Earlier this year, the Spring Plains district held a farewell and thank you lunch for much-loved residents Murray and Nanette Watson who are now living in Narrabri.

Although, at least a few days a week, you’ll still find Murray belting down the Spring Plains Road to help his son Ben at their family property ‘Fairfield’.

Murray was born and bred on the plains growing up at ‘Allabah’ with his sister Lindy Farrer who also attended the lunch.

In 1980, Murray and Nanette married and they chose to raise their two children Sally and Ben in the district too, at ‘Fairfield’.

The pair have always welcomed visitors from near and far into their home.

Murray and Nanette have made an enormous contribution to the community and their great efforts were recognised at the lunch, where people of all ages came to celebrate the dynamic duo.

Wendy Phelps and Shirley Schwager paid tribute to Nanette’s unstoppable drive to get things done including her work with the Red Cross, the Wee Waa Show, Westpac Rescue Helicopter fundraisers, local schools and Clean Up Australia Day.

Anyone who’s ever met Nanette knows she oozes energy and enthusiasm, and for her no job is ever too big or two small.

At every Spring Plains event you’re likely to find Nanette juggling all sorts of roles from serving food, to introducing new faces and even checking the bathrooms have enough paper towels and supplies. She’s like the Energizer Bunny.

It’s no surprise that Nanette has continued yoga teaching in Narrabri, a passion she shared with the Spring Plains community.

In her speech, Wendy Phelps reflected on the good times she enjoyed with Nanette at yoga retreats and trips away.

Tony Schwager and Graham Cameron spoke about their great mate Murray and said that, “You couldn’t get a more solid bloke to have as a neighbour and a friend.”

Graham said Murray was always willing to help especially during the floods.

Murray is a popular identity, the life of the party and a mentor to many because of his willingness to always have a yarn to anyone and everyone about farming, grazing and life.

Murray’s aunt Mavis Watson was the guest of honour and Mavis said she was pleased “to be back” on the plains.

Mavis now lives in Narrabri too but is a well-regarded sheep grazier from ‘Wynwood’ at Spring Plains, her family has been grazing in the district since 1885.

And that tradition will continue with Murray and Nanette’s son Ben who now lives at ‘Fairfield’ with his wife Katie and their two children George and Lucinda.

The lunch celebration kicked on with plenty of toasts and cheers for Murray and Nanette as guests enjoyed a delicious meal, and a few drinks, at the Spring Plains Hall.

The Watsons also gave an entertaining speech about their new life in town and thanked everyone for coming.

Nanette said she was pleased such a lovely, young family was moving into their home and said she had great faith in the next generation of Spring Plains residents.

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