Samford 100 event to celebrate community’s centenary

THIS year marks 100 years since the true beginning of Samford as a village and the still tight-knit community plans to celebrate with three weeks of festivities.

Historic buildings at Samford District Historical Museum. Photo: Dominika Lis

THIS year marks 100 years since the true beginning of Samford as a village and the still tight-knit community plans to celebrate with three weeks of festivities.

Samford RSL president Mark Orreal is one of the community leaders spearheading the Samford 100 festival, which will run from October 20 until November 11.

And it’s no coincidence the celebrations end on Remembrance Day. The festival will mark a number of centenaries for the area, but the end of WWI was a catalyst for the Samford residents and visitors love today.

“On June 29, 1918, the train came to Samford. In this year, O’Hara’s Hotel shifted from the former CSIRO land to its present location, two community halls (Public Hall and Farmers Hall) were erected and fettler’s cottages were built for the railway workers. In 1918, a village was formed as servicemen and servicewomen returned from war,” Mark says.

“People moved out here, people were given land to work the land and become self-sufficient and start local businesses.”

The end of WWI was key to the Village’s development and the community has done its best to honour the Diggers who made the ultimate sacrifice and those who returned.

Samford RSL president Mark Orreal sits at the Samford Avenue of Honour. Photo: Dominika Lis

The Samford Avenue of Honour was opened on Anzac Day in 2015 and will be the location for two Samford 100 events.

The community and three levels of government came together to create the memorial, which will host A Night of Remembrance on November 10 and Remembrance Day commemorations.

Other highlights of the festival include a Wellbeing Trail and Picnic on October 20, Farmer’s Hall: Another Night to Remember ball on October 27, A Festival in the Park on November 3, Centenary of WWI armistice: Samford Valley church services on November 4, Samford Valley Markets on November 10, and Remembrance Day commemorations on November 10 and 11.

For details visit samford100.com.au

The opening of the railway line to Samford in 1918. Photo supplied by Samford District Historical Museum.

SAMFORD 100 HIGHLIGHTS

● Wellbeing Trail and Picnic: Health-related businesses in Samford Village and picnic at John Scott Park, October 20, to educate people about healthier and happier lifestyles

● Farmer’s Hall: Another Night to Remember ball to celebrate the hall’s centenary, October 27

● Festival in the Park: John Scott Park and Alan Cash Park, November 3. Free community event with stage entertainment, makers markets, rides, family activities, military demonstrations, free museum entry

● Centenary of WWI armistice: Samford Valley church services, November 4

● Samford Valley Markets: St Paul’s Church markets, November 10

● A Night of Remembrance moving tribute to our Diggers: Big screen display of images from the State Library of Queensland’s collection accompanied by music from the soundtrack by Queensland Symphony Orchestra Ensemble, November 10, Samford Avenue of Honour

● Remembrance Day: Service at the Samford Avenue of Honour with fly-past of Wirraway aeroplanes at 500ft and Queensland Mounted Infantry Troop representing the 2nd Light Horse Regiment, November 11 at 10.30am