Feeding an army, Coo-ee's local connection
Dubbo Regional CouncilWellington Times - October 23 2015 - 8:00AM
A former Wellington man is a quartermaster and a cook for the weary foot sloggers on the Coo-ee Re-enactment March.
Rob Blake says the old quartermaster in the military is just what he is here, looking after the provision of supplies and logistics.
But he is also chief cook, feeding an army.
"I am pretty weary. We begin about 3am and organise the food for the guys and finish about 9pm at night. Probably not as tired as the walkers, but it's a long day,'' Mr Blake said as he was organising the set up at Geurie for the 36 men and women, aged from 20 to 76, who arrived at the Memorial Hall to waving crowds of locals and school children.
"Coo-ee, Coo-ee" the children sang out as the modern day force marched into one of the many towns just like they did a century ago.
Leighton Trudgett from Cobar said it was a honour and deep privilege to be retelling the story of the young men who gave service to their country in World War 1
''This is a once in a lifetime experience to follow in the footsteps of their historic journey. Myself and my brother are lucky to be here.'' he said.
One of the organizers Anne Bywater said the community support along the way was incredible.
''The folk have stopped our marchers on the roads, in the streets amazing.'' she said.
The foot weary men and women left Gilgandra Saturday and feet blisters have been the big problem.
''St Johns Ambulance is here to help the walkers with their general health. There have been a number of blistered feet. Some so bad fluid has rained from their feet. But they might be weary but their resolve is fantastic.'' she said
Mr Blake said he was infantry man and volunteered to help mate Brian Bywater.
He said the community had donated whole sheep, chickens and paid tribute to the organization of the event by the Bywaters.
''We feed the army here with plenty of meat, bacon and sausages, corn beef salad and plenty of ice boxes I made up in Orange.
''He joked the stews and food was a lot better than the original men could afford or have.
''There is no Goanna stew or rabbit stew. A good old Irish stew is the closest we can get.'' he said.
The Coo-ee Recruit Re-enactment held a Memorial and street parade in Wellington on Thursday night and will be at the Mumbil School at 2pm Friday, 4pm at Stuart Town and on Saturday at the Euchareena Soldiers Memorial Hall.
https://www.wellingtontimes.com.au/story/3442393/feeding-an-army-coo-ee…
