www.monumentaustralia.org.au

George Edwin EdmundsPrint Page Print this page

16-August-2018
16-August-2018

Photographs supplied by John Huth

The plaque commemorates George Edwin Edmunds (1906 - 1962) and fellow pioneers of the Bellingen River. The plaque features the poem "The Last Oarsmen" which was written by Ron Edmunds for his father. 

Location

Address:Hammond & Bridge Streets, Lavender Bridge, Bellingen, 2454
State:NSW
Area:AUS
GPS Coordinates:Lat: -30.450173
Long: 152.898911
Note: GPS Coordinates are approximate.
View Google Map

Details

Monument Type:Plaque
Monument Theme:People
Sub-Theme:Settlement
Designer:Kathleen Challen

Dedication

Front Inscription

The Last Oarsmen

Dedicated to George Edwin Edmunds (1906 - 1962) and fellow pioneers of the Bellingen River.

Flood rain falls in a pattern that was familiar to his ear,
The oarsman`s sleep was light it was June a flood was near.

He arose from his bed so early donned his coat and hat to wear,
Wrapped his shoulders into a corn bag the flood of floods was there.

He listened to the wind howl he listened to the roars,
He heads towards the Council Shed he shoulders the three oars.

Now he`s at the river the truck unloads the boat,
Hundreds of wet hessian bags will assure that it will float.

The markers have gone under the bridge is no more.
The black swirling torrents race forth to battle the shore.

The oarsman is undaunted as he slides into the boat,
With his head bowed, and standing he starts into his stroke.

There were picture runs and pregnant mums there were people in distress,
Food, medicine, mail and workers who relied on the man`s caress.

For he dared to challenge the river, and for just a common bloke,
With his Log Cabin roll your own, and a bloody divine stroke.

Poem written by Ron Edmunds for his dad 2004

Memorial design by Kathleen Challen (nee Edmunds)


 

Source: MA
Monument details supplied by Monument Australia - www.monumentaustralia.org.au