Vietnam Presentation at Canowindra

Canowindra Library presents its signature event for the National Year of Reading with a presentation about the Vietnam War by Richard “Barney” Bigwood author of We Were REOs Australian Infantry Reinforcements in Vietnam. The event will be held at the Canowindra Services and Citizens Club on Wednesday 26th September at 2pm.

During the Vietnam war all Australian units except infantry rotated fresh replacements through them as people were returned to Australia. The Battalions trained as a unit in Australia with all arriving in “country” together. It was only as they suffered casualties being killed, or wounded, or National servicemen went home, the Battalion required re-enforcements (REOs).

These new blokes had to demonstrate their worth to be accepted because they would be sleeping in a dead mate’s bed in the section where he was a dependable friend. This put added pressure on “the new bloke”. He had to adjust to being in a war zone and he had to prove himself.

Richard will talk about his experiences, his book We Were REOs as well as present photographs tracking the lot of a soldier from enlistment to infantry training, jungle innoculation and deployment to South Vietnam in 1968. Then the presentation follows the postings through several Battalions with the “baptism of fire” into warfare.

Author talk & presentation by Richard Bigwood
We Were REOS
Venue: Canowindra Services and Citizens Club
93 Gaskill Street, Canowindra
Date: Wednesday 26 September 2pm
Bookings: Please book your place by calling Canowindra Library on
6344 1796

Cowra Art Group Celebrates Jubilee

Launched today at Cowra Library, Darling Street, Cowra, this exhibition of local works celebrates 50 years of enthusiastic endeavour in the visual arts by members of the Cowra Art Group.

Enjoy the landscapes, portraits, still life studies, flowers and abstract compositions in this collection.

Notice the change in use of materials from oils to watercolour and now multimedia. Congratulations to the Cowra Art Group. Enjoy the display at Cowra Library until 25th October.

Behind the Scenes: Bare Witness

Meet writer /producer Mari Lourey, cast and crew, before the compelling multi-dimensional performance of Bare Witness. This play is inspired by real people and real life events exploring the personal toll on foreign correspondents and photographers. Discover the dilemmas war photographers face, the choices they make and the impact this dangerous profession has on them personally.

Join us for a conversation with the playwright, performers and production team of this innovative gripping exhilarating theatre.

Event: Behind the Scenes: Bare Witness
Date: Thursday 27 September
Time: 5.45 for 6pm
Venue: Orange Civic Theatre
RSVP: Theatre on 6393 8112

Orange Christian School Visit

A big shout out to all the students at Orange Christian School, especially those who joined in our recent Library tour. They were entertained with stories by Fiona – our resident Storyteller and Local Studies Librarian Peter talked about the Library resources that may come in handy for school including the Homework Help Desk and the online Your Tutor service, as well as finding books to read for fun. We look forward to seeing you in the Library and don’t forget we are open during the School Holidays. Pictured are Aisling, Isabella, Nathaniel and Lukas enjoying their library tour. See you soon!

Sustainable Homes Display

Check out the wonderful entries by primary school children in the Sustainable Homes competition on display at Orange City Library supported by the Rotary Club of Orange. There are posters and models featuring a wide range of clever designs. It was part of Orange Sustainable Living Week. Congratulations to all involved.