There are two arresting life size bronze sculptures depicting children on ponies, both Anderson grandchildren. These were created in China from photos (moving through a process much like that used in the stage version of the film War Horse) with amazingly lifelike results.

It was inspiring to see the various ‘before’ photos and then take in the delights of what had been achieved with further work continuing to transform the old bull paddock. With a nod to its former use, there is even a life size statue of a rampaging bull near the water feature!

Nanima Road boasts lovely rolling country with spectacular Brindabella views through land much of which was formerly owned by the two Gouge brothers.

On a sobering note William (Bill) Gouge of Springfield Station was killed in the 1985 bushfire near Yass and the Springfield RFS Fire Shed is named in his honour. Mr Gouge’s name is also inscribed on the Volunteer Memorial Honour Roll at Mrs Macquarie’s Chair in Sydney.

Nearly 50 appliances and more than 160 volunteer fire fighters attended the Zone Training at Gunning Showground last Sunday. Also attending were members of the SES and Ambulance service together with representatives from relevant services in the ACT.  As the disastrous bushfire of 2003 showed, bushfires do not respect borders.

This vital training at the start of the fire season is designed to both educate the participants and increase their awareness of how the various arms of the respective organisations can and should work together. The participants were put through a range of scenarios such as group convoy fire fighting.  

Captains and deputy captains were set the task of how to deal with a bushfire scenario set in a real district within the Zone. The area concerned has been heavily subdivided into rural residential blocks. These small acreages are often fenced into even more modestly sized paddocks. These pose particular challenges for the RFS as appliances may become enmeshed in the fencing should they need to traverse the area.

The Gunning District Historical Society is delighted to welcome again Ray McJannett to talk about Augustus Jones, a prolific district photographer in the 1890s and early 1900s plus E. Fisher, a photographer from Gunning.

You are most welcome to attend at the Tony Foley Centre Saturday 3 December, 2.30pm. Bring old photographs as they may well have been taken by Gus Jones or E. Fisher and get information on how to care for them. A small plate of goodies to share and a gold coin donation would be appreciated.