2007FEB161323
♬ Then the word on the wire / Would be just like Ash Wednesday bush fire ♬
The flag flies half mast today, the 24th Anniversary of their passing away on Ash Wednesday, 16th February, 1983 in the hills not far from where I now live.
I started school with Neville, did the same classes, same house, played cricket & footy in the lunchtime breaks.
Nevs family where Orchardists, growing apples in the hilly areas of Panton Hill not far from this shot. At school we visited the Jefferys farm in one of our classes. We got to see how they farmed the land. My overriding memory is the drip feeding setup they had to equalise the pressure in the pipes when watering the trees and the steepness of the land.
Nev was going to Dookie (oldest Ag college in Vic) that year looking to continue on the land no doubt. But it was not to be. Tragedy was to strike the Jefferys again not long after the fires. Mr. Jeffery died from a heart attack. Sad stuff.
When I found out about the memorial service all those years ago I made a choice of having a school photo taken instead of attending. I'd already had a pretty crappy year and I didn't want to start the new one with a service.
Bush fires are part of life here, a constant threat. If you live around the area long enough there is no way you escape it. I grew up with them as a 4 year old, drawing black pictures in kinder for months after (so my mum tells me).
So in the summer it never really leaves your mind, will a fire start this year?
In '83 a big one stared. And as a volunteer the Panton Hill CFA Nev with other members went to help and paid the ultimate price.
So Nev, I didn't make it to your service all those years ago. I hope these images & words will suffice.
<<< start
2007FEB161323
♬ Then the word on the wire / Would be just like Ash Wednesday bush fire ♬
The flag flies half mast today, the 24th Anniversary of their passing away on Ash Wednesday, 16th February, 1983 in the hills not far from where I now live.
I started school with Neville, did the same classes, same house, played cricket & footy in the lunchtime breaks.
Nevs family where Orchardists, growing apples in the hilly areas of Panton Hill not far from this shot. At school we visited the Jefferys farm in one of our classes. We got to see how they farmed the land. My overriding memory is the drip feeding setup they had to equalise the pressure in the pipes when watering the trees and the steepness of the land.
Nev was going to Dookie (oldest Ag college in Vic) that year looking to continue on the land no doubt. But it was not to be. Tragedy was to strike the Jefferys again not long after the fires. Mr. Jeffery died from a heart attack. Sad stuff.
When I found out about the memorial service all those years ago I made a choice of having a school photo taken instead of attending. I'd already had a pretty crappy year and I didn't want to start the new one with a service.
Bush fires are part of life here, a constant threat. If you live around the area long enough there is no way you escape it. I grew up with them as a 4 year old, drawing black pictures in kinder for months after (so my mum tells me).
So in the summer it never really leaves your mind, will a fire start this year?
In '83 a big one stared. And as a volunteer the Panton Hill CFA Nev with other members went to help and paid the ultimate price.
So Nev, I didn't make it to your service all those years ago. I hope these images & words will suffice.
<<< start