Our weekly meeting was fortunate enough to have John Waterhouse attend and share his knowledge of Toomuc Valley. What a trip down memory lane for many it was and the newer folk to Pakenham a great history lesson on where and how the town has changed over time. Johns knowledge extended on from Patricks history talks given earlier this year with a lot of local knowledge of where buildings/houses and even cars were used around Toomuc Valley into Pakenham.
John spoke about local schools and how some of the buildings have been moved many times over the years and how consolidated primary came about but not before showing us pictures of a very young Ken Rook.
The history behind Toomuc Valley Orchard and discussing the cold rooms of getting the apples to European countries via train and boat led to some later discussions. Knowledge on local David Bourke who establish the Pakenham Race Course or about the IYU Estate in Koo Wee Rup to a good old-fashioned wheelbarrow race in Toomuc. Not forgetting the Aqueduct and how the pipes were originally for the naval base and not for housing. To have written a children’s story book reflecting on the history of Toomuc is very inspiring. A tremendous talk on history that we can all appreciate and reflect on how times have changed.
Jokers Wild – I’m not sure how Josie didn’t have the winning ticket as she had tickets either side of the lucky number, but Peter VanDiemen held the lucky number. Although he too couldn’t find that elusive joker, so the kitty keeps building for another week.
Article provided by Stephanie Jamieson......