50 years ago November 1975

Two district farmers organisations, the Rochester branch of the Victorian Farmers’ Union, and Nanneella branch of the Victorian Dairy Farmers’ Association, have met and taken steps to prepare for the expected amalgamation of the two organisations in the near future.

The executive committee of the Rochester VFU met with representatives of the Nanneella VDA and district dairy farmers, and formed a small sub-committee to keep an eye on developments, and to call a special meeting if necessary.

The sub-committee comprises Mr Murray McDonald (VFU), chairman, Mr Norm Fields (VFU), Mr Geoff Carr (VFU), Mr Claude Adams (VDA) and Mr Norm Curnick (VDA).

Mr John Hewlett (VDA) Lockington, and Mr Bob Lochead (Bamawm) VFU, answered queries, following the reading of statements by the Victorian Farmers’ Union and the Victorian Dairy Farmers’ Association.

The VDA put forward, on October 22, detailed plans for the establishment of a single organisation to speak for Victoria’s dairy farmers.

***

The premises of Mr Bruce Fuller and Mr Ted Baker, in Gilles Street, Rochester, were entered by thieves for the second time in two months, in the early hours of Wednesday, October 29.

The grocery store of Mr Fuller was hardest hit, with approximately $700 worth of cigarettes, razor blades and money being removed; whilst Mr Baker who conducts the newsagency lost approximately $300 in pens and cigarettes.

Entry into the newsagency was gained by cutting the lock on the front door, whilst the thieves entered the grocery store via the roof, where a sheet of tin was lifted. They made their departure by the back door.

***

Councillors of the Shire of Rochester at a special estimates meeting on Thursday voted seven to two in favour of retaining the rate of the previous year, 13 cents in the dollar for the coming municipal year.

The estimates prepared for a 13c rating predict the shire’s deficit at the end of the financial year will be $134,100, equal to a rating of three cents in the dollar.

The deficit at the conclusion of the year just ended in the Rochester Shire was $67,000.

An estimated $533,000 will be derived from a 13c on the dollar rating on the net annual valuation of $4,100,000.

The minimum rate payable has been raised from $3 to $20, and charges for garbage collection has increased from $8 to $10.

Sanitary charges were lifted from $24 to $30.

***

The purchase of the Nanneella Recreation Reserve has created a big boom in junior sport in the Nanneella district.

With the completion of the winter sports of netball and football, Nanneella’s youth have now given their attention to the summer sports.

A junior cricket team has been formed in Nanneella and has been entered in the Rochester Junior Cricket Association.

President of the Junior Cricket Club is Ian Serpell, whilst David Murray is secretary, and both Ian and David are busy supervising the construction of a new concrete and malthoid wicket.

25 years ago November 2000

A downturn in the number of in-patients has resulted in a fall in government funding of more than $100,000, Rochester and Elmore District Health Service board of management treasurer Peter Lawford told the annual meeting on Thursday.

Acute in-patients were down by 11.3 per cent during the 12 months to June 30 this year.

The health serviec’s overall budget deficit of $30,000 from an operating revenue of $5.25 million was “close to being line-ball in the context of turnover”, he added.

A number of extraordinary non-recurring expenses in the past financial year meant the bulk of the downturn was outside the control of the health service, therefore the overall result was quite good, Mr Lawford said.

***

Painted faces and crazy hair-styles were in abundance at Rochester Primary School’s Gala Day on Thursday.

Hundreds flocked to the fair to enjoy the many stalls set up by staff, children and parents.

Handcrafts, cakes and potted plants lined the playground with a jumping castle, throwing contests and Apex train providing plenty of entertainment. Food stalls selling fairy floss to baked potatoes did a roaring trade.

***

It has been 25 years since Lockington could boast a Queen’s Guide in their midst.

A Queen’s Guide award is the peak achievement in guiding and 18-year-old Lee Gronow recently completed a number of certificates to achieve the honour.

A trip to Government House on October 7 saw her presented with her royal certificate by the Governor, Sir James Gobbo.

Lee, who is in Year 11 at Rochester Secondary College, completed her Baden Powell in 1997 and wanted to go further with her Guiding, rather than swap to the Scouting movement and work towards a Queen Scout award.

Recent changes in Guiding that no longer required Lockington to have its own pack for Lee to work within, meant she could work with girls from other districts to earn her badges.

10 years ago November 2015

Rochester Primary School was a hive of activity on Saturday as it celebrated its 150th birthday.

Hundreds of past staff and students converged on the school from as far away as Europe for the occasion, which principal Graeme Hodgens said was a memorable one.

‘‘It was brilliant. There was a really good turnout and we even had one come from Holland for the celebration,’’ he said.

The school opened its gates to the public at 11am, before holding an official ceremony in the afternoon, where a barbecue lunch was held and a new time capsule was buried underground.

‘‘But really the highlight was seeing people coming, grabbing a cuppa, having a chat and reminiscing about the school,’’ Mr Hodgens said.

‘‘The folklore stories you hear from the 1930s and 1940s were just great.’’

***

Organisers of Sunday’s Pedal For A Purpose fundraiser are expecting a bigger turnout than last year’s inaugural event.

Sixty people took part in the bike ride and walk last year, with the event aimed at raising awareness and much-needed funds for research into multiple sclerosis.

By Wednesday last week, 22 people had signed up for the fundraiser — a sharp increase on the six who had registered at the same time last year.

Organiser Colleen Curran said she expected most participants would sign up on the day.

After raising $12,000 last year, Ms Curran said she hoped to go even higher this time.

‘‘We are aiming to raise $20,000,’’ she said.

‘‘You’ve got to have a goal and it is our ambition to increase our tally each year.’’

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