ONE simple humorous comment from the first Wambo Coal Singleton Hall of Fame Inductee, local legend Neil McNamara, summed up the significance of the occasion.
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At the end of his acceptance speech, an emotional Mr McNamara said the only other time he had been this shocked is when his wife agreed to marry him.
His comment was met with a thunderous round of applause, which turned into a standing ovation from the crowd who had gathered at the Singleton Civic Centre on Wednesday night to celebrate the achievements of this year’s inductees.
Lyn MacBain, Norman “Esky” Oldknow, the Bourke Family, Robbie Merrick and Rotary Club of Singleton on Hunter were also honoured.
The Peabody Wambo Coal Singleton Hall of Fame began in 2009 as an opportunity to recognise and celebrate individuals, community groups and families who have made significant contributions in their field of endeavour at a state, national or international level.
Unfortunately, not all the inductees are still with us, like Henry and Clive Bourke and “Esky”.
But, the ones who are, were clearly floored by the news their contributions to the community they love will be forever noted in the history books.
An emotional Lyn MacBain, who is never usually lost for words, said she had to prepare a speech in this circumstance.
“I only found out on Sunday because they were worried I would go to another meeting,” she told The Argus.
In her speech, Mrs MacBain eloquently expressed her surprise and what motivates her to “wear so many hats across many projects, causes and organisations”.
“Those who nominated me managed to keep it a secret – and I thought I knew everything in Singleton.
“It is easy to become passionate about the Singleton community and want to give back but as the other nominees know I don’t stand here alone, there is a long line of people behind me.”
Her many achievements range from being the chairman of the Tidy Towns Committee for more than 20 years and being instrumental in setting up the Upper Hunter Air Quality Network to serving on the council and her work with Singleton Family History group.
Singleton Council general manager Lindy Hyam said this year’s inductees were chosen from a strong field of candidates.
“There were four inductees in the Community Service category this year and I think that demonstrates the commitment many people in our community have to giving generously of their time and effort,” she said.
“Our community is filled with volunteers who often go unrecognised and last night we acknowledged the contributions of but a few who would be worthy of being in the Singleton Hall of Fame.
“As a member of the Hall of Fame committee, it was a real pleasure to read the stories attached to the nominations about people like Norman Dallas Oldknow – founder of the Singleton branch of the Church of England Boys Society (CEBS).
“‘Esky’, as he was affectionately known, touched the lives of many families as governor of the branch for almost three decades, providing opportunities for young boys to gain life skills, self-awareness and respect through excursions, camping trips, hikes and weekly meetings among other activities.
“Many of those who wrote in support of his nomination acknowledged that many young boys and men in Singleton may have chosen the wrong path if it were not for the efforts of Esky and the CEBS.
“To the committee, this was a true example of service to the community and I know his family must be very proud.”
Wambo Coal general manager Jason Davis said Peabody Energy was proud to support the Wambo Coal Singleton Hall of Fame.
“It was an honour to meet our 2014 inductees last night and learn about the remarkable contributions they have made to the Singleton community,” he said.
“People and organisations inducted into the Hall of Fame are recognised for their outstanding achievements and it was a pleasure to see people from all walks of life receiving that recognition.”