Local History Book Launch
Local historian, Louise Higham, recently launched her second historical work, Active Service II: A Bibliographical Dictionary of West Arthur. Lou said the book fulfilled some "unfinished business" as she had many comments after the success of her first book Active Service: A Biographical Dictionary of Williams about when West Arthur was going to get its own history about men and women who served in the Australian defense forces.
About 60 people went along to the launch in the Hawthorn Room at the West Arthur CRC, including Brenton Kelly, a Vietnam veteran now residing in the Porongurups, but whose family bought Walter Hawthorn's farm when he moved from Darkan in the 1960's. Many people travelled to attend the launch including a much loved ex-local, Thelma Strickland, now 94, who came down from Perth.
Copies of the book are available for sale at the West Arthur CRC for $60. The book encompasses the proud military history of the residents of West Arthur from the Great War at Gallipoli, in the Middle East and on the Western Front-the Second World War in North Africa to Europe and the South-West Pacific, and the conflicts in Korea, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan.
Kid's Christmas Workshop
It's getting to "that time of the year" and the West Arthur Christmas decorating committee is in full operation mode! Children are invited to come along and get involved with "Operation Decorate Darkan" with a Kid's Bauble Workshop on November 13 at The Shed at 2.45pm. For more info contact Geraldine King on 0473 361 088.
Decorating the Highway
Turning the Coalfields Highway into the "Hayfields Highway" as part of Operation Decorate Darkan is back for Christmas 2019! Residents along the road are invited to get involved in some friendly competition and put on their thinking caps to create a fun Christmas display on their property from hay - round bales, square bales or whatever shape! Last year saw some great creations and so looking forward to seeing what people come up with this year.
Doing Something About Dementia
You are invited to a talk by local physiotherapist, Pam Stockley, about how to keep your brain in good condition and develop some copying strategies around dementia. Come along with any questions you have too. This is on November 13 from 9.30-10.30am at the West Arthur CRC. RSVPs appreciated to the CRC on 9736 2000.
Oppy Shop News
The Darkan Oppy shop raised $550 for October and also $820 from the Open Garden days. This money was forwarded to Parkinson's WA for research into the disease. What a great community effort with particular thanks to all those who went along to the Open Garden days. The continued support of the Darkan Oppy Shop is always appreciated.
Seniors Christmas Lunch
Seniors in West Arthur are invited to the annual Senior's Christmas Lunch on November 20 starting at 11am at the Darkan and Districts Sports Club. RSVPs are essential for catering purposes and can be made to the West Arthur CRC on 9736 2000.