On Friday, 24 October, the Nar Nar Goon Progress Association History Group went on a bus trip with more than 50 people travelling around landmarks of the old swamp.
The trip was lucky enough to have commentary provided by local historian Heather Arnold and longtime local Gerry Cunningham.
The trip included a stop at the Kooweerup Historical Museum, where Heather had organised Devonshire tea for everyone.
From Cora Lynn and Bayles to Kooweerup, participants stopped at many historic local sites, including the old Kinsella properties and the original Five Mile and Yallock Village Settlements.
“It’s so good to see the old friendships are stronger than ever and the interest in our local history is continually growing,” History Group member Sue Rose said.
The bus trip culminated at the old St Joseph’s Convent School at Cora Lynn (now 107 years old).
A BBQ lunch was then enjoyed. The school was closed in May 1975 and subsequently purchased by Ambrose Byrne, who still lives at the property, which has been converted into a four-bedroom home.
The building began to deteriorate even while still in use, with signs of sinking as far back as the 1930s.
The Byrnes would not let the former swamp take it and have spent decades bringing the old school back to life with extensive restoration works. A large garden has also been developed at the property.
Some of the students who went to the school were able to revisit and reminisce. Mr Cunningham gave a brief history of the property and recited two poems from the Grade 5 reader, which he has known by heart ever since.
Gazette photographer Stewart Chambers stopped by to capture past students: Ambrose Byrne, Bernadette Kennelly, Gerry Cunningham, Carmel Kennelly, Peter Dore, Roz Byrne, Tom Scanlon, Donna Byrne, Nic Van Diemen, Jo Cornell and Dan Kennelly.
It was a great day enjoyed by everyone, and Progress Association President Geoff Bramley thanked those who attended. This is the third trip for the group, which has a different theme each year.
Next year’s theme is proposed to be a tour of war sites through the swamp.
You can keep in touch with information about these tours or any other activity of the association by contacting goonnews3812@gmail.com
