2 August, 2023
Hundreds flock to scenic Stonehouse
Just over 800 people descended on the Moore-based Stonehouse on the weekend of July 22 and 23 as the venue had its annual Open Day Weekend.
Each day had about 400 attendees who hitched a bus ride from the Moore Memorial Hall to the site along the D’Aguilar Highway.
The horse-drawn pie cart and sled really stole the show, particularly on the first day, and there were many timber workers including those from the Yarraman Men’s Shed.
Woodford Kilcoy Storm Imagery had a stall, as did Jodie Wade with her eye-catching quilts.
There were history books and calendars, courtesy of Friends of Stonehouse History Restoration and Conservation Inc, together with Brisbane Valley Heritage Trails Inc.
Stonehouse custodians John and Loretta Eastwood also had plenty of merchandise for sale.
Friends of Stonehouse History Restoration and Conservation Inc president Kerry Wyvill, along with wife Trish, spent time in the old galley kitchen showing the visitors how to use some of the old tools and equipment.
Stonemasons from Classical Stone Australia were in attendance, and are now working with John and Loretta in the mammoth task of rebuilding the Old Inn.
Bush poet Mick Martin was the master of ceremonies (MC) each day, and Sue Goddard gave a spinning wheel exhibition while the Sempf Girls, Tony Foran and Leon Wyvill provided music.
David and Allyson Irwin organised the clydesdales for the two days.
Sunday included the Bush Poets Breakfast, whip cracking, an oral history interview by Barry Green with Noeleen Bird, and historical reading from Elizabeth DeLacy on the life of Frank Williams.
With the photographic competition held at the Moore Soldiers Memorial Hall, first prize went to Tyson Purdie for his image titled ‘Tree of Sunsets’.
Second prize went to Sandy Anderson with ‘Rural Queensland’, and the third placegetter was Linda Howe with ‘Whispering Wheels’.
The child winner was Koby Carroll with ‘Stonehouse Sunset’.
The Stonehouse custodians said it was an amazing weekend made possible by all the volunteers and organisers, and the custodians expressed their gratitude to the volunteers, organisers and attendees.
Next year the Stonehouse will turn 150 years old, with the occasion set for July 27 and 28.
