Ed,
Grafton Scout Group would like to wish everyone who supported us for the 80th Anniversary Memorial celebrations for the Cubs who drowned on December 11, 1943. We wish to thank, Clarence Valley Council both the Mayor and Deputy Mayor for helping to make the event run smoothly, Clarence Valley Heritage Society (Schaeffer House), especially Steve Tranter for all his hard work helping to get the ball rolling, The Kindred Spirit (Kelly Beneke) for the awesome and beautiful wreaths, Dean Loadsman for a lovely Welcome to Country, in both Bundjalung and Gumbaynggirr languages. A big thanks also to both RSL Sub-Branches and their support, the local schools who attended, St Andrews Christian School, Grafton High, South High, Westlawn Public, and any that I may have missed… thank you.
Two really big thank you’s to both Mrs Boothby (nee Rennie, younger sister of the Rennie Brothers) and to Mr R Bates (last known survivor) for making their time available to come along and share their memories with the youth of today.
Also, a wonderful thank you to Paster Adrian Van Ash (Rtd Presb), Dean of Grafton Cathedral and Minister from St Matthew’s Church South Grafton for your support at both graveside services on the Monday morning.
A very big thank you to the outgoing Scouts Commissioner of Australia Phil Harrison for trekking all the way down here from Cairns, we hope that you made it back safe and are still safe from the Cyclone that has left Cairns and surrounds very, very wet.
A big thank you and congratulations to our new Region Commission for North Coast who also made it up here from Sydney for the luncheon. Bel Howell, it was awesome to see your new scarf on such a special weekend.
Another big thank you to the youth of Grafton Scout Group for attending and taking an interest in what this all means. A big, big thanks to all the parents who take their time out to bring their kids along to all things scouting.
The leaders of Grafton Scouts wish everyone safe New Year.
Cubs and Joey Scouts return on February 5 and the Scouts and Venturers returned on January 7
If anyone is interested, please follow the link https://www.graftonscoutgroup.com.au/ and search the website for more information.
Yours in Scouting.
Sue Day, Grafton Scout Group