This will offer another opportunity for locals to ‘shop local’ and save a bit of travel at the same. I wish him all the best in the new venture and hope to see the queue out the door. You can make an appointment with Allan on 0429 917 420 but only for Saturdays at this stage.

The presence of the South Eastern Livestock Exchange (SELX) in Yass is being felt. Starting Monday and continuing through often to Thursday on sale days, the rumble of stock trucks of all sizes can be heard on Yass Street either going loaded to SELX or returning empty.

It is hard to tell exactly how far they are coming from but a number stock carriers originate from the Bathurst and Orange area which would indicate the distances could be far.

They are welcome additions to the passing traffic in the village but an unfortunate consequence is the effect they will have long term on the shire road network.

Agricultural climatologist, Dr Rebecca Darbyshire, daughter of Gunning’s Doug and Ann Darbyshire, lived in the village while writing up her PhD thesis, which focused on leading climate change readiness for Australian fruit and tree nut industries.

Dr Darbyshire (NSW Department of Primary Industries) was recognised for her contribution to Australia’s food security, being co-recipient of the inaugural ICM Agrifood Award at the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering’s Oration Dinner on Friday November 24.

NSW DPI Climate director, Dr Jason Crean said, “A major contribution from Dr Darbyshire has been the development of innovative ways to make complex scientific results more accessible for farmers. Now she is applying those skills in her work with NSW DPI, which is exploring strategies to better manage climate variability, including the use of climate forecasts across livestock and cropping industries.”

Congratulations to Rebecca and to her parents who are basking proudly in her reflected glory!

With General Motors Holden ceasing production in Australia this year, it is probably time to pause and reflect upon the impact the locally produced vehicles have had on the country both tangibly and on our collective memory.

Out of the fertile and turbulent times that were Australia in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s rose Holden as a saddler, harness maker, coach and motor trimmer. After the first World War, feeling the winds of change as people sought motor vehicles in preference to horse drawn travel, Holden moved to make motor trimming their mainstay, undertaking body making and motor trimming for several imported chassis. By this time, Holden the company had been in business in various guises for 50 years.

Australia had found its own identity and Holden had forged a reputation that made GM in far off America take notice. In 1931, GM made the decision to buy Holden and the rest is history.

From a local perspective, Gunning’s Baileys Garage had begun life as a blacksmith and Ford T-Model dealership back in the 1920’s when the local roads were dirt and travel was more sedate. When the sales of Fords slowed, Bailey’s shifted to selling the GM range before its involvement with General Motors Holden. It was only natural that Bailey’s should then sell the iconic 48-215 and continue selling and servicing the Holden range.

Like so many country towns, Gunning had a Holden dealer that reflected the regard in which the cars were held by all Australians. Early Holdens were made for Australia and rural communities embraced this and Gunning was no exception.

Gunning’s Holden Wall of Fame spawns a recollection of a Holden memory in most who view it. Whether it be a childhood memory of travelling in one on a family holiday or buying your first Holden and doing it up, all the memories have a personal element that echoes the times and adventures that are part of the Holden legend.