Bectric Bush Dance
Sat 11th June, Historic Bectric Hall
Posted Wednesday, May 25, 2005
Experience it like it was!
Dancing has always been a feature of the many functions held at Bectric Hall since it was built in 1904 of Pise de Terre or commonly known as Rammed Earth Construction. The hall is classified under the National Trust and is one of only a few of its kind surviving in the whole of Australia. In 2004 as part of its centenary celebrations Bectric Hall was lovingly and carefully restored both inside and out to its original condition. It is the perfect setting to experience "bush" dancing as it might have been. Bectric is a farming community approximately 30 kilometers south west of Temora and at one time this hall was the center of that community.
The Bectric Bush Dance has been held every year at this time for the past 23 years and is organised by the Friends of Ingalba Nature Reserve with proceeds supporting the ongoing upkeep of both the Hall and the Reserve. The music is provided by Pam & Norm Merrigan from Galimore (as they have done for the past 21 years) and any visiting musos are always welcome to join in. While the dance is the focus there are also opportunities for campfire sessions and sing-a-longs and a bit of bush poetry too.
Camping is available at the Hall and those wishing to come along can get more information and a mud map of how to find it by phoning Ian Thompson 02 6973 7265. Cost of the dance and related activites is $15 per person or $30 per family. Dance goers usually bring a basket supper and BYO drinks.
On Sunday a recovery is held at Ian Thompson's farm which is nearby with a pit fire breakfast (BYO something to throw in the pan) which usually turns into lunch and there's more singing & yarning and you can also take a walk through Ingalba and experience some of the unique flora and forna.
Bectric is around 30km south west of Temora (off the Coolamon to Ariah Park Road). Temora is 469km south west of Sydney in the Riverina (turn off Hume Highway near Yass and drive west through Harden Murrumburrah). Anyone interested in coming should phone Ian and he will fax a mud map from Temora.
Contact: Ian Thompson (02) 6973 7265 or email
