Garden Club honours George Foxe Horticulture Pavilion

Narrabri Garden Club held a special meeting recently at the Foxe Horticulture Pavilion.

A location the club doesn’t usually use for meetings, the occasion honoured the historic building’s legacy.

With just weeks until it is set to be demolished, garden enthusiasts from far and wide and club members – both old and new – joined together to farewell the pavilion.

George Foxe’s niece, Helen Busby, even travelled to the Narrabri Showground for the occasion.

She bought along some of her uncle’s memorabilia, including his 1969 NSW Championship, 1955 Narrabri Horticulture Society decorative section trophy, 1969 Narrabri Horticulture Society class

26 first place trophy, a framed photo and merit certificate (all pictured).

There were about 30 people in attendance and the meeting featured special raffles, competitions and entertainment.

Narrabri Garden Club vice president, Noeline Kiss, said it made the meeting even more special.

“We had about four raffles where we gave away prizes, our flower bloom competition that was judged on the day, and guest speakers,” she said.

Brett Allison and Stephanie Lilliebridge, proprietors of Narrabri Farm Centre (CRT), were the meeting’s guest speakers.

They spoke about their business, and what it means for local garden enthusiasts.

Max Pringle OAM also entertained the crowd with a poem about the well-known building.

“But now its use by date has come and the old place has to go,” he said.

“There’ll be a better building rise from the ashes for our next show.”

Mr Pringle concluded his poem by saying “there’ll be a new pavilion, that’s just the modern pace, but no matter how it turns out, the old one it can’t replace.”

Mrs Kiss said it was a lovely occasion, fit for the beloved pavilion.

“Max’s poem brought a tear to my eye,” she said.

“But we’re over the moon with the turnout, there’s been so much community support – even members who we haven’t seen for some time made sure to attend this special meeting.”