Whitton (sometimes Whitten) and his gang are well known to Gunning as he shot dead John Kennedy Hume during what was known as the Siege of Gunning.

The Hume tomb in Gunning’s general cemetery was erected by his affectionate brothers Hamilton and Francis Rawdon Hume.

The Gunning District Historical hopes to investigate restoration of headstones in the general cemetery later this year as some, like part of the Hume tomb, are illegible, damaged or missing.  

It will be 177 years this Sunday, March 19 since Whitton hanged at Goulburn, almost two months to the day after murdering John Kennedy Hume on January 20, 1840.

Two of the district’s long serving Gunning PA&I Society members were honoured by appointment as patrons of the Society. They are Kay Walmsley and John Granger.  

Of Kay’s many efforts, special mention was made of her endurance at the interminably long Zone meetings, making sure Gunning’s interests were served. John, as well as his wider contributions, was for many years in charge of showjumping. John often worked into the dark of evening ensuring every jump had been dismantled at the end of the Show.

Congratulations Kay and John and many thanks for all your efforts.

The Gunning Shire Hall was packed beyond capacity as hundreds gathered to farewell the much loved and respected Annie and Andy Basnett last Friday. Among the tears was laughter as stories followed a familiar script – Annie behaving on the cheeky to downright outrageous spectrum while Andy rolled his eyes!

These profound six words, spoken at their memorial service, encapsulate the sum of their years:  “Everyone dies but not everyone lives”.

Gundaroo Road rehabilitation is causing some delays so plan your trips and stick to posted speed limits. The project is expected to be completed towards the end of May.