Eric and Allan Cumming

Road has been realigned since the memorial trees were planted but memorial now outside the 'Stonelea' property.

When Eric Cumming and his brother Allan signed up in WW1 the local community planted a tree for each of the men. One tree died and one tree lived. The tree planted for Eric lived and Eric came back from the war, married and had five children (I am one of his 15 grandchildren). The tree planted for Allan died. As did he, killed fighting in Europe.

Some years ago (maybe 15-20) the owner of 'Stonelea' resort asked our family about the significance of the remaining tree. When he was told about it he suggested that a replacement tree be planted for Allan and that plaques set on rocks be positioned by the trees. Our family readily agreed and gave the details of the men's names, ranks etc. and consequently a tree was planted, the plaques were made, rocks positioned and plaques attached.

There was no formal ceremony, George Watkins (Stonelea) just 'got on with the job' and we now have two trees and two plaques. The family is pleased about this as in 2005 the family farm on Connelly's Crk. Rd. was sold and in 2015 the last of Eric's children (my father) died. At least now there is some record of  two men from Connelly's Crk. Rd. Acheron who served in WW1.