Kwobrup Siding.
Courtesy https://purl.slwa.wa.gov.au/slwa_b1928977_1
Kwobrup is a townsite in the great southern agricultural region, about 340 km south east of Perth between the towns of Katanning and Nyabing. Like many wheatbelt towns, Kwobrup was first established as a railway siding on the Katanning to Nampup railway which opened in 1912.
Kwobrup Rail Siding – 2016
Photo credit: Arthur Todd
The siding was named Yellanup when the line was opened, but there was concern that the name was too like Yallingup, and there was soon pressure for a name change. The district surveyor suggested “Wollakup” as an alternative, but this was regarded as too similar to Wokalup. He then suggested “Kwobrup”, the Aboriginal name of a nearby swamp first recorded in 1905. This name was also recorded as Quaberup in 1876. A possible meaning of the name is “good place”.
The Kwobrup rail siding is still in-situ. The old railway water tank (below) was used to fill steam locomotives working the Katanning – Pingrup line and provided emergency water for fighting fires.. The railway dam is still used by local farmers for stock and firefighting water.
KWOBRUP PEOPLE
HERBERT JAMES ANDERSON
Private Herbert Anderson was the son of Gideon and Jeannie Anderson, of Polwarth, Kwobrup and was born in Portobello, Scotland.
A farmer on his parents farm, he enlisted on 12 February 1916 [2] at age 25. He was assigned to the 16th Battalion, 16th Reinforcement and the Unit embarked from Fremantle, Western Australia, on board HMAT A9 Shropshire on 31 March 1916. He was killed in action on 8 August 1916 and is buried at Villers-Bretonneux Memorial, Villers-Bretonneux, Picardie, France.
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ALAN & IVY HARRIS nee Beeck (-2000)
Ivy was born on the family farm ‘Orange Grove’ at Marracoonda, in Katanning. She married Allan Harris (c1894-) on 3 October 1929 at her family home. Allan and Ivy Allan purchased a farm in the Kwobrup area of the Gnowangerup District and named it ‘Medlo’.
The couple had six children:
Serge Lemuel (b.1931);
Morern Rutland (b. 1933);
Marolyn Jessie (b.1934);
Irma Elizabeth (b.1937);
Clim Thurchail (b.1939);
Delma Coral (b. 1940).
Ivy died on 3 October 2000, 47 years after Allan’s death, on what would have been their 70th Wedding Anniversary. She is buried beside him at the Katanning Cemetery.
Ivy’s daughter wrote:
“I do not care to write a piece about my mother as she gets coverage in Fortunes of Farming and she was not involved in community activities for several reasons. She had a large family, could not drive and was quite reserved. She blossomed when she came to Perth and mixed more with women and was active in Union of Australian Women who worked for peace and needs of women and children. They are deserving of recognition.
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CHARLES & ADA SCLATER
Charles and Ada’s son Donald found work mostly in the mallet bark and sandalwood trade. He often wrote asking his family to join him. By the end of 1914 he had taken up land in the Kwobrup area. When a war seemed a real possibility in Europe the family decided it was time to start a new life. Lillian had moved to Branscombe in Devon, England, and was happy there working on a farm as a dairy maid.
Charles, Ada and Phyllis arrived in Fremantle on 17 March 1915 – on one of the last if not the last passenger ships before the sea lanes were closed due to the commencement of hostilities. Lillian was unable to travel at that time, so had to wait until after the War. The family went to join Donald (Sclater) and help him pioneer his farm for a few years.
Phyllis later recalled that they survived on kangaroo and rabbit during this time. Later the family moved into Gnowangerup (prior to 1926) and Charles established a garden in Gnowangerup near the railway line near where the chemist shop now stands. He also began working at Telyarup for Mr. H.O. Timms. Every Saturday morning Charles would bring a cart full of vegetables to be sold in the town.
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FREDERICK & PHYLLIS JOAN MARY FLANAGAN nee SCLATER
Frederick and Phyllis arrived in Australia with her parents Ada and Charles Sclater (see above) on 17 March 1915 aboard the last passenger ship to leave the United Kingdom for Western Australia before World War One began, which stopped all such shipping.
The family lived on a farm at Kwobrup for some time, existing mainly on kangaroo and rabbit. Phyllis married Frederick ‘Fred’ Flanagan. Fred was born in 1905. They had one child, Nigel.
Phyllis was a long time member of the CWA, her name first mentioned at the tenth anniversary, and was still a member in 1993. (Pearl p 39) Fred died in 1974. Phyllis died in 1999 and both were buried at the Gnowangerup Cemetery.
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LAMP FAMILY
Walter Thomas Lamp and Gladys Cockerell were married on the 10th of January 1927 in Baptist Manse, Katanning, Western Australia. The couple’s son, Walter Francis (Frank) Lamp, was born on the 15th of August 1927 in Victoria Park. Walter became a farmer and a freeholder of house and land at part Lot 40, Kwobrup. Continue reading
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CLARE NEWBEY nee HOLM
From Merilyn Stewart (via Email)
Part One
Life at Kwobrup c1912-c1921
Clara (known as Clare) Monica Martha Newbey nee Holm was born on 11 October 1905 at her parent’s residence at 12 Smythe Road in Subiaco. Her father Albert Helga Holm (1866-1941) was born at Bornholm Island in Denmark and was orphaned at the age of 12.
Care’s mother, Elizabeth Anna nee Stook (1881- ) was born in South Australia. Both of her parents and a brother died during an epidemic. The remaining three brothers and four sisters were split up – the boys (Will, Arthur and Alf) sent to work and the girls (Flo, Nell and Clare) were cared for by grandparents. The grandparents found they could not manage and the girls went into an orphanage. Clara was adopted aged 4. All of her siblings survived and lived long lives.
Elizabeth and Albert most likely met in the Subiaco area where Elizabeth lived and Albert was working. They were married on Christmas Eve in 1904. Clare was born in October 1905, her brother Arthur was born c1907 and younger brother Lou c1910.
At that time‘The government was urging men to go on the land and opening up the country at a cheap price.’ (Clare) Her father ‘wanted to own more than a house and be his own boss.’ About 1913 when Clare was aged eight, Clare’s parents sold the family home and furniture to buy a thousand acre virgin bush block at South Kwobrup (about 17 miles/27 kilometres). Albert named the property ‘Quondong Plains’. They also purchased a team of horses, a plough, stripper and winnower. Read the full story HERE
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MARKENAN (MARK) RING
Markenan (Mark) Ring was born about 1885 in Wagin, Western Australia and died at Kwobrup in March of 1933. He was the son of Michael Ring and Caroline Karinan. He enlisted for World War One on November 13, 1917, giving his sister, Eliza Tussler, as next-of-kin, and was discharged March 1918 as medically unfit with arteriosclerosis originating before his enlistment. Continue reading
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WILLIAM ALFRED GILL
William Alfred Gill was born in 1880 in Pickering, Yorkshire to William Gill and Sabina (Bellairs) Gill. He immigrated to Katanning about 1906 and died there aged 77 years on 22 November 1957. He is buried in the Katanning Cemetery (Methodist plot 346). He married Amy Louisa Haddleton (nee Quartermaine) on 8 May 1930 at Plantagenet.
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AMY GILL (Nee Quartermaine)
OBITUARY
The Southern Districts Advocate
12 May 1930 – P2
The news of the tragically-sudden death of Mrs Amy Gill, wife of Mr William Gill, of Kwobrup, came as a severe shock to the whole community on Thursday last. It was indeed difficult to realise that she, who had been respected and honoured by all for her bright and sunny disposition and pleasant smile, would be met no more on this terrestrial sphere.
On Wednesday evening she was in her usual spirits and was enjoying a game of cards up till about 10 o’clock, when she retired to bed. Shortly after she complained of not feeling well, and quickly became unconscious. Mr Gill rushed off for a neighbour (Mrs Sam Kemble), and then hurried to Badgebup to ring for a physician.
Dr Pope arrived as soon as possible, but the patient was beyond human aid, and passed peacefully away at 4 o’clock on Thursday morning. Deceased was a daughter of Mr Eli Quartermaine, one of the very earliest of the original settlers in this district. She was born at Mean Mahn, close to Katanning, 45 years ago.
She married William Haddleton, a son of another of the earliest pioneers. There are three children of the union grown up and residing in the district. Her first husband died some six years ago, and about eight months back she married Mr Wm. Gill, and had since lived at Kwobrup, Her father and five brothers and five sisters survive as well as her bereaved husband. Deceased had for some time not been her usual robust self, but nothing serious was looked for.
The funeral took place on Friday afternoon, the service at the Church being conducted by the Rev. Father Reidy, while the Rev. Father Gilroy officiated at the graveside,, and Mr J. Squiers had charge of the mortuary arrangements. The pall bearers were Messrs W. E., E. M., and F. Cronin, Wm. Grover, Bruce Hobart, and S. Kemble. There was a large gathering of relatives and friends, and a host of floral and other tributes.
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WEDDINGS
MARRIAGE.
The Daily News
5 November 1919 – P4
ROSS-BRUCE. – At the Manse, 19 Wright Street, Perth, by the Rev. W. J. Crean, William, eldest son of William and Christina Ross, of “Ardmohr,” Kwobrup, East Katanning, W.A., late of Edinburgh, Scotland to Agnes Johnston, elder daughter of Dr. M. Bruce and Mrs. Bruce, of Ashington, Northumberland, England. Scottish papers please copy.
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KWOBRUP HALL
Ed.: In the newspaper reports below there is several mentions of the “Kwobrup Hall”. Would anyone have any information or photographs of this hall? If so, I would love to hear from you.
I can be contacted by email: admin@lostkatanning.au
or you can complete and submit our “Can you help?” form.
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SOUTH KWOBRUP SCHOOL
From Merilyn Stewart
GNOWANGERUP HISTORY
Pupils who attended South Kwobrup School included Clara, Arthur and Louis Holm; Roy Hinkley; Kathleen, Mabel and Vincent McDonald; Marjorie Hills and Phyllis Sclater. Later Arthur, Ethel Ruth and Ivy Wise.
It closed in 1921 due to low numbers. In 1926 an attempt to start another South Kwobrup School but did not come to fruition.
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RAIL SIDING
The Kwobrup rail siding was one of several installed along the Katanning-Nampup (Nyabing) railway line when it was constructed.
In 1961, the WAGR was concerned about farmers helping themselves to the water collected in the railway dam. Kwobrup, being roughly half way between Katanning and Nyabing, the water was needed to top up the steam locomotives that provided the motive power for the trains. A letter was received by the president of the Kwobrup Badgebup Progress Association, H. R. Nagel, as follows.
WESTERN AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT RAILWAYS
SD.295/53
District Engineer’s Office,
Narrogin
20 March 1961
Mr. H.R. Nagel,
Hon. Secretary,
Kwobrup Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade,
Dear Sir,
Further to your telephone conversation with me last Thursday evening. I have been unable to finalise anything until today, as the District Loco Superintendent, Narrogin was away in Albany. However I am pleased to advise that he and I are willing to withdraw, police proceedings against Mr. R. Hersey for taking water without authority.
The District Loco Superintendent contends that all and sundry have been taking water from the Kwobrup water crane, at the rate of about 10,000 gallons per week and seriously inconveniencing our services, and could lead to locos running out of water.
Also, at times, the water crane has been left swinging out across the main line and, but for vigilance of train crews, there could have been an accident. This cannot continue on the present unsatisfactory basis. As you are aware, water can be sold departmentally at 5/- per 1000 gallons on approach to the Station Master at Katanning, but undoubtedly, a lot of water has been stolen as all taken was not used for fire fighting purposes.
He and I would not object to the local farmers pumping direct from the dam to their water transports as there is normally plenty of water available, but in future no water is to be taken from the Water crane without authority, except in a matter of grave emergency for fire fighting. Then the approximate amount of water taken is to be advised to the Station Master qt Katanning, so that he can arrange additional pumping.
A separate pumping scheme absolutely separate from the railway supply seems indicated. The District Loco Superintendent, Narrogin intends to remove the railway diesel pump for relief purposes immediately traffic ceases shortly so water would not be available over the winter months until next January. It would be hardly economical for you to then re-couple up your own pumping unit for little use.
it is a pity that we have to take this course to protect Railway interests, but the settlers have largely brought it on themselves.
Yours faithfully,
D. J. Lampard,
District Engineer
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KWOBRUP RED CROSS
RED CROSS GIFT EVENING
Great Southern Herald
2 October 1915 – P4
Stewart Longmire entertained a large company in their commodious new house at Gidgelbarrup, Badgebup, at a “Gift Evening” for the Badgebup Red Cross Working Party. Between 70 and 80 people attended, and a most enjoyable evening was spent in music, games, and dancing, musical items being given by some of the guests. Between 11 and 12 a sumptuous supper was provided, at which visitors sat down in relays.
Before the close of the evening, Mr. Sam Kemble, in the name of all present, thanked Mr. and Mrs. Longmire for their hospitality and the enjoyable time spent and at the conclusion of his speech musical honors were accorded. The following friends brought gifts, a list of which will appear later on:
Mrs. O. A. Caldwell, Mr. and Mrs. Asplin and family, Mr. and Mrs. Hood, Mrs., Miss, and Mr. G. M. Joy, Mr. and Mrs. Washington, Mr. and Mrs. C. H. Flugge, Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Warren, Mr. and Mrs. Parnell, Mr. and Mrs, Hale, Mr. and Mrs. W. Martyn, Mr. and Mrs. J. Toms, Mr. and Mrs. Winneke, Mr. and. Mrs. F. H. Flugge and family, Mr. and Mrs. J. Robertson, Mr. and Mrs. Warren, Mr. and Mrs. M. Longmire, the Misses Simper, Klem, Sander, and Henderson, Messrs. Kemble, H. Jones, A. Thomson, R. Hale, W. Winneke, A. Pierce, and W. Longmire. Several parcels were left without names attached.
Cash donations were given by Mr. and Mrs Turner, Mr. Bain and family, Messrs. G. and. E. Goodchild, and H. Price. A nail driving competition^brought in 12s. 6d_, and sale of cakes (Mrs. S. W. Longmire), 6s. 3d.
KWOBRUP NOTES
Great Southern Herald
20 October 1915 – P3
A social evening, at which nearly 100 residents of Kwobrup, Badgebup, and surrounding districts were present, was held in the Kwobrup Hall last Friday night for the purpose of aiding the ladies of the Kwobrup branch of the Red Cross Society in their patriotic work. Songs, recitations, and dance were the order of the evening, which was a decided success. Good fellowship, and patriotic spirit having no little part in making it so.
A dainty supper was provided by the ladies and, it was not till 4 a.m., that a most enjoyable function was brought to a close. A series of sales of gifts and flowers bestowed by the various residents realised £5 12s 6d, and with £3 17s 6d taken at the door, the very creditable sum of £9 10s was handed over to the Association.
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SPORT
FOOTBALL
Kwobrup Notes
Football Matters
Southern Districts Advocate
5 June 1922 – P3
A meeting was held in the Kwobrup hall on Saturday 27th, for the purpose of forming a club. Mr Jack Fairclough was in the chair and presided over a goodly attendance, being one of the best meetings yet held in the hall. Mr Tylor was elected secretary, and Mr Jim Fairclough president, with Mr Chipper vice-president, and Mr Nagel as patron.
It is possible for the East to get four teams, thus enabling an association to be formed. Owing to the long distances to travel it was agreed to meet the Lakes team at Nyabing. Rockwell is forming a team, so that there should be lively times out at the eastern centre this season. The only drawback being the absence of the usual pub where accommodation and refreshers may be had.
It was agreed to hold a social and dance at the Kwobrup hall on the 10th for the purpose of raising some spondulix and to hold a meeting of the association.
As there is a lot of old blood to mix in with the younger players, and as sport is scarce, there should be a good season ahead of the association.
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ROAD BOARD
Katanning Road Board.
VISIT OF INSPECTION.
KWOBRUP ROAD CLOSURE
Tambellup Times
1 March 1919 – P2
On Wednesday, the chairman of the Board, Mr. Robert L. Richardson, together with the supervisor, Mr. Hewson; Mr. Garstone, member for the West Ward; Mr. B. G. Green, Central Ward; and Mr. W. H. Forbes, Moojebing Ward, went on a tour of inspection through the district east of Katanning as far as Nyabing.
Starting in good time in the morning the party, in Mr. Richardson’s and the Board’s cars, first inspected the bridge on the Badgebup Road spanning the creek at Reimer’s crossing. This bridge was erected by the Board under the direction of the foreman, Mr. J. Thompson, and reflects great credit on all concerned. It was a most necessary undertaking as the crossing was a most dangerous one in the winter months.
The next place visited was the railway crossing near Mr. Ogden’s; where gravelling had been requisitioned by the neighboring settlers. On inspection it was decided to recommend the work.
The party proceeded to Wernup Siding, where a bad piece of road was inspected across which wheat had to be carted to the siding. Gravelling for this road was also decided to be necessary.
The next place visited was the Badgebup dam, where the party was met by Mr. Sam Kemble, who pointed out the site of the proposed dip to be constructed by the Badgebup Progress Association. In this case it was decided to obtain further particulars and a plan of the proposed work.
At the Badgebup Store the party was augmented by the East Ward members, Messrs. Oliver Caldwell and A. McD. Sargent, and proceeded to Kwobrup where it was met by a deputation of settlers in connection with a closure of road which had been objected to. Messrs. G. Anderson and Kingswood, on behalf of the deputation urged the closure of the road, which they said was unnecessary. Mr. E. J. Brown being the only objector.
Before proceeding to inspect the road the matter of fencing on the Badgebup dam was discussed. Mr. Richardson explained that the Public Works Department had refused to net the dam. It was pointed out how dangerous it was to have the dam in close proximity to the public school without adequate protection against accident, and Mr. Richardson said he would again refer the matter to the Department.
On inspection, the party decided that the Kwobrup road in question was unnecessary and would recommend its closure.
Whilst in the vicinity, the road cut by Mr. F. T. R. Piesse, at his own expense, to connect with his property at Wallacup was inspected and it was decided to recommend that route of same be protected. Also, that a deviation be made in the Wallacup Road to miss the rough hills between the Kwobrup Road and Mr. Piesse’s road.
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FROM NEWSPAPERS
NYABING AND KWOBRUP
BANKING UNION.
Sunday Times
7 November 1915 – P6
These branches are about to form a banking union to obtain advances to purchase fertilisers for cash and to obtain advances on wheat stacked on the farm and at sidings, so that they may keep- control of their produce as long as possible. The security to the bank to be a collective guarantee. These farmers realise that the driving force must come from themselves and that organisation of forces alone can give relief.
TENDERS ACCEPTED FOR CONVEYANCE OF MAILS
Western Australia.
KWOBRUP MAIL TENDER ACCEPTED
Commonwealth of Australia Gazette
22 January 1920 – Issue 6 – P63
Tender 129. Katanning-Kuringup-Lake Pingarnup, via Dyliabing, R. Turner’s, R. P. F., 141-Mile Gate, Nyabing, Shield’s, G. Sanderson’s, Jolly’s (Pingarup), Lowe’s, Mayor’s, Deacon’s, Blundy Bros., Holland’s Tank, Nyabing, Curran’s Soak, Kwobrup, Badgebup, Wornup, Ewlyamartup, weekly, by spring vehicle.
H. Barrett, Katanning, £206 16s. per annum, three years, terminating 31st December, 1922.
Kwobrup
HARVEST FESTIVAL.
Great Southern Herald
5 April 1922 – P2
On Sunday, March 26, the Presbyterians at Kwobrup, ably assisted by the Badgebup Choir, held their annual festival at the Kwobrup Hall, which had been beautifully decorated for the occasion. The very numerous donations of fruit, etc., displayed in the hall, were of splendid quality and did credit to the districts where they were grown.
During the evening, regret was expressed that the Rev. Mr. Hipwell had decided to leave the State and the large circle of friends he had made in the district.
KWOBRUP
Great Southern Herald
1 April 1922 – P2
The concert given in the Kwobrup Hall list Monday evening for the purpose of assisting the Hall Piano Fund proved a great success, both from a financial and social standpoint. The hall was filled to its utmost capacity, and the large audience was treated to a most delightful concert by Katanning and local artists. The Rev. C. E. Hipwell acted in the capacity of chairman.
Amongst the most notable of those who contributed to the evening’s harmony may be mentioned Mr. and Mrs. J. D. Shaw, and Messrs. J. Anderson, G. S. Anderson, R. Scott, W. J. Cobb, Mr. Guthrie playing the accompaniments and Miss Margaret Archer assisting with the dance music.
From number present of those from Haggisland the evening might, in truth, have been called a Scots’ night, although Mr. J. Anderson was the only one who had donned the kilt. Mr. G. S. Anderson surprised and delighted the audience with the richness and of his repertoire and was called upon at least a dozen times to oblige the company. At the conclusion of the musical portion of the evening the hall was cleared for dancing, which was continued until milking time.
Proposed Kent Road Board
MEETING AT KWOBRUP.
Great Southern Herald
1 April 1922 – P3
(Contributed.)
In response to invitations issued by the Katanning Road Board to the various local bodies, there was a large and representative gathering at the Kwobrup Hall on Thursday, March 25th. Mr. Sanderson, who was accompanied from Katanning by Mr. Geo. McLeod, chairman, and various members of the Katanning Road Board, briefly outlined the reason of his presence, and called upon Mr. Gaby, of Nyabing, to state his views.
It was soon very evident that the bone of contention lay in the finalising of the West boundary of the proposed Kent Board. Mr. Gaby said that in his opinion the alteration the Department had seen fit to make in the line would not leave sufficient revenue to maintain a new Board.
Mr. Gaby was borne out in his remarks by Mr. Biltoft, of Kwobrup, who stated, as a representative of Kwobrup, that he was quite satisfied with the treatment handed out by the Katanning Board, and unless more of the western territory could be allotted to the proposed Board, he could not support the movement. He moved that the meeting express itself in favour of the formation of the proposed Kent Road Board District, provided the original boundary line be adhered to. The motion was ruled out of order by Mr. Sanderson, as the Badgebup ratepayers had petitioned to be allowed to remain in the Katanning Road Board district.
Mr. Nagel briefly supplemented the previous speaker’s remarks, pointing out that if the Badgebup area could be included in the proposed Kent district, there would be about £840 per annum to spend upon roads, etc., whereas under the proposed rearrangement of boundary, there would less than £600 available, which would not provide sufficient revenue for the purpose.
The representatives of the further eastern districts were exceedingly keen upon going on with the formation of the proposed Road district, and were ably supported by the chairman of the Katanning Board, who spoke empathetically of the difficulties and disadvantages being bravely faced the eastern settlers.
As delegates were unable to agree upon the formation of the proposed Road district, Mr. Nagel moved that the area to be embraced by such formation be included in the new ward under the Katanning Board, and styled the Kent Ward. Mr. Sanderson agreed to this proposal, and stated he had no doubt that it would prove the precursor of the Kent Road district.
During the afternoon Mr. Sanderson was successful in arranging the transfer of certain territory from the Katanning Board to the Dumbleyung Board. The meeting concluded with votes of thanks to Messrs. Sanderson and McLeod, to which both gentlemen suitably responded.
Katanning – Pingrup Railway showing the position of Kwobrup Siding
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FROM MEMBERS
From Linley Filmer (via Facebook)
My father, Eric Page, always talked about filling the steam engine at Kwobrup and other water tanks along the line. In later years my husband, Wal Filmer, carted water from the Kwobrup dam, later a huge tank was installed, to water stock in a drought year.
From Merilyn Stewart (via Facebook)
My Grandparents settled there first. It was quite a thriving community c1910-1930 when more hands were needed on farms. Evidently it was intended that a town would be built there.I do have copies of records from Kwobrup but they are handwritten and need to be deciphered and typed…anyone up for it? Lol!
From Merv Goodchild (via Facebook)
Family farm at Badgebup , carted water from there many of times in the old days.
From Susan Ford (via Facebook)
I lived up the road from there, Arthur, in 1962 to 1964
From Glenys Waldhuter (via Facebook)
The water from the dam and tank was a saviour for us in our farming days at Badgebup
From Gary Boreham (via Facebook)
We stopped there to get water in the steam engine on our way to Nyabing with super, when I was a kid with my old man. Plenty of memories on those trips.
Kwobrup Siding. Kwobrup Siding. Kwobrup Siding. Kwobrup Siding. Kwobrup Siding. . Kwobrup Siding. . Kwobrup Siding. Kwobrup Siding. Kwobrup Siding. Kwobrup Siding.