On the Grapevine

For the bright Year 8 student at Cobram Secondary College, nothing seems to be a trouble and she has become a much-valued ‘junior’ member of the club, so much so that she was invited to join club members at their annual changeover dinner at the Grand Central Hotel recently where she received a special thank-you for her efforts during the year.

The teenager is gaining first-hand knowledge of the fun Lions members have when working together and the pleasure they derive from helping others.

Hospital Auxiliary devoted to hospital

It may be only a small band of volunteers but the Cobram Hospital Auxiliary has proven its worth over many years by contributing to the ongoing health care of the community.

Cobram hospital was opened officially on June 15, 1949, and since then it has played a vital role in providing much-needed health care for people in the district.

The hospital initially comprised an emergency department and associated nursing home for the elderly with Margaret Heard appointed matron and Sister Hutchins the first nurse to join her.

The day prior to the official opening amid and much excitement, a baby boy was born to Ruby Muller of Barooga in the sparkling new hospital which mother and son had all to themselves.

A group of 30 ladies put their hands up for the Hospital Auxiliary and formed a roster to deliver meals to patients every evening, saving the hospital £250 a year in wages. A considerable amount of money during the 1940s and 50s.

The Cobram Auxiliary has been raising funds and providing for the hospital ever since and over the ensuing 73 years has raised in excess of $830,000. From 1999 the auxiliary has focused its fundraising efforts on important Items such as a $16,000 ECG-electrocardiogram machine which has Wi-fi connectivity and the capacity to compare two images at one time. The auxiliary has also purchased exterior blinds for the hospital, clinic and Irvin House, additional furnishings for added patient comfort and medical equipment to provide for greater patient care.

How do they do this? There are currently 12 ageing auxiliary members, all of whom have been involved over many years, and to use acting president Mary Powell’s words, “For me, It’s a way of paying back for the services made available to me and my family and I am certain we all feel the same”.

Mary has held the position of treasurer for a 10-year period and six years as president. However, the 85-year-old feels it will be her last year and asks the community to consider becoming involved in the auxiliary. “We are all getting older and could really do with some help from younger members,” she says.

Mary has been involved for the past 23 years and prior to moving to Cobram from Melbourne was involved with the Queen Victoria Hospital where she was made an honorary Life Governor.

Fundraising income comes from Christmas and Mother’s Day raffles, while the main event is a popular card day luncheon held each March at Barooga Bowls Club. Members of the auxiliary enjoy the laughter and chatter of the crowd at the card day luncheon, knowing people are having a great time. Cinema days are organised and recently the movie Elvis was thoroughly enjoyed by those who had grown up at the same time as the celebrated singer. All funds raised are spent in Cobram.

The hard-working auxiliary meets in the hospital boardroom at 2pm on the second Thursday in each month and would welcome inquiries from anyone interested in joining it or giving a helping hand at functions.

If you would like to learn more, or are interested in helping the auxiliary contact president Mary Powell on 5871 2222.

Do you remember Yarroweyah Sports Carnival?

How many readers recall the Yarroweyah Sports Carnival that was held annually between 1950 and 1982?

The prestigious and popular event was held at Koonoomoo Recreation Reserve and reportedly the third-largest professional sports carnival in Victoria at the time, behind the championship events in Stawell and Bendigo.

The Yarroweyah Gift, Yarroweyah Mile and Yarroweyah Wheelrace, a cycling event, were competed for over the carnival period.

In 1957, Norman Yemm, who later became a recognised television actor, took out the final of the Yarroweyah Mile.

Among several International athletes to compete over the years was Ricky Dunbar aka ‘The Flying Scotsman’, a world class sprinter of the 1960s. Ricky would have been selected to compete for either Britain or Scotland at the Olympics and Commonwealth Games if he had retained his amateur status.

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Adrian Doyle celebrates milestone

Adrian Doyle celebrated his 80th birthday on July 3 with his family and close friends and can’t believe how quickly the years have passed.

Born in Cobram in 1942, Adrian attended St Joseph’s School until the age of 14 when he began his working life as a butcher in the family business with his dad Tom Doyle, the year was 1956.

“I couldn’t wait to leave school, I had only ever wanted to become a butcher like my dad. The first day I was so excited to go to the shop and was told by dad that I had to learn everything about the business from the ground up. So, my first job was delivery boy. I didn’t mind much because it was better than going to school,’’ he said.

“I rode my bike everywhere delivering meat orders, even out on the Tocumwal/Barooga Rd to the old hospital and to our meatworks in Barooga where my brother Vin was slaughterman. I learnt to slaughter animals but found I preferred being in the shop looking after customers and working alongside the family. We didn’t always get on, but once the working day was finished it was all good again,” recalled Adrian who added that being a butcher was hard work and at one time the family business had seven butchers in the team.

Over the ensuing years Adrian learnt every aspect of the meat business and he loved it, especially looking after and getting to know his regular customers who were charmed by his friendly manner and ready smile.

In 1989 Adrian and his wife Fay sold their share in the family business when there were five other butchers in town.

“We had to fight to survive but we all managed to do well, competing for business against butchers such the Wisharts, Voducek and the Rigby’s.”

After a stint working in a local nursery, Adrian and Fay purchased Cobram Outdoors and Disposals and while it was a lot of hard work to make it viable, they succeeded and ran the business for the next 15 years before calling it a day and retiring.

Over the years Adrian and Fay produced three sons and one daughter ― Michael, Andrew, Gavin and Janine ― all of whom have successful careers.

Aside from his working life, Adrian has given 63 years to the Cobram Fire Brigade, of which he is enormously proud, and 30 years as a member of the Cobram Rotary Club.

“I am honoured to have belonged to both the brigade and Rotary and value the years spent with both of them,” said Adrian.

Undoubtedly Adrian can look back at a life well lived. He has worked hard, been involved in the town he loves and travelled throughout much of Australia with Fay as members of the Cobram Caravan Club.

Today life for this much-loved man is about relaxing and enjoying time with his children, 10 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, guaranteeing that the Doyle name will continue on for generations to come.