(a publication of the Anglican Diocese of Riverina)

A river flowed out of Eden to water the garden and there it divided and became four rivers. [Genesis

December 2019 Summer Edition

The Clergy and people from across the Diocese met Canons together in Synod on Friday 18th and Saturday 19th The newly elected and October. Synod began with a appointed Canons are: Eucharist in the Cathedral Clergy: with Bishop Donald presiding The Rev’d Canon Robert and assisted by Deacons Murphy. (Leeton) Brendan Webster (Griffith) The Rev’d Canon Paul and Jeni Bedding Kumasaka. (Lake Cargelligo) (Narrandera). The Rev’d Canon Wayne Sheean. (Deniliquin) Rural Deans Lay: Canon Ken Martin At that celebration the newly (Coleambally/Darlington Pt) appointed Rural Deans were Cathedral Canon James Walsh (Assistant Commissioned. Chancellor) The Rev’d Paul Kumasaka— Ordinance Canon Marion Barker Anderson Deanery; (Barham) The Rev’d Helen Ferguson— As part of the business of Halse Deanery; Synod a new Cathedral The Ven Robert Done— Ordinance has been passed re- Bishop’s Murray Deanery. establishing the Cathedral The Rev’d Neale Sommersby Chapter in a new form to Residence was unable to be present but has create better links between the also been commissioned for the Cathedral (mother Church of Synod resolved by Ordinance Linton Deanery. the Diocese) and the Churches to sell the Bishop’s House in and people of the Diocese. As Narrandera and a house a consequence of this new owned by the Diocese in Ordinance there was an Yenda and use the funds election of new Canons as raised from these two sales to members of the Cathedral purchase a new Bishop’s Chapter. For the first time in Residence in Griffith. It is our Diocese’ history there are envisaged that the cost of the ‘Lay Canons’ of the new residence will be less Cathedral. than the money generated

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Happy Page 1 Christmas! (Continued from page 1) supplies for everyone ‘is a support in the Riverina and human and spiritual interstate. from these sales and the imperative’. ABC Riverina interviewed surplus will be invested in the The Diocese of Riverina Bishop Donald on Monday Diocesan Trusts. covers approximately 37 11th November the same day Ministry Structure percent of the state of NSW the Australian Competition & Following the Bishop’s and includes the drought- Consumer Commission Charge to Synod, the affected communities of (ACCC) held a public forum Chancellor moved a motion to Wilcannia, Broken Hill and in Griffith on water markets in establish a Diocesan Menindee as well as the Murray-Darling Basin. In Committee to look at how we Wentworth and towns along the video interview Bishop might approach ministry in the Murray River. Donald stressed that water should not simply be available the Diocese in the future. This Bishop Donald said the Committee has begun meeting Riverina was built on the to the people with the deepest and is looking at new ways to creative use of water but many pockets. He spoke out provide ministry to the whole people and communities are specifically against the Diocese recognising the now struggling to survive with practise of water trading: the financial limitations we have. the extreme lack of water buying and selling of water by It is intended that this which is also affecting irrigators and speculators with Committee will report to the people’s mental health. no intention to use the water next Session of Synod with themselves. ‘We have a some recommendations for ‘Without the people on the situation in the Riverina where the Synod to consider. land growing the orchards there are many people who’ve and crops and grazing stock relied on water for many years Water those living in the rest of the who now simply can’t afford ‘Spiritually speaking, water is nation would not have the to buy the water. We’ve lost the essence of life. We are necessary food supplies. We sight of what water is; it’s not people who not only know the talk about the mental health a commodity; it’s the very practical need for water but of those on the land yet fail essence of life; we cannot also the spiritual need of the to give them the one thing survive without water –none water of life feeding body and that will help—water!’ of us can.’ Bishop Donald said soul. It is up to us to do all we Bishop Donald’s comments on while drought was a clear can to promote and support the water crisis have generated contributor to the water local efforts to provide safe wide media attention and and sustainable water supplies for all—it is a human and spiritual imperative!’ Amid the current catastrophic drought, raging bushfires, communities and towns running out of water and farmers and irrigators in the Southern Basin demanding urgent changes to the Murray- Darling Basin Plan, water - or the lack of it - is on everyone’s minds. In his opening address or Charge to the 63rd Synod of the Diocese of Riverina, Bishop Donald said providing Bishop Donald outside St Alban’s Cathedral where he was interviewed by safe and sustainable water ABC Riverina (Photo courtesy Moyra Shields) (Continued on page 3) Page 2 I(Continued from page 2) crisis, there has also been a Beyond ‘bricks misallocation of water and the current system does not care and mortar’: for people on the land. Registrar urges Diocese to find new ways of being Church ‘Water is something we should see as a common resource in what is the driest continent on In her address to Synod in building is not,” Louise said. earth. And yet here we are October, the Registrar Louise ‘We must find new ways of happily selling it off and not Potter encouraged the Diocese coming together and doing seeing the need to ensure to start the conversation on mission in our communities everybody has an adequate revisioning who we are as a that doesn’t necessarily require Church and what we are doing supply for their physical as bricks and mortar,” Louise as people of faith in our added. well as spiritual wellbeing.’ communities. Link to ABC interview: The Registrar’s comments “We can so easily slip into the followed her report on the https://www.abc.net.au/ habit of seeing the Church as sharp rise in insurance news/2019-11-14/anglican- the physical buildings we have premiums for Church bishop-donald-kirk-says-water- in our parishes. But the properties. The annual Church is first and foremost – is-not-a-commodity/11695910 property insurance premium ‘community’. Our coming for the Diocese of Riverina is together is fundamental to expected to increase by up to being Church but having a 300 percent in 2020. “We are paying Insurance premiums and maintenance for Meet Ashka buildings dotted around the Ashka holds a Bachelor of Diocese that we are not using. Or rarely using. This is not Commerce degree from the sustainable”, the Registrar University of Kelaniya in Sri said. Lanka. “We need to find better ways Ashka and her husband ,Sam of doing Church. I am with the an industrial chemist, previous Archbishop of migrated to Australia with Canterbury, Dr Rowan their two children, daughter Williams in that I believe that Sanuli 8 and son Nethum 5 in God ‘always has the capacity 2017. to do something fresh and Before moving to Griffith, different, to bring something Ashka worked for more than new out of a situation’. And I 10 years as a financial believe that with our cooperation he can do that accountant at Sri Lanka’s with us.” largest apparel company, MAS Holdings. During Synod a motion was passed to form a Ministry Ashka also works part-time at Structure Review committee to Ashka Galapitage—Diocesan Accountant Griffith City Library and enjoys address the future structure of Anushka Galapitage is our volunteering with ‘Women on Ministry in the Diocese. The newest staff member in the Fire’, a multicultural group which members are: The Very Rev’d Diocesan Registry Office. supports women who have newly Rob Harris, the Rev’d Canon arrived in Griffith. Paul Kumasaka, the Rev’d Sue- A qualified accountant, Anushka Ellen Chilvers, David Webb, (or Ashka as we call her) joined Robert Crawford, Lyn us in September. Middleton & Louise Potter. Page 3 Fr Robert Murphy celebrated Riverina including as assistant the silver jubilee of his priest at Griffith and Corowa ordination to the priesthood and Priest-in-Charge of with a Solemn Mass at St Coleambally-Darlington Point Peter’s Church, Leeton on parish. For the past 16 years Monday 28 October 2019, the Fr Robert has been the popular Feast of Ss Simon & Jude, Rector of St Peter’s Parish, Apostles & Martyrs. Leeton. Fr Robert with Fr Thomas Leslie (Deacon) and Fr Peter McLeod-Miller (Sub-Deacon) More than 250 parishioners, friends, priestly colleagues St Peter’s Choir and trumpeters, including current and past Ian Bull and Matthew clergy from the Diocese of Stuckings. Riverina, packed St Peter’s The liturgy was followed by Church for the Solemn Mass more celebrations in the parish which was concelebrated by hall and a magnificent supper Bishop Donald and Bishop catered for by the Anglican Some of the Clergy present for the Mass Sonia Roulston from the Women’s Fellowship. Diocese of Newcastle. “I am sure that at the feeding of Fr Robert was ordained at Guest preacher was the four thousand there must St Alban’s Cathedral, Griffith Archdeacon John Gibson who have been an Anglican on 28 October 1994 by the then at the time of Fr Robert’s women’s group involved Bishop of Riverina, The Right ordination was the Dean of St because their catering is truly Reverend Bruce Clark. Alban’s Cathedral, Griffith. miraculous,” Fr Robert noted Fr Robert’s ordination was also The liturgy was enhanced by with his trademark good Bishop Bruce’s first priestly humour. ordination. St Peter’s team of servers and pastoral assistants with music Fr Robert was recently Fr Robert has served all his by parish organist, Frances appointed a Canon of ministry in the Diocese of Tsoukalidis along with the St Alban’s Cathedral following the adoption of the new Cathedral Ordinance at Synod. We congratulate him on this appointment as well. WANTED!

One Large Print Words Edition of “Together in Song” Willing to pay! Please contact Parish of Leeton Fr John Gibson (guest preacher), Dean Rob, Bp Sonia Roulston (Asst. Bishop Newcastle), 02 6953 2107 Bp Donald (with chaplains Mandy Walsh and Daryl Weymouth ) and Fr Robert.

Page 4 Riverina Diocese is losing two of Oaklands and I was inducted and its most beloved and long- made Rector on 20th February serving clergy. The Rev’d Val 2002. My husband Peter was half Elson, Priest in Charge of -time Ministry Development Mulwala, Berrigan with Officer and half-time Army Oaklands, and Rev’d Nola Cox, Chaplain. Three months after Priest with Oversight of arriving in this beautiful town Lockhart, Boree Creek and and parish, my husband was Urana are both retiring. killed in a car accident. Rev’d Nola will conduct her The loving, heartfelt words final service as Priest with written to me by a parishioner; Oversight at St Aidan’s Church, The Rev’ds Val Elson & Nola Cox the amazing Christian love, Lockhart on Sunday 29th support and care that I received December 2019. Rev’d Nola will College in Brisbane, I became an from my Warden and my Faith still hold a PTO Licence and be Enrolled Nurse. I am also a Deposits in our Lord, are what available to do occasional mum of three children and nanna brought me through this services on request. to six grandchildren. devastating time. I stayed! The Bishop made me a Rural Dean Rev’d Val will be officially Berrigan is the town in which I of the Upper Murray in 2006. farewelled by the parishes of St have lived for the past 18 years. My time as Rector of Berrigan, Andrew by the Lake, Mulwala Way back in 1986 in Springsure, Jerilderie and Oaklands was and St Aidan’s, Berrigan on Central Queensland, my husband eight and a half years. Sunday 19th January 2020. Peter who was the parish priest, said to me one day: “Love, I The year 2010 brought another Even though they are officially think you are being called to the change as we became the Parish ‘retiring’ from active parish ordained ministry and that you of Mulwala-Berrigan, Jerilderie ministry both Rev’d Val and should talk with the Bishop.” He and Oaklands. Jerilderie became Rev’d Nola say they will be had noticed the ministry that I part of the neighbouring parish listening for God’s direction for was doing almost every day. At of Tocumwal-Finley in late their next ministry. the time I laughed at him. Only 2010. I held the position of Both women have taken the time a few months after this Peter was Rector of Mulwala-Berrigan with to share with Four Rivers readers invited to a church in South Oaklands for three and a half their reflections and experiences Brisbane where we stayed for six years. I finish in the parish on of ministry which totals 44 years years. I saw the Bishop and Sunday 12th January 2020. In between them. started studying. Then we April/May I’m moving back to The Rev’d Val Elson moved to North Brisbane for 10 Brisbane where two of my years where I continued my children are living and I’m ‘Before my amazing time in this studies and was made a Deacon looking forward to sharing Diocese, I was a clerk/typist with in 1993. I served as a Deacon at special family times and the Mount Morgan Shire Council St Andrew’s, Lutwyche and then celebrations. in Queensland. Later, I worked at St Alban’s, Wilston for over What I will take with me are in door to door sales and two years and in 1999 I was my memories of the people; demonstrated products in ordained a Priest. supermarkets. To enable my their wonderful characters; the husband to go to Theological In 2002 we moved to the Parish truly fun times we’ve shared of Berrigan, Jerilderie and together; the hard work; the Page 5 challenges met; the laughter Team Priest Ministering forward to doing (or not doing!) and the tears shed at times. Community of Lockhart with in retirement? God will call me to a different Boree Creek and Urana (2009- There are lots of unfinished tasks I ministry this I know. My time 2014). I retired with a Permission want to complete ie tapestry, in Riverina Diocese and the to Officiate (PTO) license from sewing projects, painting, reading, Parish has been so uplifting. It 2014-2017. I came out of travelling. has been a time of personal retirement in 2018 to be Priest I believe you've had a couple of growth and most lovely. with Oversight for St Aidan’s attempted 'retirements' and been Parish, Lockhart as well as Boree lured back? Is this one final? Thank you to my brother and Creek and Urana. sister clergy for your support and That’s up to God. I will continue love over many years. I will What did you do in a former life ministry to children and aged for miss you all very much as I will before you became a priest and as long as I have the strength. I miss the people of this parish what inspired you to undertake will be listening for God’s who will always have a place in the journey to ministry? instruction as to what He wants me my heart. I thank them for the I’ve worked in lots of jobs to do. love and care they’ve shown to including as a shop assistant, What have been some of your me. librarian, teacher, wife, mother, most sacred moments and God Bless and Keep the Faith!’ grandmother, great grandmother, memories of your time at aunt and sister. I grew up in Lockhart ? Val Sydney and moved to Lockhart Among my most sacred memories with my husband Graham who was baptising my seven-year-old was posted there as a teacher in great grandson on my 70th birthday 1989. Completing the Preliminary – he had been asking me for a Certificate in Theology gave me a year. His father realised the thirst to learn more. I commenced significance of the Gospel on this the Certificate in Theology and occasion and began to seek questioned why I was doing it. I’m answers to his questions. sometimes a bit slow to hear God’s Two occasions when someone The Rev’d Nola Cox voice – in fact it took me years. interrupted the sermon to ask what How long have you been Parish My conditioning, where I grew up, I meant – one an adult and more Priest at Lockhart? told me that a woman couldn’t recently a child. Taking the time to I was an Honorary Deacon in the lead men so it took a lot of answer the questions while then Trinity Ministry District encouragement from wiser, more everyone else waited made me which included three centres – Godly people than myself to realise that the interruptions were Lockhart, Culcairn-Henty and The convince me that what I was often the most significant Rock. My ordination as a local hearing was a call from God to be moments. priest was as part of a ministry ordained. I first heard this call • Ministry to the sick and dying. team. when I was 15 years old! • Marriages and funerals of When were you ordained and When do you finish your ministry people I’ve come to love. have you had any other in the parish and where are you • Travelling throughout the parishes? moving to or are you staying in Diocese; meeting and sharing I was made an Honorary Deacon Lockhart? with many people. for Lockhart parish in 2001 until Graham and I are initially staying Blessings in Lockhart. Sunday 29th 2006. I was then Assistant Deacon, Nola Parish of Coolamon/ December will be my last service Ganmain from 2002-2005. My as Priest with Oversight. I will still The parish of Lockhart and the other appointments have included: hold a licence and be available to community have organised a Ministry Education Officer (2004- do occasional services on request. ‘farewell’ morning tea for Rev’d Nola 9.00am on Sunday 2006); Diocesan Ministry What are you most looking 29th December. Enabler (2007-2009); Ministry Page 6 Everyone is invited! By Fr Neale Sommersby

I’m always encouraged by the faithfulness of my Brothers and Sisters in the Parish of Barham / Our Balranald, they are in the words of the Apostle YOMOVE Paul, people who “never give up” whether they youth-group work silently behind the scenes or at the forefront has now been on ministry in the church and in the community. running for In early October we were delighted to have Bishop one year, Donald with us on his inaugural visit to the Parish. meeting once a month with

between 15-20 kids coming along from the high- school supported by some Enthusiastic volunteers. A recent council grant will enable us to transport, provide a meal and take 20 kids ten pin bowling for our YOMOVE breakup this year.

Since September, I’ve had the privilege to also meet once a month with the folk at Balranald join- ing them for their Combined Churches Carol Ser- vice recently.

Archdeacon Bond’s Widow Carol Bond with Bishop Donald and Father Neale

Bishop Donald blessed and commemorated a plaque dedicating the life and service to the Parish of Canon Julius (Jock) Stonehouse and Archdeacon David Bond. The plaque was unveiled by David’s wife Carol, who continues to be a loved member of the church family at St Johns.

We have much to be thankful for and I’m thankful for the continued vision the Parish has had in see- ing the ministry continue here in this community and in the forwarding of God’s Kingdom in this place. On behalf of all of us here in the Parish of Barham / Balranald May I wish each of you and

your families a blessed and safe Christmas and New Year. The Bishop also blessed and dedicated on of our new Parish initiatives, the Anglican Parish Op Shop, which has now been running successfully for the past three months. Page 7 Ariah Park / Ardlethan Coleambally / Darlington Point Sunday 22 December Sunday 22 December 9.00am Christmas Eucharist 9.00am Holy Eucharist St Mark’s Coleambally St Augustine’s Ariah Park 10.30am ‘Messy Church’ Coleambally Uniting Church 11.00am Christmas Eucharist St Mark’s Ardlethan 2.30pm Cypress View Lodge Service 5.00pm Holy Eucharist St Paul’s Darlington Point Tuesday 24 December 6.00pm Christmas Vigil St Augustine’s Ariah Park Tuesday 24 December 8.00pm Christmas Carols Service 5.00pm Children’s Crib Service St John’s Bardmedman St Paul’s Darlington Point 9.00pm Holy Eucharist St Mark’s Coleambally Barham / Balranald Christmas cheer at the Rectory afterwards Friday 20 December Narrandera & Coolamon / Ganmain 7.00pm Carols Service St Luke’s Wakool Community BBQ after service Saturday 14 December at the Wakool Hall 5.00pm Nine Lessons & Carols St Thomas’ Narrandera Sunday 22 December 11.15am Carols Service & Holy Eucharist Sunday 15 December St Martin’s Moulamein 5.00pm Nine lessons & Carols 2.00pm Blessing of the Crib, Carols Service St Andrew’s Coolamon & Holy Eucharist St Barnabas’ Balranald Saturday 21 December Tuesday 24 December 5.00pm Children’s Christmas Service 8.30pm Combined Churches Community St Thomas’ Narrandera Carols Service at Riverside Park Barham Tuesday 24 December Wednesday 25 December 6.00pm Christmas Eve Service St Peter’s Ganmain 9.30am Celebration of the Birth of Our Lord 11.00pm Service of Lights St Thomas’ Narrandera & Holy Eucharist St John’s Barham Wednesday 25 December Broken Hill and the Far West 8.00am Holy Communion St Thomas’ Narrandera 10.00am Holy Communion St Andrew’s Coolamon Sunday 22 December 8.30am Holy Communion Culcairn-Henty-Rand St Peter’s Broken Hill (335 Lane St) Tuesday 24 December 10.15am Holy Communion000 7.30pm Christmas Eve Eucharist St James’ Broken Hill South St Paul’s Culcairn (143 Wilson St) 7.30pm Combined Churches Christmas Eve Tuesday 24 December Service Uniting Church, Walbundrie 7.00pm Children’s Service Wednesday 25 December St James’ Broken Hill South 9.30am Christmas Eucharist St Barnabas’ Henty 11.00pm Christmas Eve Holy Communion St James’ Broken Hill South Corowa Wednesday 25 December Sunday 22 December 8.00am Christmas Eucharist St Thomas’ Howlong 8.30am Christmas Day Holy Communion 9.30am Christmas Eucharist St John’s Corowa St Peter’s Broken Hill Tuesday 24 December 6.00pm Children’s Service St John’s Corowa 6.30pm Family Service St Thomas’ Howlong 9.00pm Carols & Readings St Mark’s Bungowannah Wednesday 25 December 8.00am Morning Prayer Thomas’ Howlong 9.30am Morning Prayer St John’s Corowa Page 8 Deniliquin-Mathoura-Moama-Hay Wednesday 18 December 2.00pm Woodhaven Aged Care Facility Sunday 22 December Ecumenical Christmas Service 10.00am Mass & Carols St Paul’s Hay Sunday 22 December Tuesday 24 December 10.00am Urana Community Centre Christmas 5.00pm Children’s Nativity & Carols Service St Paul’s Deniliquin 6.30pm Combined Churches Carols Service, 7.30pm Christmas Eve Mass & Carols Lockhart Uniting Church, Holy Cross Mathoura followed by supper Wednesday 25 December Wednesday 25 December 9.00am Christmas Mass & Carols St James’ Moama 9.00am Christmas Day Service, Griffith St Aidan’s Lockhart Thursday 19 December Mulwala-Berrigan with Oaklands 7.30pm Carols & Lessons, St Alban’s Cathedral Tuesday 24 December Sunday 22 December 8.00pm Christmas Eve Service, 6.00pm Ecumenical Service St Aidan’s Berrigan Rankins Springs community hall Wednesday 25 December Tuesday 24 December 9.00am Christmas Day Service, 6.00pm Crib Service St Alban’s Cathedral St Andrew’s by the Lake, Mulwala 9.30pm Sung Eucharist St Alban’s Cathedral The Rock Wednesday 25 December Sunday 22 December 9.30am Sung Eucharist St Alban’s Cathedral 9.30am Eucharist St Cuthbert’s, Uranquinty 9.30am Morning Prayer St George’s Yenda Tuesday 24 December Lake Cargelligo-Tullibigeal-Weethalle-Hillston 6.00pm Eucharist St Peter’s, The Rock Sunday 15 December Tocumwal-Finley 12.30pm Holy Eucharist & Carols, St Christopher’s, Weethalle Sunday 15 December 7.30pm Advent Lessons & Carols Service, Friday 20 December St Stephen’s Jerilderie 5.30pm Holy Eucharist and Baptism Christ the King, Hillston Wednesday 25 December 8.30am Christmas Day Mass, Tuesday 24 December St Alban’s Tocumwal 5.00pm Kids Christmas Service 9.00am Christmas Day Mass, Holy Trinity Finley Church of the Epiphany, Lake Cargelligo 9.00pm Holy Eucharist with blessing of the crib, Wentworth Church of the Epiphany, Lake Cargelligo 7.00pm Holy Eucharist with Blessing of the Crib, Tuesday 24 December St George’s Tullibigeal 8.00pm Christmas Eucharist St John’s Wentworth Wednesday 25 December Wednesday 25 December 9.00am Holy Eucharist 9.30am Christmas Eucharist St Martin’s Dareton Church of the Epiphany, Lake Cargelligo Leeton-Barellan Tuesday 24 December 6.00pm Children’s Liturgy & Mass, St Peter’s Leeton 8.00pm Christmas Eve Vigil Mass & Blessing of the Crib, St Clement’s, Barellan 11.00pm Carols with the Choir St Peter’s Leeton 11.30pm Procession, Blessing of the Crib, Solemn Sung Mass followed by refreshments St Peter’s Leeton Wednesday 25 December 8.30am Christmas Day Sung Mass, St Peter’s, Leeton Lockhart Sunday 15 December 7.00pm Ecumenical Carols & BBQ in Walter Day The Broken Hill Anglican Parish Float in the annual Bro- Park with Murrumbidgee Magic Singers ken Hill Christmas Pageant, Rev Helen at the wheel ! Nativity scene painted by local artist Amanda Johnson Page 9 When we sing our carols and listen to the story; Bishop Donald when we remember that Christ was born in Bethlehem we are rejoicing in the good of writes ... humanity that God became for us — a helpless Years ago when I was the child who’s life revealed the love of God for Rector of Colac (Ballarat everyone. We are rejoicing in the best of humanity Diocese) I had a young altar that God became for us — a Redeemer whose life server who used to love and death would bring us life. Christmas is about Christmas. Serving at the life: God’s life in humanity; God’s life in us: our Midnight Mass she wore life in God. Christmas socks that were red and green with the Therefore, we come to Christmas full of joy and words “Ho, Ho, Ho” and bells attached so that she hope, rejoicing in our humanity, our jingled as she went about her tasks. connectedness to each other and to God in Jesus It was a bit of fun that all enjoyed. the child of Bethlehem and redeemer of all Christmas is about fun; about rejoicing in the good humanity. of humanity and the best of humanity. As we go So, wear your Christmas socks! Sing your carols about all the things we do this Christmas we will with joy! Rejoice in God’s love! (hopefully) have fun with friends and family; with +Donald Riverina all who are part of our community. Bungowannah High Tea On Saturday November 2nd the generous support of guests, pa- parishioners of St Mark’s rishioners and family we raised Church, Bungowannah held $1,785.00. High Tea at Wrenwood Gallery St Mark’s is the third church Fr Rex Everett with parishioners and Farm Shop, Riverina High- built on the present site and was from St Thomas’ Howlong way, Bungowannah. completed in 1905 on land do- Lizabeth and Jayson Souness nated by John Dight (one of the graciously rearranged their gal- first landholders to take up land lery and allowed us to take over west of Albury in 1839) and it for the day. Sixty-nine guests is the only remaining church attended and enjoyed an array between Albury and Howlong of savoury and sweet platters on the Riverina Highway. along with tea and plunger cof- Gayle Quinn fee served in the best of Heather Wilson, Sally Oates (standing) with Kerry Pryor and grandma’s china laid on beauti- Elizabeth Hemsley ful hand-embroided table linen.

The small congregation of St Gayle Quinn Mark’s catered and served the serving tea many guests. Behind the scenes was a strong band of workers carting tables and Jill Paton (right) with her guests chairs, digging out and borrow- Sue and David Street and Anne Dougall ing china and silver tea services (that needed polishing!) from Please send any contributions including photos for the next issue the back of cupboards. With the of Four Rivers to Virginia Gawler [email protected] Page 10