Food Share at The Townhouse, 28 High Street, on a Tuesday morning or a Friday afternoon, or phone for an appointment.

When fresh produce has been donated, or comes from the

community garden, including the eggs from the chooks, we will list it on our Facebook page and the board at the front of The Townhouse.

FANCY THAT VOLUNTEERS

Would you like to help out by volunteering at Fancy That? Fancy That is a branch of The Op Shop and specialises in costumes, collectibles, antiques and vintage wear.

Three-hour weekday, or weekend shifts available – retail experience preferred. Call Viv on 0409 386 875 if you are interested.

CONDOLENCES

To our lovely twins Linda and Caroline, we send our condolences on the passing of your much loved and adored mother.

You are in our thoughts at this difficult time. Linda and Caroline have been with The Neighbourhood House from the very beginning; their support for all the Neighbourhood House initiatives is appreciated.

WELCOME TO NEW RESIDENTSL A N C E F I E L D N E I G H B O U R H O O D H O U S E78 High Street, PO Box 171 Lancefield 3435; Phone: 5429 1214; E: [email protected]; W: www.lancefield.neighbourhoodhouse.org

website, or phone The House - $5 registration. On the day $5 maps of all the garage sales will be available from The Men’s Shed at 76 High Street, from 8am-12pm.

COMMUNITY CHOIR – PITCH PLEASE!

Join in the fun, laughter and feel-good vibes of the new local choir Pitch Please! Josie is back and ready to bring together a whole lot of harmony.

No experience necessary. Wednesdays 7-9pm, $7.

FEED IT FORWARD LUNCH

We are planning our first monthly community lunch for Tuesday 2 March, to be held at Lancefield Mechanics Institute. Due to COVID regulations bookings are essential.

We have an amazing team of people organising the lunches and the meals we have been distributing over the last year – over 2500 meals since March last year.

We are always in need of ingredients and would appreciate donations, and in particular for gardeners to consider growing an extra row of the staple items we use.

D E E P C R E E K L A N D C A R E G R O U PCovering Lancefield – Romsey and Monegeeta

A L L W E L C O M EEnquiries please contact President Phil Severs0476 324 000email: [email protected] www.deepcreeklandcare.org.au

MIGHTY MOUSE ROOFINGMark Mouser - 0419 562 605

License # 48263

vSpecialist in metal fascia and gutter,

roofing, flashings and downpipes

vRepairs, renewals, extensions, new

houses and sheds


P A S T O R ’ S P A R A B L E SEncourage Church, 7 Mitchell Court Romsey. Ph 5429 6327

WOODROOFES PETROLEUMBULK UNLEADED PETROL & DIESELYour local fuel supplier, servicing Lancefield and surrounding areasChris & Allison WoodroofePh: 0354292466Email: [email protected]: www.woodroofespetroleum.com.au

0435 577 04047 Dunsford Street

Lancefield

A teenage boy, playing a computer game, heard a knock on the front door. He chose to ignore it. Soon after his mother came downstairs and asked, ‘Did you answer the door?’

Not taking his eyes from the game, the boy replied, ‘I didn’t want to - someone may have been there.’

We often deny God’s existence for many reasons. Sometimes, it’s simply because we don’t want Him to exist. We can be so preoccupied acquiring material things or fulfilling personal ambitions that we think our plans will be upset if we concede that there is a God. Alternatively, we have accepted theories of evolution for so long we now consider them established facts – and nothing will move us from our faith in those atheistic beliefs. God reveals Himself in so many ways - through Creation, His Word, our conscience and various other agents. Every person, without exception, hears God knocking. But many of us don’t want to answer just in case someone is there and we have to stop what we are

doing and adjust our thinking. (See Romans 1:20)With the onset of Covid, many questions about life

have been raised. And with these questions there has also come the opportunity to adjust our thinking, to reset our priorities, and perhaps even change who or what we believe in.

No one in the World has been able to ignore Covid.But through this pandemic God has been Knocking.

God is a Gentleman! He will not force entry into our lives. It is up to us to answer the door and let Him in. Understandably, no one wants to be disturbed by an unwelcome guest, but God is the Creator of the Universe and He comes bearing a great gift (eternal salvation). We have so much to lose by ignoring God. Furthermore, change that may occur in our life by answering God’s call will only be a change for the better.

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come into him and dine with him, and he with me.” Revelation 3:20.

WHEN GOD KNOCKS


A group of very excited Grade 5 and Grade 6 students from St Mary’s Primary School, Lancefield recently visited Lancefield’s former Courthouse and Lock-up – now the home of the Romsey & Lancefield Districts Historical Society. They found there was a great deal to see and do, and they discovered that being an historian is very much like being a detective!

Students arrived in two groups – first the Grade 5, and then the Grade 6, boys and girls – and listened attentively as local historian Fay Woodhouse talked to them about the history of the township of Lancefield, and then the background to the building of the Courthouse in 1887 and its use as a Courthouse until 1983. One of the favourite stories about the Courthouse and the Lock-up is, of course, the story of the robbery in 1879 of the Commercial Bank at No. 1 High Street, almost next door to the Courthouse.

The story of ‘Shorty’ and ‘Lofty’ pretending to be bushrangers – indeed, members of the Kelly Gang – entertained the students. It was revealed that the two bushrangers had been caught in Bendigo and returned to Lancefield where they remained until their trial in the Courthouse. Nearly every student had a question about the robbery, the Courthouse and the Lockup, and they generated great discussions.

Following the talk, students were invited to look at some of the artefacts and archival documents exhibited on the table in the main Courtroom as well as a range of former Lancefield Mercury and Romsey Examiner papers also on display for the visit.

The treat of the day came when every student waited in line to enter the Lockup to see for themselves what it might

have been like to be locked up overnight or for a day in the tiny space.

One of the aspects of the visit was the realisation by the students that ‘history is NOT just for old people’! With the interest and enthusiasm shown by the Grade 5 and 6 students, it is clear that they will all look forward to another visit to the Historical Society currently being planned for later in 2021.

Fay Woodhouse

HISTORY IS NOT JUST FOR OLD PEOPLE!


Lancefield’s own Fay Woodhouse has had a big year. Apart from filling the pages of the Lancefield Mercury each month, she has been busy writing books. Her most recent production is a guide to the historical buildings of Romsey, which documents the histories of the buildings and of the families behind many of them. It includes both historical and up-to-date photos and is set out so that you can follow the pages in a walking tour.

Earlier in the year, Fay finished her history of the first Yoga school in Melbourne. Founded by Margrit Segesman in 1954, the Gita School of Yoga was the first full-time permanent yoga school in Melbourne. During the second wave of feminism in the 1970s, yoga offered women both a healthy regime and a viable career path. In the Victorian Community History Awards 2020, Fay won a Commendation for her history of the school– a fantastic recognition of her skills.

At present she is busy completing her book about Lancefield – watch out for the launch later this year. Check out https://www.hindsightconsulting.com.au for more information about these and the many other books Fay has written.

AM

HISTORY IN THE MAKING

Mary Anne Thomas MLA, Jenny Stillman RRBATA,

Fay Woodhouse, Councillors Bill West and Annette Death


‘MERRI MERRI WIL-IM-EE MOOR-ING – VERY ROCKY TOMAHAWK PLACE’.

For thousands of years, Aboriginal people have travelled from across Australia to Wil-im-ee Moor-ing to trade with the Senior Leaders, the ‘Ngarrangettas’, of the Wurundjeri peoples for the very rare and prized greenstone, a blackish-green, hard rock found in abundance in the slopes of Mt. William. Such was the worth of this rock that Senior Leaders from travelling tribes would trade up to two or three possum skin cloaks for one single rock. The cloaks were sewn together with kangaroo sinew, and were often made from ten or more pelts. This is just an example of the ‘price’ of the green rock. Spears were also traded for single rocks which the Senior Leaders would then sharpen on a special grinding stone to make axe heads. Clans and tribes would set up camp along Deep Creek, always by water. The women and children would stay by their mia-mias (huts), while the men would hike to the mountain to the ceremony site. They would trade at night under the great Emu Spirit Creator, The Southern Cross constellation. Ancestors are depicted by the larger swirling stars in the sky; ancestors are always here watching over country. The ceremony site is marked by three large circles on the mountain. Underground pits are represented in the green rock deposits below this sacred site. The spiritual connection to the ancestors is noted by the joining dots to the stars and sky. The Wurundjeri people are represented by the white manna gum. ‘Wurrun’ means Manna Gum, and ‘djeri’ means ‘white grub that lives in the tree’. Bunjil the Wedgetail Eagle is one of two moieties (the other is Waa the Crow) for the Kulin Nation – the Wurundjeri, the Boonwurrung, the Taunurung, the Wathaurung and the Dja Dja Wurrung peoples. He sits in the tree overlooking ceremony by his people, always circling above the mountain keeping watch.

The men trade possum skins and spears, in turn receiving the special rock they will make hatchets with to make canoes and shields, spears and coolamons, woomeras, and all the tribe’s tools and equipment. Often, tribes would only possess

RED DOOR BOOKS OF LANCEFIELD

MURAL

Artist, Simone Thomson


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only one of these hatchets, that is the rarity. The Rainbow Serpent snakes his way across country carving out mountains and valleys with his large wide body. After the rains, water fills the crevices of his journey tracks becoming rivers and waterholes surrounding Merri Merri Wil-im-ee Moor-ing – this very rocky tomahawk place.

THE PLACE

I could hear the ancestors quietly speaking amongst the grandmother trees on the reddish sacred earth of Wil-im-ee Mooring – Mt. William. Hot dry gravel crunched underfoot as I trekked towards the top. Wispy native grasses rustled with the song of wind; mountainous plains evolved around me like an untouched wilderness. This is what they would have seen, this is that they would have felt, this is what they would have protected … the Elders, the old people. I could still hear them, feel them – the keepers of culture, the guardian spirits of this beautiful haunting place. Wind pushed at me, a slight chill, that … prick of hair at the back of my neck. Emotion filled me, don’t go any further. Look, don’t take from this place – just look, tell people, teach people – this is the way of our people. Pass knowledge down so nothing is lost. In doing so, I pay my respects to the story I share with you. It is my hope this respect is reciprocated to the sacred place that countless generations of Aboriginal people have traded, held ceremony, and above all else – protected.

Simone Thomson

THE STORY BEHIND THE MURAL FROM THE ARTIST, SIMONE THOMSON

Emma had been following me on my Instagram page. She made contact some months ago during COVID commenting on previous murals. She asked if I was interested in doing one at her bookstore, Red Door Books of Lancefield. She rang me and we had a good yarn and a bit of a laugh, I knew she was alright. We discussed the significance of Mt. William to the local area of Lancefield and how she felt it was important to feature this in the mural.

I hadn’t been to Lancefield for a long, long time. It was interesting to revisit as an adult and see it through different eyes. When I travelled to the town to do the mural, I made the ambitious drive up the red earthy dirt track towards the mountain, I wanted to see and feel the spirituality of the place before mapping my plan for the wall. The road wasn’t friendly, plans were altered. Emma and I did a little side trip, and she took me around the back way.

I told Emma I wanted to see Deep Creek; it was an important campsite for our people. They would set camp up by the waterway while certain men would trek to the mountain to do trade for the special green stone used for hatchet heads. I could feel their presence quite strongly when we got out of the car, it was very real and present. As too the eery quietness at the high side of the

mountain. We had ditched the cars and walked towards the top and absorbed the presence of an ancient time, I could hear whispery voices in the wind as if the old people were watching us.

The day disappeared, light was dying, and I hadn’t yet begun painting. Harsh sun hit my back as I laid my foundational colours to the wall; I was still very much affected by my experience on the mountain – this needed to be delivered to the wall in the moment. Day 2 came, Emma introduced me to what felt like the whole town, I felt very welcomed and respected, especially given the topic and my heritage. And then I was rained off, I had to take a forced break and went back to my motel, I needed to dry off. When I returned in the afternoon, I got sunburnt. I was told this was Lancefield.

The wall was starting to take shape, the background

colours were set and my landscape was coming together. Day 3 – I was getting into it, no weather disruptions, only many a local visitor stopping by and having a chat. It was great to see the enthusiasm about the wall but, more importantly, Aboriginal art and culture. This was really important to me as an Aboriginal woman, but I know genuinely very important to Emma and John.

I finished on Day 4. I named the story ‘Merri Merri Wil-im-ee Moor-ing – Very Rocky Tomahawk Place’.

Simone Thomson

Yarra-Yarra Clan, Woi-wurrung Wurrundjeri Ulupna, Moira Clans, Yorta-Yorta

https://simonethomsonart.com/


Our 2021 Preps have settled well into their new school environment, easily transitioning to a full day of learning. For their first weeks they have Wednesdays off to rest, with their first full week beginning mid-March. We love to see the enthusiasm and excitement from our new preps, and everyone in our school community watches over them and

makes sure they are settling in well. Our preps each have a Year 5 buddy to see them through the first 2 years of their learning journey at St Mary’s. The Buddies Program is thoroughly enjoyed by both sets of students, with them meeting regularly for a variety of activities throughout the school year.

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It has been quite a while since the last report from the Lancefield Small Bore Rifle Club was in the Lancefield Mercury, and whilst the club members have been back practising for a few weeks now, they will not be able to for the week (at least) when this report was prepared.

Equipment was cleaned and readied as we gradually returned to practice, to get our skills back up and our eye in. A number of club members are currently shooting competition cards for the Oakleigh Postal event. This

will assist our new Team Captain Tim, and the selection panel, to choose competitors for the forthcoming State 20m Benchrest rimfire postal contest. Our club has been successful in this event several times and we are hoping for another good showing this year.

Should you wish to learn more about the sport in general or our club, Max, our secretary, would welcome your call on 54292259. Go to trv.org.au for information on our regulating organisation.

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S T M A R Y ’ S P R I M A R Y S C H O O L L A N C E F I E L D

MEET THE PREPS


I’d like to introduce you to our prep class of 2021. I hope they are enjoying their new school life and that they have a wonderful year of learning and growing ahead of them.

I spoke to each of the preps and asked them what they loved most about school so far, so here is their answer and a little about each of them.

Milla, buddy is London - I love playing with new friends.

Archie, buddy is Seamus - I love playing.

Holly, buddy is Harry - I love playing with stuff and making new friends.

Kayla, buddy is Tabatha - I love Discovery and Buddies.

James, buddy is Michael - I love playing soccer outside.

Stephanie, buddy is Emma - I love when my older sister visits the room.

Evelyn, buddy is Nellie - I love colouring in after a snack and playing with my buddy outside.

Maisie, buddy is Nellie - I love learning.

Kayleigh, buddy is Seamus - I love Discovery and Sports.

Tyler, buddy is Alistair - I love playing outside.

Zoe, buddy is Amelia - I love that I get to do fun activities and play.



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Rose, buddy is Jada - I love the Home Corner for play.

Christopher, buddy is Lincoln - I love playing outside.

Lacey, buddy is Nellie - I love the sandpit.

Harry, buddy is Daniel - I love playing soccer with my friends.

Lucy H, buddy is Chloe - I love playing with my older sister.

Maddie, buddy is Chloe - I love the dollhouse.

Ethan, buddy is Gus - I love learning, playing and doing lots of different stuff.

Isabella, buddy is Jada - I love Number Blocks.

Lewis, buddies are Harry and Alexis - I love Discovery.

Lucy L, buddy is Holly - I love Number Blocks.

Cillian, buddy is Tommy - I love playing and Discovery.

Jake, buddy is Alex - I love playing soccer outside.

Sienna, buddy is Alexis - I love playing with Milla.

We look forward to seeing the progress of our new preps and hope that they enjoy the many learning opportunities and activities on offer to them throughout the year.

Jo Shannon (Community Liaison Leader)

The Romsey/Lancefield Probus Club provides an opportunity for retirees or semi retired people to relax and enjoy the welcoming company of those at the same stage of life.

Our monthly meeting (4th Thursday of the month) is a chance to catch-up with new and old friends and hear interesting speakers on a wide variety of topics.

The next meeting of the Romsey Lancefield Probus Club is on Thursday 25th March, 2021 at 10am in the St.Mary’s

Catholic Church Hall, Main Street, Romsey.This is our Annual General Meeting. Our next ordinary

meeting will be on Thursday 22nd of April. The guest speaker will be Tony O’Brien, President, Romsey/Lancefield RSL

Club contacts are President Tony 0408536290; Vice President: Allan 0408098428 Secretary: Jeni 5429 5480 www.rlprobus.org.au

C O M B I N E D P R O B U S C L U B O F R O M S E Y A N D L A N C E F I E L D I N C .P.O. Box 280, Romsey. Vic. 3434

The Sex Smart Youth survey is going live this March, to find out the ‘ins and outs’ of young people’s sexual and reproductive health knowledge, and their access to safe and inclusive information and services.

Sex Smart Youth aims to bring together young people, and services working with young people, to improve access to relevant, legitimate, inclusive and safe sexual and reproductive health education and resources for young people in the Macedon Ranges. The information gathered from the survey will be used for planning and delivery of sexual and reproductive health projects in the Macedon

Ranges, funding applications for increased service provision in the area related to sexual and reproductive health.

The online survey will be available through social media and the participating organisations’ websites, and the aim is to get as many young people as possible who either live, work, study or play in the Macedon Ranges to participate. The Sex Smart Youth survey will be open to from 1 to 31 March, follow this link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/sexsmartyouth.All survey participants will have the option of going into a draw to win a prize. Contact Rhani on 5421 1666 or [email protected] for more details.

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WATER CARTAGE12,000 LT LOADS – MAINS WATERServicing Lancefield and surrounding areas

Chris & Allison WoodroofePh: 0354292466Email: [email protected]: www.woodroofeswaterservices.com.au

A friend of mine used to refer to the Macedon Ranges as “God’s own country”. After moving up here a few years ago, I now know what he meant.

As Macedon Ranges residents we are lucky to have such clean air, an abundance of flora and fauna, open spaces, relatively quiet roads and a host of leisure activities all close to the city (and my beloved Magpies of the Scott Pendlebury variety!). However, not all is well: the amount of roadkill for example.

Whether I am walking, jogging or driving around the district I am appalled by the quantity of wildlife I see killed on the road. For a start, countless dead birds -currawongs, choughs, kookaburras, ducks, parrots, cockatoos, corellas, and magpies. Also, kangaroos, wallabies, wombats, phascogales, possums and frogs are regular victims. I have even seen a couple of dead echidnas on the road. Frogs may be unavoidable, but echidnas?

What can we do about this? For a start, we can take responsibility and encourage other drivers to do the same, or the carnage will continue. Accidents will happen, but I am convinced that if we slow down a bit and toot the horn when we see animals and birds up ahead then we can reduce the wildlife road toll. In certain areas it might be advisable to go easy on the accelerator, especially at night. Just because our vehicle has a bull-bar it does not mean we should plough ahead at the maximum speed limit.

I have heard suggestions that the problem would be alleviated by clearing away undergrowth along the roads. Big job, especially in this area! Replacing undergrowth with grass would also require seasonal mowing and likely attract more animals to the roadside –particularly some of the larger animals that you would not want to run into. The truth is, we,

Recently, I visited the newly-renovated motel in Main Road, ‘The Lancefield Lodge’’, it was clear that business was brisk. The give-away was the large number of trucks parked on Main Road outside the motel, and truckies as well as local sportswomen having a drink under the trees in the courtyard.

In late 2019, Peter Cassidy and Danielle Crawford moved into the motel on Main Road, formerly known as ‘The Grange’. Peter is a former hotelier who moved from Norfolk Island back to the mainland five years ago, and met Danielle in Melbourne. They were attracted to the Lancefield area because of its beauty and close proximity to Melbourne, and when they found that ‘The Grange’ was on the market, they were very excited by the potential they saw in it. Restoring the 1970s motel to its current state took a lot of ‘TLC and elbow grease’, they admit.

The motel celebrated its official opening over the Australia Day long weekend. While they renovated throughout 2020, they opened their first nine rooms, and then one room at a time. Then COVID-19 hit and for some time they were limited in their hospitality. They have gathered some interesting old wares and the refurbished dining room is decorated with a range of eclectic furniture such as packing shelves from Flinders Street Station, now elegantly displaying dining artefacts, and a stock feeder from Flemington Racecourse.

Peter and Danielle are particularly proud of the fact that

guests can drive up to the front door of their own spacious, individually-styled room; the motel now has twenty available for booking.

Room service, bar and restaurant options replace the old breakfast hatches; large wall-mounted smart TVs, and the double brick rooms ensure your privacy. The motel now boasts its Home Bar, Home Table Restaurant, Function/Conference Room (their first conference took place last month), Recreation Room, Gymnasium, outdoor Pool with nearby Gazebo and BBQ area, as well as a Tennis court.

The Home Bar offers food and wine – small and large plates and a good range of local food and wine. I tried the Dim Sim poached in a warming broth, full of ginger and fabulous flavours, with an equally flavourful Grampians Riesling, followed by a strawberry mousse. Both were delicious. They are hoping to offer coffee and lunches before too long, and to do this they are currently in search of waiting staff. They are adding to their stock of Victorian regional and local wine which is available for purchase to take home.

On the night I visited, a group of women from a local business were enjoying a night out in the main bar area, while a couple who were guests at the motel enjoyed an intimate drink and food in the smaller bar area.

I’m planning a return visit very soon!

Fay Woodhouse

THINK MOTEL...THINK AGAIN!

D E E P C R E E K L A N D C A R E G R O U PCovering Lancefield – Romsey and Monegeeta Districts

GOD’S OWN COUNTRYas drivers are the solution.

In March, it is still important to provide water in our backyards for small animals and birds. If mosquitoes are a problem, try installing a couple of boxes for micro-bats as they can eat up to 1200 mosquitoes per hour! It is a delight to see them going about their work in the early evening.

In the veggie garden it is time to plant out seedlings for our winter-loving plants. The idea is to get them established before the cold weather sets in and if, like me, you like broad beans, prepare a bed for an April planting.

The Deep Creek Landcare Group’s monthly meetings recommenced last month, along with our monthly working bees. The group is continuing to monitor past plantings and enhance them at a number of locations along Deep Creek. We were pleased to see that our spring plantings have survived the summer. A reasonable amount of rain and relatively cool conditions have been helpful. We are also continuing to monitor the 30 chainsaw hollows that were installed last autumn. In addition, we are in the early stages of developing an exciting new project on Deep Creek as we continue to

seek further opportunities to assist and enhance our local environment.

One way we can do this is to reduce the number of invasive Indian Myna birds, also referred to as the Common Myna, as distinct from the native Noisy Miner. We have traps available to borrow. If it is

laughs you are after we have nesting boxes for Kookaburras available for the discount price of $25.

Annual Landcare membership is $20 per family. You can follow us on Facebook, contact our President, Phil Severs (0476 324 000) or attend our monthly meetings in the Lancefield Mechanics Hall.


As I write this, we are in the middle of the snap 5-day lockdown. With all cricket matches for the weekend cancelled and our major fundraiser for the season postponed, we all look forward to positive news on Wednesday. We think ourselves lucky we have had an uninterrupted season thus far and have been very successful with both our Men’s 1sts and Women’s teams undefeated.

This is the first year Lancefield Cricket Club has had girls’ teams so we were thrilled to have five girls represent the GDCA in the Girls’ Representative Carnival. Congratulations to Elly Mc Intosh, Molly Consiglio, Charli Laity, Olivia Goodes and Emmy O’Meara. Unfortunately the second weekend of the competition had to be cancelled but we’re hoping for it to be rescheduled. Congratulations to Brianna Woodburn and Emily Consiglio for being appointed coaches for the U14s competition. Your dedication and passion for cricket is an

asset to our club and the girls are very lucky to have such experienced and supportive coaches.

On Sunday 31st January we held our Pink Stumps Family Day. Although we planned

a much smaller event than last year, we were surprised and delighted with the

attendance. We raised over $700 to be donated to the McGrath Foundation to help support their amazing work. Our Women’s team had a fantastic win for the occasion, 4/142 against Bacchus Marsh 8/109. Thank you to everyone for your support and to

Lancefield Meats, Curly Flat Wine and Body Tunes Remedial Massage for your

generous donations. For club updates and social events,

please follow our Facebook page. Please email [email protected] for any other queries.

Pauline Goodes 0417 056 393

Due to COVID-19 restrictions in place in November 2020, the Romsey & Lancefield Districts Historical Society was unable to hold their 2019-20 Annual General Meeting (AGM). With the agreement of Consumer Affairs Victoria, the meeting was therefore postponed until March 2021.

Although the Society was very restricted in its activities for most of 2020, they published Romsey an Historical Guide in September last year. The book has been enthusiastically received and has sold very well. Its official launch took place on Friday 29 January. The Society is currently embracing system changes and reworking its cataloguing system. Through generous grants from the Lancefield Mercury and Bendigo Bank, we now have new computers which will allow visitors to consult some of their Archives online at the Courthouse.

Because of the changes taking place at the Society, this year we thought we would try something different with our Annual General Meeting.

We have decided to hold this year’s AGM on a Sunday afternoon instead of a Tuesday evening, as we have done for many years. We are inviting Members, and especially New

Members, to come and visit the Courthouse, have a tour of the building, and see a display of a range of our Archives and Artefacts. Recently two groups of local school children visited the Courthouse and were very excited to see inside the Lockup. We therefore thought that if local students enjoyed this experience so much, other Members and members of the general public might also be interested in seeing inside the Lockup for the first time!

THE FORMAT ON 14 MARCH 2021 WILL BE:

2.00 pm Arrive and enjoy a tour of the Courthouse and Lock-up; Afternoon Tea and socialising;3.00 pm The Annual General Meeting will begin

For catering and seating purposes, please advise Shirley Kishere by email ([email protected]) or phone (0402 248 540) by Friday 12 March of your intention to attend our Annual General Meeting and Tour.

Fay Woodhouse

R O M S E Y & L A N C E F I E L D D I S T R I C T S H I S T O R I C A L S O C I E T Y I N C .Email: [email protected] Website: www.lancefieldcourthouse.org

AGM AND OPEN DAY AT HISTORICAL SOCIETY SUNDAY 14 MARCH 2021

L A N C E F I E L D C R I C K E T C L U B

A LUCKY SEASON


The nineteenth century term ‘mechanic’ meant artisan or working man. The Mechanics’ Institute movement began in 1800 when Dr George Birkbeck of the Andersonian Institute in Scotland gave a series of free and popular lectures to local mechanics. They led to the formation of the Edinburgh School of Arts (1821) and the London Mechanics’ Institute (1823). The movement spread quickly throughout the British Empire and the first Victorian Mechanics’ Institute, established in 1839, was the Melbourne Mechanics’ Institute at 188 Collins Street, Melbourne. From the 1850s, Mechanics’ Institutes quickly spread throughout Victoria wherever a hall, library, or a school was needed. Nearly one thousand were built in Victoria and 562 remain today.

The Lancefield Mechanics’ Institute began in 1868 as the Lancefield Mutual Improvement Society in a building which was also used as the Shire Hall. The Institute was formed with two primary purposes: to establish a library with a supply of books, periodicals and newspapers; and to devote one evening in each week to mutual improvement in reading, reciting and lecturing. In 1876 it was felt that a purpose built Institute hall was needed.

In September 1877 H M C Hood, architect of Gipps Street, Collingwood, called for tenders for the erection of the ‘Lancefield Mechanics Institute and Free Library’. The builder was Thomas C Monger of Hawthorn.

The foundation stone was laid three months later on Friday 16 November 1877. The Weekly Times described the event: ‘The foundation-stone of the Lancefield Mechanics’ Institute was laid today by W J Clarke, Esq. There were about 500 persons present, After being presented with a handsome silver trowel by Mr Carlisle, president of the Institute, Mr Clarke declared the stone well and truly laid’. Clarke thanked the committee for the honour conferred upon him by being invited to perform the ceremony. The ceremonies were eventually brought to a close by ‘loud and prolonged cheering for Mr and Mrs Clarke’.

The building was completed on 8 March 1878 and the town celebrated. In 1968 the Lancefield Mechanics’ Institute hosted the ‘Back to Lancefield’ on November 22-24. The official Program and History provides a comprehensive description of the building and its history:

The Institute was built in a composite style of architecture, the front being ornamented by six columns, surmounted by a handsome cornice and façade which presented quite an imposing appearance. There were in front two entrances.

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The hall is a handsome and commodious room 60 feet long by 30 feet wide and 20 feet high. The ceiling is of varnished pine, curved all round, thus securing acoustic advantages, and giving a pleasing effect. It is lighted by eight windows. It was originally furnished with three chandeliers and six bracket lamps with silvered reflectors on the walls. A stage was erected at the northern end with two retiring rooms 14 feet by 10 feet. The reading room measured 30 feet long by 20 feet wide by 18 feet high with four windows. The whole of the building seemed to be well adapted for the purpose for which it was designed.

In 1889 the interior of the building was renovated and the Committee could report that ‘the financial position of the Institute in that year was satisfactory’. In 1909 the first gaslights were installed for the hall’s use. Gas lighting was used until 1923 when a 32 volt electric system of engine and batteries was set up. This system was carried on until 1928, when the SEC installed electricity to the town. In 1952 a new floor was put down because the existing floor was worn and uneven.

The cost of maintenance was increasing, so in 1952 it was decided to install indoor bowls. As the history records: ‘This as a competitive sport would assist financial’. It appears it fulfilled the Institute’s hopes because in its report dated 1964, ‘approximately $1,600 had been paid to the hall since bowling commenced’.

One of the features of the 1968 ‘Back to Lancefield’ celebrations was that the current Sir Rupert Clarke declared the celebrations open at the ball on the Friday 22 November. It was Sir Rupert’s grandfather, Sir William Clarke who had laid the foundation stone of the building.

In August 2019 the world premiere of the locally produced film, Lancefield Dreaming, was shown at the Lancefield Mechanics’ Institute. Lancefield Dreaming embraced the significance of the town’s history through the eyes of locals and celebrated what Lancefield offers to newcomers.

Throughout its 142-year history, the Mechanics’ Institute’s Hall and Annexe have been in constant use for local community occasions since its construction in 1877. It is not surprising therefore, that the 1994 Heritage Study attributes Lancefield Mechanics’ Institute building with local significance ‘as the centre of community life in Lancefield over a long period and an evocation of a key nineteenth century institution’.

Fay Woodhouse


36 VOL. 31 NO 2 MARCH 2021

josie waldron a chorus revived - lancefield.org.au

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