By Jo Tomic, St Marys Town Centre Manager

St Marys is truly fortunate to have remarkable community figures.

Remembering Norma Thorburn

Mrs St Marys, Norma Thorburn, passed away earlier this year. Norma had dedicated many years to the Spring Festival, at a time when things were quite different from today. The parade would see over 30 entrants, with everyone eager to participate. 

It was essential for us to honour Norma at this year’s Spring Festival. Her dedication to St Marys was clear through her enthusiastic involvement in the local Historical Society. The list of her contributions and accomplishments could easily fill a book.

Acknowledging Robert Brown 

Robert has also significantly contributed to the Spring Festival. A few years back, when we mentioned our challenges in filling the parade with participants, Robert took it upon himself to encourage clubs, schools, and sporting organisations to join in the festivities. He soon discovered that this mission was more challenging than he initially anticipated.

When we shared our concerns that safety issues might prevent us from proceeding, we proposed involving the Model A Ford Club of NSW at Coachmans Park. Robert enthusiastically seized the opportunity and successfully organised the display of 12 cars, which was very well received and generated a great deal of interest.

Robert also enjoyed the honour of driving in the parade with Norma seated beside him. He mentioned that children in the crowd could be heard shouting,

“It’s the Queen!”