![Special occasion: Valda Minns was presented with her 10 year Long Service Medal at the Tinonee & District Red Cross July meeting. Special occasion: Valda Minns was presented with her 10 year Long Service Medal at the Tinonee & District Red Cross July meeting.](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/cTB2ZP3ceAYfwnXYSxpCH6/fc34b7fc-cfc6-489e-b33c-96ce18841502.JPG/r0_0_3699_5002_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
Long service medal
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During the July meeting of Tinonee & District Red Cross branch at president Judy Cluss's home, nine members enjoyed morning tea and a catch-up before a special presentation to Valda Minns of her 10 year Long Service Medal. Val was congratulated by fellow members and secretary Pam took some happy snaps to mark the occasion.
Members were told senior patron Gillian is slowly on the improve and it is hoped she will soon be home after some time convalescing with daughter Claire and her family in Sydney.
The meeting proper began with the Red Cross pledge and a pause to remember departed friends including former resident of Tinonee, lately of Edinburgh Scotland, Alan Sutherland.
Application has gone to head office for our branch to become a club, but official paperwork has yet to be received. As a result there will be no AGM. A liaison officer and treasurer will be appointed.
The members decided to still host the popular Melbourne Cup Day event which this year may be a High Tea instead of a lunch, as it is less work and there are fewer members. More details will be available as the big day draws closer.
Taree Club invited members to the Zone 4 Conference they will host on Thursday, September 12, at Taree West Bowling Club.
Vale Colin McNeill
There was a private family funeral for the late Colin 'Col' McNeill of Wingham, on Friday, July 26, at 2pm, at the Manning Great Lakes Memorial Gardens Chapel. Col passed away on July 22, aged 94 years and is survived by his loving wife Patricia and daughters Glenda and Karen, extended family of grandchildren. great grandchildren and partners.
Col will be remembered as a life member of Wingham Services Club, a loyal member of Wingham Services Bluewater Fishing Club, and good friend to many. As a returned serviceman, he was honoured with an RSL tribute conducted by Ted Hill on behalf of Taree RSL Sub-branch, with Taree and Wingham sub-branches forming a guard of honour. Rest in peace Col - Lest we forget.
Significance Workshop at MVHS
Tinonee Historical Society members Pam Muxlow, and Peter and Sue Langdown attended Stitches, Threads, Yarns and how to write a significance statement on their exhibited articles.
The workshop, conducted by Debbie Sommers from Port Macquarie Museum assisted by Kylie Winkworth from Museums Australia, advised attendees, including members from Manning Valley Historical Society, how to research, assess, and write about their articles. Much was learnt on the day to help when applying for grants. Another workshop is schedule for September 4.
Tinonee Historical Society AGM
Thirteen members attended the Tinonee Historical Society's 16th AGM at the museum on Saturday, July 27. President Jenny welcomed all and asked for a pause to remember departed friends especially our late president Jan Dyson, who passed away 11 years ago to the day.
Minutes from the last AGM were moved and accepted, then the president's report, detailing the year's achievements. Members were thanked for their continued help. Mrs Judy Cluss was the returning officer for the election of office bearers. All were returned unopposed with the position of assistant groundsman filled by Peter Langdown, who also takes on the role of photo curator.
Guest speaker Philip Solomon, a history teacher at St Clare's High School, Taree, gave an insight into his family, well known for their fruit and vegetable businesses at Taree and Wingham, originally established by his grandparents Don and Myra Solomon over 70 years ago, and only closed by his grandsons at the end of June 2019. Philip spoke about the many Lebanese businessmen who began businesses in Taree, some of which are still flourishing, and how they had begun. These included Yarads, Asseff's, Dans, Dahdahs and the Saad family.
So much was learnt about the life these families left behind to start afresh in the Manning Valley. Phil brought along an old map dating back to the late 1930s to mid 1940s, showing their origins.
President Jenny thanked Phil, giving him a copy of Tinonee Memories and a medallion. An informal chat and afternoon tea followed.