COMMUNITY Noticeboard
The 150th anniversary of the opening of Fortitude Valley State School has just been reached, with local state MP Grace Grace and past pupils (above) joining in to celebrate the milestone.
“It is a wonderful thing that we have such real, living history right here in the centre of Fortitude Valley,” Ms Grace said.
“While computers and the internet have replaced chalk and slate, the school is still helping our young Queenslanders get a flying start in life.
“These days it is known as the small school with a big heart but that’s just a small part of its rich history.
“At one point it comprised a boys’ school, girls’ school, infants’ school and opportunity school with more than 10 times the number of students attending the school today.
“The school has produced its fair share of notable Queenslanders including former Australian wicketkeeper Wally Grout, former captain of the Australian hockey team Doug Siggs, pioneering watercolourist Jesse Hilder and Major General Thomas Dodds. “This school is such an important part of our community,” Ms Grace added.
A little might and majesty.....
The Brisbane Philharmonic Orchestra has grown from strength to strength since its inception in 1999 and aims to reach its biggest audience ever in 2011. Celebrating Youth Week, the first BPO concert for the year kicks off its 2011 concert season with a “Might and Majesty” performance this Sunday (3 April) at the Old Museum Concert Hall in Bowen Hills.
This concert launches the new emerging artist program that provides young performers the opportunity to work with seasoned professionals. Guest conductor John Curro will be joined by violinist Glenn Christensen (above) and the 90-piece BPO orchestra to perform Mendelssohn Violin Concerto and Mahler’s great Titan Symphony No 1.
Purchase tickets through 4MBS Classic FM by phoning 3847 1717 (9am to 5pm seven days a week)
For more information on BPO and full details of all performances this year, its regional education programs and other emerging artists visit the BPO website at www.bpo.org.au
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ANZAC memories
Historic Newstead House in Newstead Park, Cnr Breakfast Creek Rd and Newstead Ave, Newstead, will celebrate Australian Heritage Week on Sunday 17 April 2011. Meet mounted troopers of the 2nd/14th Light Horse Regiment (Queensland Mounted Infantry) on the eastern lawn 1pm to 2pm.
There’s also an historical display of war memorabilia on loan from the 2nd/14th Light Horse Museum, Gallipoli Barracks and a ‘Then and Now’ photographic display showing how Newstead House looked in the early 1940s when an American photographic unit was living at Newstead House during World War II and how the house looks today, 69 years later.
And from 2pm, relax on the western lawns and listen to Anzac memories with the South Brisbane Federal Band featuring music that pays tribute to the great swing music of the 1940s and the tunes made famous by the wartime years. Sing along to favourites like Colonel Bogey March, Nightingale Sang in Berkley Square and Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy. And enjoy a devonshire tea on the verandahs of the house overlooking Breakfast Creek and the Brisbane River from 2pm to 4.30pm, with last orders at 4pm. Newstead House will also be open for inspection from 12noon to 5pm.
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Feisty fighter for female rights
Guest speaker Frances Clark, historian for her family, will give a talk on her grandmother Flora Harris whose diary shows she spoke at endless women’s meetings as she fought for the betterment of women and children.
It’s at the Queensland Women’s Historical Association headquarters, Miegunyah House Museum 35 Jordan Terrace, Bowen Hills on Thursday, 14 April at 10.30am for an 11am start for the talk. Cost is $8 for members and $10 for non-members, which includes morning tea. For further information and bookings, ring 3252 2979. The association’s email address is qwha@miegunyah.org and their website is at www.miegunyah.org
