Centenary Celebrations

AUGUST31, 2010: The Pilton Station Centenary Celebrations will be held on Saturday September 4th at the Pilton Soldiers Memorial Hall. It is an important day for Wattle Brae Stud as the property began when Pilton Station was auctioned in 1910 and George Turkington purchased a substantial holding on which he settled his large family.

Everyone is welcome to help Wattle Brae Stud and the immediate district celebrate their beginnings. The day kicks off at 9.30am with a Period Parade featuring vintage horse drawn and motorized vehicles with many of the descendants of the original settlers taking part. The Turkingtons will be riding as a family, along with recreated polo teams from 1910, the Light horse, surveyors and their packhorses. The Parade travels down Wattle Brae’s Manapouri road to the Pilton Hall.

There will be plenty of interest for the history buff, with a 1910 School Room and Home Church Service re-enactments at the Pilton School. On display will be old machinery and a comprehensive Historical Display traces the ownership of the land auctioned in 1910. There will be old time cow milking and sheep shearing demonstrations, with a tea and damper morning tea available and a barbeque lunch.

The day will culminate with a grand Pioneer Ball, with concert entertainment, a bar and supper. Judging will take place for the best beard, moustache and mutton chops, as well as the best “Period dressed” lady, couple and family. Entry for the Day is Free, with the Ball tickets $10.00 for Adults, Students $5.00 and Families $25.00

For more information please phone Ron on 07 46 973 429 or Janette on 07 46 964 541.

AUTHOR: Wattle Brae Stud administration