St Ambrose Church celebrates a century

The venerable Grahame Yager offered an heirloom Reichelt grace and table groups sported an elaborate array of all their favourites foods. Being the first outing for many since COVID-19 and amidst a bumper harvest, the ambience was wonderfully joyful. The Coo-ee Choir, led by Janet Cheal on the grand piano, delighted the crowd. Two of note were a powerful rendition of ‘Keep the Home Fires Burning’, the audience cheered for the end of WWI and stood for ‘God Save the King’.

One of the organisers of the night and church parishioner Madeline Foran said that the night wasn’t limited to the play but also had a number of other activities which commemorated the church and WWI.

One of those activities was hearing the words of local diggers through communications and diary notes held onto by their families. “It was a real honour and quite emotive to hear the words of our local diggers through letters and diary extracts held onto by families for over 100 years,” said Ms Foran.

“We watched video messages of the characters, from parishes near and far, send their well wishes and thanks to St Ambrose for their support and hospitality over many years. There were so many special touches added to the evening.

“The Shearing’s display of period costumes, fashion parade, the placemats and photos, sound and lighting, RSL Sub-Branch and Gilgandra Shire Council acknowledgement and the art deco ticketing by Anne Younghusband,” she said.

“The hilarious play by Isla Tibbits, a comic version of the Bournemouth connection, directed by Tracy Cooper and Judy Shaloub, was a sensation.”   

The theatrical prowess of Jess Reed, Dr Patrick Giltrap, Andrew Newton and Michael Thurlow added flare and each of them created a real rapport with the audience. Highly anticipated, it proved a visual delight with the wonderful props produced by Daryl Doherty, the brilliant bishop’s copes and an unexpected tap duo of Tracy Cooper and Brenda Yager.