The hall was swept, the grass was slashed and the scones, cakes and sandwiches were laid out thick for a very important gathering of the Bidgeemia community on October 24.
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More than 70 people gathered for a service of commemoration and the unveiling of an honour roll in tribute to the service of the Bidgeemia and district soldier settlers.
The small but hard working rural hall committee applied for and was successful in receiving a grant of $645 through the Anzac Centenary Local Grants program.
The grant money was used for an honour roll could be erected to recognise and commemorate the service of the Bidgeemia soldier settlers who fought in and returned from the Great War.
The honour roll complements the tireless efforts of Mr Chris Madden, a well-known local historian and descendent of an original soldier settler.
Chris recently published a complete history titled “Land Fit for Heroes”.
Chris’ book is a thorough collection of stories and records that illustrate the lives of the district soldier settlers, all of whom are listed on the honour roll, who gave so much and then in turn helped to grow and develop our district to become the productive agricultural area it is today.
At the commemoration service, both Sussan Ley and Chris Madden delivered short addresses and Helen Gutler read a poem from a returned serviceman, the last post was played followed by the National Anthem and Major Cindy Hinds from Kapooka recited the ode.
It was a wonderful opportunity for so many to return to Bidgeemia, get together and reacquaint about the glory days in a spirit of country pride and with a real sense of community.
The Hall Committee is grateful to everyone that attended and supported the occasion.
