The weather forecast was ominous on Thursday, November 23 but that did not dampen the enthusiasm of the many volunteers in Delegate as they prepared for the arrival of 122 students from Jindabyne Central School.
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“The students came to Delegate for a school excursion that focussed on the “shared history” of our little town,” a spokesperson for the Delegate School of Arts said.
“The children and their accompanying teachers, aides and parents arrived at the Delegate School of Arts, where they were welcomed had a recess break and then divided into three groups.
“The groups were then cycled through the three venues in the town, the museum, the Settlers Hut and the Bundian gallery.
“At each of these venues the children ranging in ages from 6-8 were given a taste of the unique history and cultural features of this small rural community.
“At the School of Arts and history museum the children were able to experience the contribution of local young men in a century of sacrifice in the many theatres of war to which Australia was committed.
“A DVD of the recent re enactment of the Men from Snowy River Recruitment March was shown. In the local history museum the children were guided through the beautiful Bundian Way mural painted by Yuin artist Natalie Bateman.
“At the Settlers Hut the volunteers were kept very busy demonstrating the lifestyle of the early settlers and feeding the children original damper and “cocky’s joy” (Australian slang for Golden Syrup).
“The children were captivated by the fireplace, boiling billy, and the many artefacts and pieces of machinery from the pre-electronic era.
“Their questions were many and varied,” the spokesperson.
“The Bundian Way gallery was a complete change of pace. The students were able to view the vibrant artwork of Yuin artists Kathryn Williams and Natalie Bateman.
“After an introduction to the symbols of indigenous artwork and a few Yuin words the students were able to apply this knowledge as they wandered through the gallery identifying animals and symbols in the artwork.
“The students were engaged and actively involved in learning about the various aspects of Delegate’s history for the entire visit.
“The weather was kind and the rain held off until after the last bus departed.
“The volunteers were very impressed with the behaviour and impeccable manners of these young ambassadors for their school and community.
“It was certainly an experience worth repeating,” they said.
