February 12, 2016
Valentine’s Day – the day now associated with love and romance – falls this Sunday, February 14.
According to legend, the real Valentine was a Roman Christian who was martyred during the 3rd century AD by the Emperor Claudius II.
Claudius declared all Christians guilty of treason because they refused to declare “Caesar is Lord!” in public.
Prior to his death, Valentine was thrown into prison where he continued to witness to his prison guards.
One of the guards was a good man who’d adopted a blind girl. He asked Valentine if his God could help his daughter. Valentine prayed and the girl was given her sight.
The guard and his whole family (some 46 people) were then baptized.
And when the Emperor heard about this he was so furious about Valentine still making converts in prison that he sentenced him to death.
Just before being led out to his execution, though, the young Christian wrote a note to the jailer’s daughter and signed it “from your Valentine”.
Over the centuries this has gradually led Valentine’s Day to be associated with love and romance – and this year South Burnett romantics who want to celebrate Valentine’s Day will have several fun options available to celebrate the occasion:
- In Kingaroy, the Vocal Mayhem men’s choir will be performing an afternoon concert of 26 love songs specially selected for Valentine’s Day at the Kingaroy Senior Citizens Centre at the corner of Avoca and Kingaroy streets. The concert will run from 2:00pm to around 4:30pm, and will be followed by afternoon tea. Admission is $10 and everyone is welcome.
- At the Bunya Mountains, Lyrics Restaurant in Dandabah will be opening between 11:30am and 2:00pm for a Valentine’s Day Lunch. Guests can enjoy a sumptuous 3-course meal with champagne on arrival for $70 per person. Bookings are essential. Phone (07) 4668-3131.
- Back in Kingaroy, Singh’s Royal Cuisine at 30 Alford Street will be hosting a Valentine’s Day Buffet of Indian food from 11:00am. More details? Phone the restaurant on (07) 4162-2990.
- In Nanango, the Copper Country Restaurant on the D’Aguilar Highway north of town will be hosting a four-course, $60 per head Valentine’s Day Dinner. Bookings are essential. Phone (07) 4163-1011.
- In Wondai, Dimities Cottage in Haly Street will be running an a-la-carte Romantic Lunch On The Deck from around noon. Bookings can be made by phoning (07) 4168-5744
- And back in Kingaroy, Explorer’s Restaurant at the Burke and Wills Motel in Kingaroy Street will be holding an a la carte Valentine’s Day dinner. You can reserve a seat by phoning 1800-640-652 or (07) 4162-2933.
