Wingello has celebrated their hundredth anniversary since the opening of their renowned Mechanic's Institute Hall last year.
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Since the opening in 1918, a beaten copper memorial board has stood proud and honored those who served in World War I.
At the conclusion of World War II, a lantern and a small plaque was installed above the front doors of the hall. Requests for a memorial board for World War II were made later on, but the board was never made.
Following the centenary, Keith Garbutt again made a request for a board honouring the people involved locally in World War II. The Wingello Village association responded with a board crafted locally from Australian red cedar and the words being printed in gold leaf.
Keith is a descendant of one of the earliest families to settle in, and his family has done much of the research which follows the meticulous work done mainly by himself and his wife, Wendy, in the Garbutt family history.
With 107 people, including those born in the village, those living in Wingello at the time of enlistment and others who enlisted in Wingello, are all cast in gold on this one of a kind board.
Included are older members of the community, some of whom served in World War 1 who again enlisted as members of the Defence Corps Voluntary Service to guard the home front.
A commemorative booklet has been created as a memento for the day. The booklet lists all the service records of all personnel as well as photos and brief stories of service submitted by the families of these soldiers who fought or enlisted in World War II.
The Wingello Village Association has been awarded a donation from Wingecarribee Shire Council Community Assistance Scheme to cover the printing costs for the Individual Service Certificates available on the day.
A grant from the Department of Veteran's Affairs 'Saluting their Service' Scheme has been received and other private donors have also contributed to this project.
The honor board will be unveiled at a special commemorative service starting at 2 pm on September 21st with afternoon tea to follow.
For any enquiries, please email secretary.wva@gmail.com or phone 0427 353 380.