Avenue timber meaningfully reused

IN October’s record-breaking storm, more than fifty trees in the Ballarat Avenue of Honour were destroyed.

Now, members of the 8th/7th Battalion Royal Victoria Regiment based at the Ballarat Ranger Barracks have decided to use the timber from tree 3347 in a meaningful way, creating memorial picture frames.

Tree 3347 remembers Ballarat East resident Private Albert Edward Lepp.

Arch of Victory-Avenue of Honour president Garry Snowden said he was a member of the original 8th Battalion who enlisted in the army in February of 1915 at age 23, and was sent to France.

He went missing in action during the Battle of Fromelles. It was later discovered Albert had been killed on 19 July 1916 when a shell burst, and he is buried at Ration Farm Military Cemetery in Belgium.

All of the streets in the suburb of Lucas have been named to honour local World War One soldiers who lost their lives, and Lepp Street honours Albert.

The Ranger Barracks have also offered to assist with the large clean-up of the Avenue, and its replanting.

The Arch of Victory-Avenue of Honour committee’s Tree Appeal to repair the damaged memorials continues.

Those wishing to contribute to the Avenue of Honour Restoration Appeal can make a payment to the Arch of Victory/Avenue of Honour Committee Inc-Tree Restoration Appeal via the City of Ballarat Customer Service desk in Armstrong Street south’s Phoenix Building.

Alternatively, they can call committee members; Mr Snowden on 0487 313 137, vice-president Paul Jenkins on 0408 343 053, or secretary-treasurer Jeremy Johnson on 0407 860 883, before making a tax-deductible direct debit donation to the Arch of Victory/Avenue of Honour Committee Inc-Tree Restoration Appeal, with the BSB of 083 526 and account number of 51 924 3834.