Family members and friends participated in the service with the eulogy delivered by Elizabeth Beattie whilst Taree RSL Sub-branch member Darcy Elbourne conducted the RSL service which included the Last Post and Reveille. Members of 28 Australian Army Cadets were represented with Cadet Under Officer Sarah McDonald leading the coffin from the Church to the hearse for the internment which took place at Tinonee Cemetery, where Ken was laid to rest alongside his late mother Mary.

Family and friends gathered at Ken's home in Bull Hill Road where sympathies were extended to long time partner Gina over refreshments and fond memories were shared.

All being well and fine weather, members of Tinonee Friendship Group will make a visit to Tinonee Historical Society's Museum today Wednesday, from a little after 10am. It had originally been planned for April but the wet and damp grounds caused it to be cancelled.

Thought my readers might be interested in a little bit of history about the John Knox Free Presbyterian Church that stands on the corner of Manchester and Winter Streets which was built and dedicated in 1880. The two huge palm trees which have stood like sentinels on either of the front door were planted back in 1931 by the late Mrs Ruby Murray and it would be a shame to see them ever removed as they have become a noted landmark in the village for at least 90 years.

May is a busy month in my family for birthdays with brother-in-law Garry Muxlow celebrating on May 5, and because of last year's COVID-19 restrictions he was unable to mark his 70th with celebrations so it all happened on Saturday May 1 at the home of daughter Leigh, husband Aaron and grand children who were joined for his party by relatives including John and I, friends and neighbours to mark the event and then wish him a happy 71st later this week.

Today May 5 marks our son Andrew's 42nd birthday but unfortunately we can't make it up to Queensland so it will be a long distance phone call and card this year and the same will be for his sister, our daughter Fiona who celebrates her 44th birthday on May 13th.

Local member for Myall Lakes, Stephen Bromhead, was special guest at last Friday's assembly when he presented the school captains and vice captains a leader medallion and I guessing there would be a couple of very proud parents on hand to see the presentation.

Both the boys and girls team from Tinonee Public competed against Nabiac Public in the first round of PSSA soccer. The girls team came home victorious whilst the boys team went down to a very strong team losing their match to Nabiac. Well done to all for the good sportsmanship shown by both teams.

School photos will be taken on May 20 with all students to be wearing their winter uniform.