By TANIA PHILLIPS
Pic photo: Judy Parker (Nunderi), Lorraine Shuker (Tweed Heads), Sue Breckenridge (Tumbulgum), Helen Hunt (Oxley Cove), Pam Middleton (Cabarita).
3rd photo: view inside hall.
4th photo: back: Graham Wright (Newcastle), Norm Silley (Ningi), Marty Corcoran (Brisbane), Paul Corcoran (Goonellabah),.Barry Prewitt (Canberra), Pat Marr (Murwillumbah), Brian Breckenridge (Tumbulgum).
Front: Annette Stuart nee Silley (Ellen Grove), June Anderson nee Vickery (Brisbane), Ellwynne Leslight nee Dore (Nerang).
ALMOST 500 people filed into the little village of Tumbulgum on the Tweed River at the weekend to remember the past and catch up with old friends.
The crowd was there to celebrate the centenary of the picturesque Tumbulgum Hall – one of the earliest established “Literary Institutes” on the Tweed.
Many had travelled long distances to meet up with friends they hadn’t seen for many years. Alma O’Connor, 98, from Wollongbar was the oldest former resident in attendance along with 94-year-old Bill Johnson from Murwillumbah. Bill’s father was secretary of Tumbulgum Literary Institute in 1918/1919 and president 1921/1923.
On Saturday, mayor Barry Longland unveiled the permanent tile mosaic comprising 100 tiles representing the 100 years of the hall. The tiles were painted by the Tumbulgum community depicting their memories of life in Tumbulgum. This project which brought the community together was organized by Kim Baker. During the afternoon Tumbulgum’s Heritage Trail was launched and everyone was invited to view the 12 permanent signs around the village which identify historical sites.
The heritage trail walk was guided by Brian Breckenridge, himself a bit of a living Tumbulgum treasurer. A long-time local soccer player, Mr Breckenridge now has the local sports ground named for him.
Limited edition souvenirs were popular comprising calendar containing historical photos, heritage trail book depicting Tumbulgum’s history and printed tote bags.
