October 31, 2016
Cherbourg’s Welfare Hall was decorated in the Hornets’ colours of orange and black for the 26th annual Golden Oldies reunion held in the town at the weekend.
“Golden Oldies” is organised by some of the team from The Ration Shed Museum and provides an opportunity for over-50s with some connection to Cherbourg to meet up, enjoy a meal and have a heap of fun.
There was dancing – the day was launched with a performance by the Wakka Wakka dancers – lots of balloons and laughter, and music by a string of performers including Chad Morgan, Billy Pitt and local favourites Muddy Flats.
And there were heaps of photographs being snapped on mobile phones!
Family members travelled from all over Queensland for Golden Oldies.
Some were born in Cherbourg before their families were shifted to other settlements; others were veterans of Cherbourg’s dormitory system whose lives afterwards have taken them all over Australia.
As the Ration Shed website notes, Golden Oldies was started when some elders at Cherbourg decided they were tired of catching up with old friends only at funerals.
“They wanted to organise an event once a year to celebrate life, fun and friendship. A place where people could dance, laugh and reminisce.”
And that’s exactly what happened at the weekend.
Saturday’s music and dancing in the Welfare Hall was followed by a barbecue dinner and murrioke at the Murgon Golf Club, and then a Sunday breakfast on the deck at The Ration Shed.
