Orange Festival celebrates 150 years of education in Bingara

June 28, 2012

Bingara Central School’s 150 years celebrations are almost here, and already, former students are making their way back to Bingara to celebrate. There are still a lot of last minute details to be confirmed but with the effort of so many staff and volunteers, Principal, Mark Vale feels confident that everything will come together when needed. Everyone is invited to be a part of each event.

BCS 2012
Celebrations begin with the Orange Picking Ceremony at 9.30 am on Friday morning,
in front of the RSL Club.

Family, friends and visitors are invited to attend the ceremony and then to accompany the children as they disperse to pick the oranges. After the harvest, the children will have time to enjoy eating the oranges before recess.

Morning tea will be served to visitors during recess which will be followed by the formal assembly under the hayshed, beginning at 11.30 am. This assembly will include a rededication of the Walter E Wearne Library, the first library in Bingara.

Mr Alan Mitchell is our guest speaker. “I am sure he will have some interesting stories to tell of his time, firstly as a student and then as a teacher, at Bingara Central School,” Mr. Vale said.

Following the assembly, classrooms and displays showcasing the proud history of the school will be open for all to see. Lunch will be served in the grounds so that family groups can enjoy the moment together. There will be student performances, a highlight of which is sure to be the Maypole Dancing by girls from Year 2 to Year 6.

The excitement begins on Saturday morning when classrooms and displays will again be open from 9.00 am. At this time the float will be prepared. The Orange Festival float departs from the Riddell Street side of school at 12.30 pm. The theme of the float is the school’s history. Present and former students are invited to participate in the parade. The parade will commence at 1.00 pm in Maitland Street.

Following the Orange Festival, the formal dinner will begin at 5.30 pm with the meal being served at 6.30 pm. There will be both seating within the Civic Centre and outside. The main meal should be completed by 7.30 pm when there will be some formal proceedings until 8.00 pm. Dessert and tea or coffee will then be served before the band provides the music and the party celebration can begin.

There will be ample opportunity for people to simply talk with one another, tell stories and renew old acquaintances. People who are unable to attend the dinner can join the party at this time for a $5 donation.

The final school event is an ecumenical service at school on Sunday morning. The Lions Club is providing breakfast from 8.00 am with the service beginning at 10 am. Mr Vale is hoping that everyone has the opportunity to join in and enjoy the celebrations at some point over the three days.

“I would like to thank the staff and volunteers for all the effort that has been put in to ensure the success of the celebrations. I am sure it will be a memorable event celebrating the past and providing the platform for a successful future.”