Warrah Creek School centenary

Story by Mrs Elizabeth Gallagher.

The centenary of the opening of Warrah Creek school was celebrated on Australia day, 2014. A wonderful crowd of ex-students, relatives and friends gathered at the site on Warrah Creek road to mark the occasion.

As a result of the Willow Tree lions club, a plaque had been placed on a rock to commemorate the site of the school. The depeartment of education donated the plaque. Those present were delighted when Mr Bill Greer arrived by horse and sulky with two students, Sterling and Zac Gallagher. The horse and sulky was the mode of transport for some students 100 years ago.

Elizabeth Gallagher, a former student, welcomed the mayor of Liverpool Plains shire council, Cr Ian Lobsey and everyone present, and read a list of the 44 pupils of the original school. The two oldest ex-students, Mrs Gwen Press, and Mr Bruce Cook were invited to unveil the plaque. Gwen is a menber of the Gardiner family, six of whom attended the school.

Reverend Kevin Porter, whose wife is an ex-student, then blessed the plaque and all those who had attendedand had been associated with the school.

Over the weekend, many members of the Carter family held a reunion and were present at the unveiling. Mr and Mrs R. Carter bought the block, "Iona" in 1912 after the Warrah subdivision and a portion of this block was resumed for the school site. His grandson, Dr Charlie Carter, Dr of biology, gave a talk about the family and it's connection with other local families, including the Grahams and the Holmes. Bruce Cook, also a grandson, spoke about his time at the school, firstly as a pupil and then returning as a prac teacher in 1952.

At the conclusion all returned to the Warrah hall for the cutting of the centenary cake by the youngest ex-pupil, Julie Jones [ne Barwick]. The delicious cake was made by Mrs Patricia Greer. The memorabillia was viewed and many stories shared during the afternoon.