Yealerings 100th Anniversary

November 6th 2007

After months of planning, 100 years of settlement in the Yealering district was celebrated on Saturday 6^th November 2007.

It was a perfect spring day, warm and sunny, to the delight of the organizers and the big crowd of approximately 600, who turned up for the event.

The caravan park and hotel had been booked out for some months and several very keen visitors arrived two or three days before the 6^th. Some were former residents who took the opportunity to tour around the district checking out old homes, school sites, farms and the town.

The organizing committee, assisted by other interested people had created a new garden on the corner of Sewell and Dalton streets. Planned as a memorial to people from all walks of life who helped develop the town and district – the garden was formed around a time line featuring important events in Yealering’s history.

Twenty ceramic tiles designed and engraved by the school children made up the timeline. This was part of the school’s contribution to the centenary and through it they learned much about the district’s history.

A solid metal seat was placed in the garden centre and a memorial rock and plaque at one end. The inscription on the plaque reads

Centenary Garden

This Garden was Established

To Commemorate

The Spirit of Our Pioneers

And

Celebrate the Community of Yealering

1907-2007

On the oval was an impressive display of farm machinery- old and new brought in from surrounding farms over several days. The men who organized this part of the celebration did so at a very busy time- just before harvest. But their efforts were rewarded by the keen interest shown by visitors and locals.

Children were catered for with a bouncy castle and a variety of games organized by the Playgroup mums. Some cute farm animals got a lot of attention from both the young and not so young.

Photos from the local photographic collection were displayed at various venues around the town. Some were at the local shop, others at the C.W.A. building, old cricket and football sheds, bowling club, golf club, hall foyer and church. Spreading them out was a great way for visitors to view them, though it meant a lot of time and work selecting and sorting them, also making sure they were suitably covered for protection.

Over at the school much work went into a grand historical display of photos, records and memorabilia in the library and along the large verandah. This was very popular and viewed by most of the visitors. School Principal Dianne Walton and staff kept the school open from 9am till after1pm. In the weeks before the big day they gave valuable assistance to the organizers.

Most people walked over to the school using the new path, recently completed.

At the hall there was much activity prior to the big day. The hall foyer and kitchen made a perfect venue for such an event. The original hall was closed for the day with most activity in the foyer and on the patio overlooking the lake and croquet ground.

The well appointed kitchen proved its worth, as a team of energetic women spent hours preparing salads on the Friday. They were placed in fridges for the next evenings BBQ. Early on Saturday morning some of the same women and helpers put together a tasty selection of scones freshly made for morning tea. There were cheese, savoury, fruit, pumpkin and plain scones fluffy and inviting from the oven-served to visitors as they arrived. What a warm welcome!

Some were eaten indoors. Others chose to sit under shady umbrellas on the patio.

The visitor’s book was signed and name tags written amidst much talking and happy greetings.

During the morning, groups of people walked around the sports ground- to the lake, croquet ground, bowling and tennis clubs- over to the school and around town-enjoying a trip down memory lane.

The school bus took groups on a short tour of the town- to the golf course, church, cemeteries and school. It departed at various times and saved people walking or using cars.

Lunch was eaten picnic style with most people bringing their own. Some bought food at the shop and the sausage sizzle under the tree proved popular. The smell of sausages and onion cooking attracted many to the spot. Drinks were also available and tea and coffee at the hall.

During the lunch hour Elizabeth Poultney and Des Pauley entertained the crowd with songs and poetry relating to Yealering’s history.

At about 2.30pm the crowd was asked to gather at the new centenary garden for the official welcome performed by well known resident Doug Hill and Wickepin Shire President Steve Martin.

Former residents Jock Beattie and Charlie Gardener spoke about the town’s history with much detail and humour.

Kym Smith and Dianne Walton representing the organizing committee were thanked for a very successful and enjoyable day as were Daphne McKenzie and Lois Shipley for the book celebrating Yealering’s 100 years of settlement.

Copies of the book were on sale throughout the day along with a large range of souvenirs.

Back at the hall, doors were opened to reveal a beautifully decorated setting for a good old fashioned afternoon tea. Catering for such a crowd was a huge undertaking for a small community, but they certainly did it in style. Crisp white tablecloths, pretty flower arrangements and lots of old favourites like cream puffs, lamingtons, sponges, slices, tasty sandwiches and warm sausage rolls were enjoyed by the big crowd.

The day continued in a happy mood as old friends talked, laughed and reminisced. Gradually families prepared for the trip home to Perth or nearby towns. Many more who stayed in the caravan park, hotel or with friends prepared for the evening BBQ, joined by the locals.

Once again this was superbly organized. The committee planned well ahead, ensuring there were plenty of steaks and sausages for the crowd. Meat was cooked on the BBQ’s outside and bought in an orderly fashion to a large serving table in the hall. Plates and cutlery were handy and a wide variety of salads were close by. Small tables placed around the hall made eating more comfortable, while some chose to take their meal outside on the paved area. Tea and coffee was still available in the hall and later on there were some sweet treats over from a generous afternoon tea.

The celebration continued till midnight with the lively music from Perth band “Hot Gossip” which kept the crowd rocking, especially the young ones. Over at the caravan the party continued to the early hours, bringing to a close a memorable day.

By Sunday afternoon the whole area had been cleaned and tidied by a good crowd of locals.

A great effort from all!