Tourello Avenue of Honour

In 1920 the Tourello School Avenue of Honour Committee planted an avenue of walnut trees along the school road. The avenue starts at the site of the school and contains 45 trees honouring each person on the 1914 – 1918 Tourello School Honour Roll, together with other servicemen having a connection to the district.

The opening ceremony for the Avenue of Honour was held on Friday 30th July 1920. The ceremony commenced with each tree being planted by a near relative or special friend of each serviceman. The large gathering of residents and guests then returned to the school grounds for the opening ceremony.

The official party included Sir Alex and Lady Peacock (the local State Member), Councillor William McDougall of Ascot (representing the Ballarat Shire), Councillor P. Rowe (Mayor of Clunes), Mr. James Troup of the Avenue Committee and Mr Thomas Cantwell (returned soldier, headmaster of the school and secretary of the Avenue Committee). Also present was Mr. R. Grenfell who was the first scholar to enter the Tourello School, in 1865.

In his introductory remarks Mr. Troup said the Avenue of Honour committee considered it fortunate that walnut trees had been obtained as, while they are slow growing, these trees were hard of wood and long of life. As the trees were already six years old it was envisaged that with care and attention the trees should flourish and grow strong and hardy. This prediction has proven accurate as the trees have flourished for more than 100 years.

In performing the opening ceremony Sir Alex Peacock expressed the great pleasure it gave he and Lady Peacock to be present at the occasion. He believed the Avenue of Honor was a fitting tribute to the lads who had returned, and to those who would never return. It was his hope that the boys and girls of the school would consider it their own special privilege to care for the trees and encourage their growth in every way. In this way the memory of the boys, and all they had done, would be evergreen. 

Councillor McDougall on behalf of the Ballarat Shire said that the Avenue of Honor was considered to be a valuable addition to the shire. He hoped that other movements of a like nature would be started, to honor the boys and beautify the country.

Councillor Rowe moved a vote of thanks, which was heartily supported, to Mr. and Mrs. Troup for all they had done in connection with the avenue. In responding Mr. Troup indicated he and Mrs. Troup should not be singled out for special thanks as all those who had taken part had spared no efforts or labour to make the avenue a success. He indicated the committee would be pleased to receive the names of anyone who would like to give a tree in memory of a soldier, relative or friend.

• Clunes Guardian and Gazette; 13th August 1920 https://trove.nla.gov.au/search