The Koo Wee Rup Sun of March 1, 1967 had a
full report on the ‘Back-to’ Bayles held 50 years ago. It
is transcribed below.
Caption from top photograph: Violet Kimber, travelled all the way from Mildura for the "Back-to Bayles. She is seen with her daughter, Mrs. Dulcie Jukes of Fawkner Caption from second photo: Back to Bayles after 40
years are Mr. and Mrs. F. Secomb of Dandenong (right) with their son Fred of Heathmont and
daughter. Freda (Mrs. Bissett) of Benalla.
Many Re-unions at
Bayles ‘Back-to’ Celebrations
Last
Saturday, February 25th was a memorable day in the history of Bayles when the
first ever ‘Back-to’ was held, with hundreds of people present during the whole
of the day. An estimated one thousand people were catered for over the day,
which commenced with a roll call at the school and climaxed with a barbecue and
dance at night. President of the ‘Back-to’ committee, Ray Fechner, said the day
had been a fantastic success. He paid tribute to the hard working committee,
headed by secretary, Vic Walker, for their great work in preparing for the day.
ROLL
CALL
At
10.30 a.m., the proceedings were opened by Mr. L. J. Cochrane, M.L.A. who
welcomed all the visitors, and his wish of ‘get around and meet your old
friends’ was hardly necessary, as on all sides were happy greetings and
re-unions. Ray Fechner started off calling the roll, which included many well
known district names. A former teacher at the school, Alan Cairns of Loch
continued, assisted by the present teacher, Gary Robbins, with 370 names being
read out on the roll. Dressed for the part in true school-boy style was a
former pupil, Keith Ridgway of Kooweerup, complete with cap, short pants and
school bag. Morning tea was served at the school before visitors moved over to
the hall, the focal point for the day's events.
Bayles
took on a really festive air for the celebrations with coloured bunting erected
in the Main Street. Picnic tables and seats were set out in the park, pony,
donkey and camel rides proved very popular with the youngsters. Hilarious entertainment
was provided with the ‘catch a greasy pig’ contest and pillow fights on a
slippery pole. A demonstration by the Bayles Fire Brigade with teams taking
part in target practice brought its share of excitement.
DOG
COMPETITION
A
highlight of the day was a dog competition organised by well known dog
fanciers, Mr. and Mrs. K. A. Boxshall of Bayles. Sections for pedigree dogs as
well as novelty events for the best dustbin fossicker, best ball chaser etc.
proved most entertaining and a real delight to the children. Mrs. Boxshall
judged the pedigree events and Mr. R. Toogood assisted her with judging the
novelty sections. Trophies were awarded to the winners.
WELCOME
TO VISITORS
During
the afternoon, Mr. Ray Fechner extended a welcome to all and called on a former
resident, Cr. P. B. Fechner, who said what a pleasure it was to attend such a
wonderful day. He congratulated the ‘Back-to’ committee for their splendid job
- an all in effort, calling for the co-operation of each one. He said that he
was pleased to see so many elderly people present, including some of the
earlier settlers.
MEMORIAL
PLAQUE PRESENTED
The
Shire President, Cr W. Thwaites, joined in welcoming the visitors, but his
special duty was in presenting the Bayles Hall Committee, with a memorial
plaque, in memory of the late Daly Ridgway recently deceased, who had been
secretary of the hall committee for a period of 34 years. He called for a minutes
silence for the late Mr Ridgway who had been Bayles’ main citizen.
PRESENTATION
TO FIRE BRIGADE CAPTAIN
As
a token of appreciation for his twenty two years service to the Bayles Fire
Brigade, as Captain, Sam McKay was presented with a silver tray and set of
crystal glasses. Cr Thwaites made mention of the fact that the first Captain of
the Brigade, Gordon Potter was present. He was the Captain for one year, and
ever since then Sam McKay has held the position. Mr. McKay expressed his
appreciation for the gesture.
OLD
RESIDENTS PRESENT
The
‘Back-to’ committee felt especially pleased and honoured to welcome some of the
districts oldest residents. These included, 95-year-old, George Murdoch of
Carnegie, who was the oldest visitor present; an early Yallock settler, Mr. H.
J. Boxshall; 90-year-old Harvey Games of Lang Lang; Jim Ridgway of Lang Lang;
Fred Secomb of Dandenong; Albert Kuhnell of Ivanhoe and Bumpa Gee of Kooweerup
were amongst the older people who joined in the days celebration and had a
wealth of stories to tell of the early days at Bayles.
RETURNED
AFTER 40 YEARS
Mr
and Mrs Fred Secomb of Dandenong who were present with their son, Fred, of Heathmont
and daughter Freda (Mrs K. Bissett of Benalla), left Bayles forty years ago in
August 1927. Their children attended the Five Mile School, which has since been
closed down. Mr Secomb, Snr said he saw the Bayles railway line go through.
FIRST
BAKERS SHOP
One
of the happiest reunions took place between Albert Kuhnell of Ivanhoe and Bumpa
Gee. Mr Kuhnell who left Bayles 42 years ago in 1925 built the first bakers
shop in Bayles in 1919, when George Murdoch, ran the local store. Business was
brisk in those days as the rail line went through the town to Catani. Bumpa Gee
brought the bread across from Garfield before Mr Kuhnell commenced baking, and
then worked with him for a short time. Mr Kuhnell sold out to Mrs Owens. His
two sons Robert (Rosanna) and William (Heidelberg West) accompanied Mr Kuhnell
‘Back to Bayles’.
Visitor
all the way from Mildura, Mrs Harry Harker (nee Violet Kimber) travelled the
longest distance to the re-union. Old-timers recalled her husband, the late
Harry Harker, a former League footballer with Melbourne and renowned for his
stab kicking. He also played in local teams including Nar Nar Goon and
Garfield.
BARBECUE
AND DANCE
Hundreds
stayed on for the monster barbecue at which 250 lbs of chops and sausages were
consumed, the barbecues were setup outside the hall. An estimated 600-700
people attended the gala dance held in the hall to climax the day's activities
with Ray Fechner as the M.C. The dance band included well known locals Bumpa
Gee and Bill Huntingford.
MISS
BAYLES
During
the evening, a panel of three judges, Mesdames M. Thwaites, K. Burton and E.
McKenzie, selected Miss Bayles from the very large crowd of dancers. The choice
was Miss Joy Gibbons, with other finalists being Val Ridgway, Norma Tierney and
Lynette Barker.
At the 'Back to Bayles' held February 25, 1967.
Photo: Koo-Wee-Rup Swamp Historical Society
