Celebrating 150 years since St Nicholas became a separate parish.
StNicholas Goulburn
After much hard work by many people, on Saturday 24 May the halls were set up with memorabilia and decorated awaiting visitors. From before 11am, there was a constant flow of people for the Devonshire teas and sandwiches provided by the ladies. Parishioners, locals and out of town visitors were able to catch up with old friends while enjoying the display. Ian Spencer, a great grandson of our first rector, Canon Leigh, attended with his wife and brought a travelling communion set and illuminated address which belonged to Canon Leigh. Celebration bookmarks and pens and the history book were available. A book on the kneelers in the church was also available to order.
Many moved on to Trinity Great Hall which had been transformed by hard working decorators. A sumptuous meal, accompanied by live music, was enjoyed by 175 guests. Bishop Stuart Robinson was the speaker and also launched Terry Solomon’s Short History of North Goulburn Parish. Ross Hathway interviewed Bev Kara and MC Rob Brown conducted a trivia quiz. Joe Mullins spoke briefly before saying grace. Ice breaker questions encouraged guests to mingle to find answers. At the end, many hands quickly packed up and restored the hall to its former condition.
On Sunday, there was a combined service attended by 153 people. Ross Hathway briefly interviewed former clergy and Sunday School teachers. Ross gave a children’s talk about celebrations. Ian Spencer, representing the past, and Caitlyn Dunn, representing the present and the future, cut a magnificent 3 tier cake made by Melissa Davis. Fellowship continued over morning tea and lunch, which came from dinner leftovers.
I would like to thank the 150th committee for all their work over several months and everyone who helped on the actual weekend.
Further activities are planned for the rest of the year. There will be a trivia night on 16 August, a car rally and bus tour to satellite churches on 18 October, a musical afternoon in November and a final celebration for St Nick’s day on 7 December.
Christine Bernays