Some History (Photo attached)
As we have some newer members in our group, we thought it might be appropriate to mention how our association started. Back in 1976 Lucy Bathurst (Crowe) realised that with the demise of Yallourn, a lot of the friendships that had been established in the town and at the Yallourn High School would be lost as there was no activity which would bring these people back together again. In conjunction with June Jardine ( Blenkiron), the birth of Y.O.G.A. was conceived and has continued to grow ever since. It must be said that this group has really lived up to its expectations as most of the early committee members still turn up for the annual functions.
One of the early supporters of Y.O.G.A. was former high school teacher Nell Wynd. Nell started teaching in Yallourn in 1940 and after marrying fellow teacher, Ian Wynd, left the teaching ranks in 1950. A very accomplished pianist, she was often featured as guest soloist with the local orchestra in concerts at the Yallourn Theatre. Ian continued teaching up until their departure from Yallourn with Nell continuing to be involved with the C.W.A. and various other organisations of which she was a member. The couple left Yallourn in 1959, moving to Geelong where they raised three sons. Nell returned to teaching and revisited the Y.O.G.A. dinner as guest speaker on one occasion. Ian continued teaching, ending up as Senior Lecturer at Deakin University in Geelong. Sadly both Nell and Ian have since passed on, but their contribution to the many students of the Yallourn High School is widely recognised within our membership.
Some History…….
Some original committee members together with Nell Wynd who was one of the early guest