THE aussie pride was flowing like the Kiamma Creek itself, as the memorial rose garden was dedicated to the memory of some past Crookwell residents at a ceremony conducted at the Pat Cullen Reserve (Kiamma Creek Park) last Tuesday.
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The late Pat Cullen was always found pottering around the area and even today the daffodils that are picked and sold for Daffodil Day come from his old property at Laggan.
He was an inspirational man who loved his gardens.
Local residents have placed brass memorial plaques at the base of selected roses in memory of their loved ones lost.
The dedication was emceed by Councillors Malcolm Barlow and Deputy Mayor James Wheelwright.
The garden was instigated by Mr Barry Murphy a passionate guardian of the park.
Mr Murphy spends countless hours attending to the garden beds in the park making sure they are always at their best for visitors and locals to enjoy.
Mr Murphy is the President of the Kiamma Creek Landcare Group and has put forward plans to make the park a beautiful attraction to the Crookwell township with the help of other volunteers.
Mr Murphy said, “I am proud of the great work Landcare have done with this area and believe the area is reflective of the people who have lived here in the past.”
“Anyone can come along to help us or just work along quietly at your own pace.
“This is a large garden that can be enjoyed by all and we are always accepting ideas to beautify and enhance the area.”
“We have lost the ‘cream of the nation’ in the first world war and this park can be used to help make sure their memory is kept.”
Mr Murphy then thanked the students from the Crookwell High School from the Student Representative Council and said, “I am pleased to see some younger ones attending today as they are the next generation who need to step forward to preserve this great space and also help with the beautification.
Mr Kevin King, President of the Services Club Sub Branch addressed the gathering and spoke about the many loved ones lost at war mentioning some figures including 450 soldiers from this area went to war, with 150 not coming home.
“In 1918 the big guns stopped but the losses kept coming - it’s unbelievable how so many have made that supreme sacrifice for this great land.”
“Some of the plaques in this memorial garden are for pioneers of the country around Crookwell,” said Mr King.
Reverend Margaret Campbell blessed the garden using many inspirational words.
A very moving part of the ceremony was felt by all as Mrs Treven Mattox read an extract from the Crookwell Gazette published on November 19, 1919 - finally they were all home for Christmas.
After the reading Mrs Elaine Delaney played “The Last Post” on her mouth-organ and Mr King recited “The Ode” - again another moving moment.
Other musical items were also enjoyed including a country rendition of “Waltzing Matilda” by Mike Delaney.
Mrs Marion Jordan also read two letters that had been written whilst at war, sent back home, of Mrs Ada Willis who was one of the 12 sisters from the area who also went to war. These letters were interesting to recount what she felt and what war meant to her. Everyone then enjoyed a lovely lunch supplied by the ladies at the Uniting Church.
If you are looking for a quiet place to reflect or a beautiful place to just sit and relax then it is suggested you take a wander through the park in the centre of town.
Find time to smell the roses!