The Bidgee and Beyond.
As we entered the refurbished foyer of St. Patrick’s school, Gundagai, I was immediately drawn to the beautiful, full length, lead light window in the corner . It was designed and made by a former student of the school, who donated the window in gratitude for his time at St. Patrick’s school. The design included the Murrumbidgee river, surrounding hills and green pastures. In the centre of the cross was the Shamrock.
We were then introduced to a few Year 5 and 6 students, chosen to accept the gifts of puzzles, games, jigsaw puzzles, books, toys and sports balls, which had been donated by the kind residents of the ‘Finger Wharf’ at Darling Harbour. Our ministry had previously given a cheque to the school to enable the Years 5 and 6 students, to enjoy an excursion to Sydney whereby they would be studying Early Colonisation of Australia in History.
To be able to visit, The Rocks, Sydney Observatory at night, Hyde Park Barracks, Elizabeth Farm, Mrs. Macquarie’s chair, Museum of Sydney, Justice and Police Museum, just to name a few, would be mind-blowing for these children. And to finish up with fish and chips on Manly beach!
The P&F had raised money for the cost of the coach and numerous fundraisers had been held within the school to lower the cost for each student. Some families had a child in both Years 5 and 6.
For many of the children, I’m sure that Sydney was a place unvisited. We were given a copy of their itinerary and the excursion would prove to be most memorable for these children.
After a friendly cuppa, fond farewells and the promise to return soon, we journeyed across the Murrumbidgee River to St. Patrick’s school in Holbrook. ( most country schools bear the name -St. Mary’s, St. Patrick’s or St. Joseph’s)
While I always carry and display I.D., country schools always know who you are by name and issue the friendly ‘come and have a cuppa’. Being a small school – 28 students - we left gifts from the residents at Darling Harbour, along with a donation to assist needy families.
We then set out into the real country, to visit Humula state school. A small village between Tarcutta and Tumbarumba which comprises an RSL club, opened only on weekends and a school.
On visiting the school I was keen to see the concrete ramp that we had provided funds for. This was built to enable a student and a staff member to access the library. Inside, I observed that the children, 6 in total, were not wearing shoes during lesson times. We were informed that they shared the play area with the school chooks! Hence the need to remove shoes before walking on the carpet.
After a chat, we left them a gift each and completed the return journey by way of green pastures and countless baby lambs.
The next day, we journeyed to Tumbarumba, to meet Pastor Debbie Gadd. A wonderful woman who travels far and wide in helping families who are still struggling to rebuild their lives after the bush fires of 2020. Again, we chatted over a cuppa and left Deb with boxes of gifts for children and a cheque. Deb often helps farmers out with fuel vouchers, as well as food hampers.
Recently, Pastor Deb has given money to a young student from Tumba High school to attend a leadership Conference in Sydney.
A distance of 1443 kms over 3 days is a wonderful way in which to meet the folk of our rural towns, listen to their stories, support them in whatever way we can, enjoy their hospitality and reflect on the riches given us by God.
Anne Mayberry rsc
Co-ordinator
Remote and Rural Ministry