Joint carols gathering at Gargarro Gardens

By Rohan Aldous

Dec 13, 2022

Kicking back: Lily Nicholson (left) and sister Ruby (right) look comfortable with Walter and Daisy Woodcock, although Ruby doesn’t appear as excited as everyone else in the picture.

Neighbours are an important part of any rural community and in the case of the Girgarre and Stanhope the townships’ decision to work together on several projects has reaped significant rewards.

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A rail trail that stretches the 5.3 kilometres between the two farm-centric “villages’’ links the towns, and there have been a number of significant developments where credit has been shared between the towns’ development groups.

Stanhope residents will no doubt be keen to take advantage of the soon-to-be-completed Gargarro Gardens development, which has a new cafe and restaurant at its heart.

Last week, at the Gargarro Gardens soundshell, the Girgarre Community Cottage was the lead organisation in staging a carols by candlelight event.

The cottage worked closely with the Stanhope and District Development committee to produce the inaugural combined event.

Plans are being put in place to make the combined carols celebration an annual event after volunteers from the “Friends of Gargarro” assisted on the night — working with volunteers and Girgarre Community Cottage co-ordinator Kezia Talbot to stage the event.

Among the entertainers on the stage were Jigarre ukulale group “J-Ukes”, Pure Drops, Rushworth & District Concert Band and solo performers Mica and Donald from Stanhope.

There were more than 250 people in attendance.