• Warragul celebrates 140th

The Warragul Men’s Voices, led by Vic Clement (front), – Shane Seccombe, Paul Hewitt, Doug Faragher, John Van Wageningen, Denis Bright, (back) Daryl McMillin, Max Folland, Brett Woods, Ray Watson and Bruce Messenger.

Warragul Corps celebrated its 140th anniversary in April. The weekend was well attended by current members, including Corps Officers Majors Jenni and Lindsay Frost.

Past members attending included prior corps leaders Majors Winton Knop, Jeanette and Wayne Ennis, Majors Kirsten and Warren Elliot and Captain Amanda Hart.

The celebration began on the Friday night, with a meet and greet event at the church in Burke St. Saturday saw 80 people attend a trivia night where much fun was had by all.

The Warragul Songster Brigade – Pauline Still (leader) with (front) Margaret Paulin, Bec Stewart, Meg Edwards, Brenda Morris, Irene McNab, Blessing Maduka, (centre) Major Kirsten Elliott, Sue Bond, Major Shiena Davies, Marjorie Clement, (back) Russell Zelle, Flute: Danielle Green.

Sunday morning saw a worship service led by former Corps Officers Majors Kirsten and Warren Elliot.

Member for Narracan Wayne Farnham greeted the congregation and Meg and Roy Edwards shared their memories of worship at the church.

The weekend culminated with a celebration concert held on Sunday afternoon with many people from the community attending.

Member for Monash Russell Broadbent greeted the congregation before presenting Doorways case manager Rob Oosterhof with a special plaque acknowledging his seven years of service to the Warragul Corps. 

Roy and Meg Edwards share memories of worship at the 140th anniversary service.

Another presentation was made to Roy Edwards acknowledging more than half a century of collecting for the Red Shield Appeal in the Warragul community.

During the concert the Warragul band, songsters, timbrels and male voices brought musical items. Eleven-year-old Molly Lais played the piano solo, ‘Shadow Dance’, by Macdowell.

One of the features of the weekend was the many photos and memorabilia collected over 140 years and an entertaining multimedia presentation. 

Major Howard Davies plays the violin during the concert.

An anniversary cake was cut during lunch by the oldest attending member, Denis Bright, and the youngest, baby Lucas Green.

The church produced a Warragul Corps photo memory book. A copy can be purchased

by calling the church office on 5623 1090.

This article first appeared in the Warragul & Drouin Gazette.