The Mayor's Column
With swords drawn, bayonets fixed, drums beating, bands playing and colours flying, HMAS Penguin celebrated the 65th year of its commission and Right to Exercise the Freedom of Entry into the Municipality of Mosman, with a march down Military Road and onto the Allan Border Oval for the ceremonial salute to the residents of Mosman and Mayoral inspection of the Guard. The music was stirring and the sight magnificent as the Navy personnel carried out their exercise as part of the Mosman Festival Parade this year.
The Festival, in its third year after an abeyance of about 20 years, has again brought the community together in a spirit of camaraderie and fun. Sixteen residents of Glen Innes, including the Mayor, Deputy Mayor and a Councillor, travelled down to march in our parade and strengthen the true ties of friendship between our communities
The Festival formally began on Friday 26 October with a spectacularly successful evening at the Mosman Art Gallery and Community Centre. Over 400 people attended the opening of four special exhibitions.
- The Photography Competition, with prizes for professional and amateur photographers of all ages, judged by Max Dupain and opened by Paul Delprat, Principal of Julian Ashton Art School.
- Ken Done, well-known artist and local identity opened the Mosman Art Society Festival Exhibition, Mosman Moments, a variety of impressions of our beautiful suburb by local artists. We are very grateful to Ken Done for his generous donation of the colourful artwork adorning our Festival banners and brochures.
- The Glen Innes stained glass window, which now graces the window in the upstairs gallery, was crafted by a group of Glen Innes Aboriginal women in workshops led by artists Greville Wilton and Geoff Manning and is a gift in recognition of the Friendship Agreement we share with that community. This very beautiful piece tells a traditional Dreamtime story of the local area.
- Mini Cricket Bat Decorating display, with year 4 and 5 students from Glen Innes and Mosman schools painting their colourful and imaginative designs on mini bats.
Saturday’s Shopping Bonanza and Busking Competition enlivened our business area.
Sunday’s Parade showcased locals groups, including sports, ballet schools, Art Gallery volunteers, Historical Society, Mosman Musical Society, Mosman Home Gardeners, Gumnuts from Nutcote, McLeod Pipe Band, vintage cars and motorbikes. I was lucky enough to ride in the parade on Michael Crosbie’s Harley Davidson.
People munched on Fabulous Food while admiring the artists Painting in the Park, watching pets perform for Pet’s Day Out, learning about our Emergency Services, listening to the Concert in the Park and talent Quest, cheering on the cricket teams in the 20/20 match and the kids enjoyed face painting, crafts and meeting baby farm animals. There are still many of the 45 events left to enjoy, including:
Friday 2 November:
- Children’s Fair on the Alan Border Oval and Dance Party for over 55’s at the Senior’s Centre, City of Sydney Wind Ensemble in Concert
Saturday 3 November:
- Rawson Park Open Junior Tennis Championships
- Peter and The Wolf, Mosman Symphony Orchestra
Details in the Mosman Daily and on Council’s Festival website www.mosmanfestival.info
Cr Denise Wilton, Mayor of Mosman
