It will mark the centenary of St Brigid’s Convent which, by chance, was officially opened on January 10, 1926 - 100 years ago.
The building was home to 33 nuns of the Mercy Order over a period of 40 years. They also taught at the Catholic primary school.
The convent and school were valuable parts of the local community until 1963.
The convent has been restored over the past three years and has become ‘home’ for Fr Terence Mary Naughtin, who serves as Chaplin for the nuns at the Carmel of Elijah Monastery.
To mark the special birthday, a Centennial Celebration will be held at 11am on January 10.
It will involve the blessing and re-opening of the old convent, along with erection of a centenary plaque to acknowledge the event by Most Reverend Columba Macbeth Green, Bishop of Wilcannia-Forbes.
The event will be open to everyone and organisers would like to hear from people who have photographs or other memorabilia associated with the convent which could be displayed on the day
Refreshments will be served at the RSL Hall to wrap up proceedings on the day. Organisers would appreciate any donations of food to assist.
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Even though this is my last column, and I’m running late with this piece of news, I would still like to say a fond farewell to popular long-term resident Bob Hancock, who left us a couple of weeks ago.
Bob was a gentleman and a scholar, and not bad in the dental area either.
In fact there were very few of us who didn’t owe our smiles to the man.
But Bob’s greatest achievement would have to be reaching the age of 103 and still holding a driver’s licence. He was regularly seen in town picking up his newspaper in the mornings.
Bob was recently laid to rest privately, and my belated sympathies are extended to his family.
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To wrap up, I’d like to thank all those who have supported my column for more years than I can remember and encourage someone else who enjoys putting pen to paper to take it up.
It’s a perfect way to promote Mathoura.
Because our population is not as big as others around us, they tend to think we have nothing to offer.
But I believe we have proved them wrong on numerous occasions with people and facilities, and I’ve enjoyed pointing that out to all and sundry.
So it’s goodbye and good luck to everyone who has been smart enough to make Mathoura home.
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