Letter to the editor
I am writing in regards to the Bedgerabong Picnic Race Club Centenary in 2019.
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Over the past few weeks I have conducted preliminary research into the establishment of the race club and the significance of its role as a cultural and sporting gathering of people in the Lachlan River area.
As part of this research, I enjoyed watching the races in February, despite losing a small fortune.
I also spent some time at the Forbes Family History Group.
There, I discovered an interesting local history about Bedgerabong that included a page on the races.
I believe the document dates to about 1988 but for all its value, I think the Race Club deserves not only an updated history but one that is rather more comprehensive.
Using past editions of The Forbes Advocate and other local newspapers, I am putting together the beginnings of a narrative about the Race Club; the lands it was held on and the members (various Smiths, Hodges, Constables, etc.) who worked so hard in the early days to make the race meetings what they are today.
I have been in touch with the New South Wales State Archives and Records, as well as a number of descendants of those involved in the club, whether on the committee or as horse riders.
The principal facts I have discovered are that the first race meeting was held on 19 March, 1919 at ‘Wilga Park’ owned by the Smith family.
The committee comprised a president: Mr. E. Cowell; secretary: Mr. E. Smith; treasurer: Mr. H. Constable; judge: Mr. J. Tearle; clerk: Mr. W. Smith; and starter: Mr. H Constable.
The money raised (approximately 30 pounds) went directly to the Red Cross.
Due to the success of the races, a meeting was subsequently held in April to form an amateur race club.
The first official race was held, therefore, on Boxing Day, 1919.
The club proved to be a huge success in its early days and it was soon decided to hold the event twice a year: during the autumn and again on Boxing Day.
A new course was also established at Traversdale in 1922.
The success of the club meant that a small profit was made year on year.
By 1929, the committee began thinking about a new course.
What I am uncertain about is whether the track that is still in use today - opened on 22 December, 1933 by E.A. Buttenshaw, Minister for Lands – was purchased or given to the club by the Crown to be held in trust.
The sources I have read differ on this point and I would appreciate any further answers given on this.
I would be most grateful, however, for any material anyone has, particularly in the form of club minutes and annual reports, photographs and family stories, especially up to the present day.
These can prove exceptionally valuable in the writing of history, and it is a history that deserves to be told.
You can contact me via email: etr.nolan@gmail.com
Elliot Nolan