The occasion was a chance to thank God for the churches in the area, but the heavens opened for another reason on the Saturday.

The rain was probably welcomed by some but deterred some of the promising car boot sale stall holders  from attendance. Coffee, food stalls and a variety of novelty and different stalls had been prepared for a wonderful day but a heavy shower sent many home. It also stopped attendance by many.

The fete was officially opened by Bishop Robinson.

Some stalls were moved into the Jamieson Hall before the weather lifted and most were happy with the day.

Children competed in ‘heritage’ races such as the sack race, the three legged race and egg and spoon race, and enjoyed having their faces painted.

Music for the  popular bush dance on Saturday night was provided by Ian Baxter and Peter Painter.

Sunshine on Sunday proved how the weather in Taralga can quickly alter.

Some parishioners went to the service in Golspie, where Allan Mathews spoke on the history of St Mark’s Church.

The congregation then returned to St Lukes Church, where a plaque to Bruce Lang was dedicated. Ken Fleming spoke on the story of St Luke’s and following the service an appetising buffet lunch was enjoyed by 120 guests.

The last occasion of the day was celebrated at St Matthew’s, Bannaby. Laurie Chalker told the gathering of the history of the beautifully-kept local church and cemetery. 

Guests came from the Highlands, the South and Central Coast, the ACT and the Riverina as well as the local region.

A book detailing the history of St Luke’s, compiled by Glenys Wright with illustrations and photos, proved a sought-after souvenir .

Friends and neighbours gave their sympathy to the family of Lola McDonald who passed away after a long illness.

Lola, the daughter of Charles and Ena Clifton, spent her early years in Taralga and worked, like her older sisters, on the local telephone exchange.

Don’t forget that names for the Garden Club trip on Wednesday, March 8 to Merribee near Nowra must be in by Saturday, February 25 as the hosts of the garden want early notice of the numbers attending. There is not an error in the date but this day was requested by the hosts.

Merribee has nearly 1,000 rose bushes. It also boasts a Cottage Garden, Crepe Myrtle Walk, Herb Garden, Lavender paddock where there are 1,300 lavenders sown, a Bunya Bunya copse, Topiary and Rose Gardens. The garden also has a plant stall and gift store.

The cost of the trip will be $50 for the bus and entry fee. Lunch will be at your own cost.

Pick up for the Crookwell area will be at 6.30am at the Laggan Depot, Taralga pick-up will be at the Sports Club at 7am while Goulburn people can join the bus at 7.30am at the Visitors Information Centre. There will be no Garden Club meeting in April.

Michele and Terry Bennett are rejoicing at the safe arrival of another grandson.

Immaneul Epaty was born in Goulburn on January 29. Immaneul is the  son of Sarah and Pete and a brother for Amali, Elijah and Leighton. The family live at Bardia.