DUBBO CITY LIFE
ROYAL fever is at its height this week, with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex visiting next Wednesday, October 17.
It’s an occasion to be celebrated when members of the royal household come to the city not only because it’s rare, and it has been 26 years since Queen Elizabeth was last here, but it does create everlasting memories for everyone involved, for anyone lucky enough to get up close to or speak to a royal and that energy never seems to fade.
Over the past few weeks, many locals have come forward to Dubbo Photo News to share stories of their encounters with members of the royal household which they treasure and hold dear.
These moments have become part of the fabric of their life story, and that of their family, just as Harry and Meghan’s visit to Dubbo will become part of the life story for our city’s 2018 residents.
A whirlwind tour as you’d expect will include the Royal Flying Doctors which really is a jewel in Dubbo’s crown, and a picnic in Victoria Park, named after Harry’s great, great, great grandmother, Queen Victoria.
There aren’t a lot of photos in circulation of the Queen’s visit to Victoria Park in 1954, many more in 1992 and predictably, in 2018, the mainstream media as well as social media are likely to capture every second of Wednesday’s visit.
That a royal coach was once built in Dubbo by Peak Hill man, and former employee of the Royal Mews, Jim Frecklington, with the help of some very talented local, national and international tradespeople is an exciting and unbreakable bond between our city and the British Royal Family.
If anything, Harry and Meghan’s visit is a massive boost for morale. Australia’s drought is global news and the couple, like others in the world, are aware of the tragedies unfolding in drought stricken areas in our backyard.
Visits like this will help everyone forget just for a moment the challenges that have been or lay ahead.
It’s a galvanising fact that the British Monarchy can and does unify people. There is so much conflict and division in the world for opaque things like dirt or events which happened 800 years ago, that if two young people can draw a crowd simply by turning up, and leave joy, memories and a ripple of positivity in their wake, that has to be something worth preserving and maintaining for the health of the global community.
Welcome to Dubbo, Harry and Meghan!
Dubbo’s Picnic in the Park
TO celebrate the visit by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan, Dubbo mayor Cr Ben Shields is inviting the community to attend Dubbo’s Picnic in the Park.
This historic event will take place for three hours in Victoria Park on Wednesday, October 17, from 11.30am.
Their Royal Highnesses will be joining part of the event. There will be musical performances and food stalls, with all of the proceeds going to local charity.
Maps will be placed at key points around the city to ensure the public can plan their day. I encourage everyone to use the bus services and parking which will be made available at the Dubbo Showgrounds – parking close to Victoria Park will not be available and road closures will be enforced.
‘80s and ‘90s mums get together
A GET TOGETHER for Dubbo South Public School mums of the eighties and nineties will be taking place at the Westside Hotel on Friday, October 26, from 11.30am. Lunch will be available from the Bistro. Phone Loris Hutchins for more details on 6882 2899.
Melbourne Cup fever just around the corner
MELBOURNE Cup Day is just around the corner with many luncheons and functions planned. On Tuesday, November 6, the Western Star Hotel Social Club is hosting a private marquee which includes gate entry, a race book, private marquee alongside the betting ring, a five hour drinks package, and finger food lunch. Contact the Western Star for details.
Amendment
Last week a photograph of the Australian State Coach built in Dubbo with the assistance of local tradespeople omitted to mention the man who made it all happen, Jim Frecklington.