Historic reunion planned

By Lachlan Ellis

It’s almost the 30th anniversary of a historic school’s closure, and a reunion has been planned to get former students together to remember the school.

Glenmore Primary School opened in 1911 and closed in 1993, and for decades educated British orphans from the nearby Northcote Children’s Farm that opened in 1937.

Lyn Clough OAM – who was nominated for the OAM by the ‘Northcotians’ – has been the organiser of reunions over the decades, despite never attending the school herself.
She said it had been “an amazing journey”.

“The school closed in 1993 because there were no more kids from the children’s home. A little time after the school closed on 4 December 1993, a time capsule was buried, and that capsule is to be opened this year,” she told the Moorabool News.

“A lot of those that would’ve remembered to open the capsule have gone to God, and I’ve written this down in my Old Northcotians Association newsletter front page, every time I’ve sent one out for the reunions I’ve run for them every five years, or more often.”

The old, original school, which only had one room, and the big school which was needed from 1937, were both moved to Bacchus Marsh and became what is now Laurels Education and Training.

“The history of Northcote is really really important to me. I didn’t go to Northcote, but for some reason I was put on this Earth to look up the Northcotians, which I’ve been doing for many years, particularly since 1987 when I started organising their reunions and things for them,” Ms Clough said.

“I hope the occasion will bring many memories and re-ignite friendships as far back as 1937. My reward has been the love and lifelong friendships of these amazing people.”

The reunion will be on Sunday 3 December at 11.30 am, with the Rowsley Fire Brigade to serve a barbeque, tea and coffees on the day.

If you plan to attend the Glenmore Primary School reunion, RSVP Lyn Clough at 0400 513 018, or via email at [email protected].

Ms Clough would also be very grateful for any readers getting in touch with details on the fascinating story of the Children’s Farm and the Primary School.