QUEEN QUEST
The Sports ground at Parsons’ property was the venue for a large community gathering on Easter Monday, 1957. The day took the form of a Sports Carnival which culminated in the presentation of the Queen Quest contestants and the crowning of the highest fundraiser.
Four local teenage girls, Margaret Haberle, Janny Schoenmaker, Beryl Gurr and Coralie Haberle raised the combined sum of ₤160.15.9d. with Margaret Haberle named Queen for her effort of raising the highest amount of ₤80.15/-. The girls and their parents raised money by canvassing the district for donations, and Margaret and Janny recall riding their bikes and door knocking throughout the neighbourhood asking for contributions in the lead up to the final day. On the Sports Day, the girls, looking beautiful in specially made dresses, arrived in style on the back of a decorated Ford Truck, and Eileeen Ashdown performed the crowning ceremony before the large crowd. The girls were accompanied by a little Trumpet Boy, Kelvin Howe, dressed in a red velvet suit, and heralding their arrival with blasts on his trumpet! The group also included a junior princess who carried the painted cardboard crown on a cushion. Can anyone identify the little girl ………….??? It seems that memories are fuzzy and the identity of the junior princess has been lost. (We would also like to establish who owned the truck which ferried the girls to the sports ground……………… Contact us if you can help!)
The day was a huge success with games and activities for young and old. The highlight for most was the greasy pig competition in which several of the local lads tried to catch a very slippery little hog. The race attracted much interest as the four legged participant continually and effectively gave its two legged assailants the slip! Eventually, with squeals all around, the pig was captured and Jimmy Skipper was the victor!