President’s & AGM Report, 2024

We have had another year with a full program of activities and many people have participated and enjoyed them.

In April we undertook something new with a two-day outing - our Trip to the North. The town of Laura was the base for our visit to the Appila and Booleroo districts, and for some this was their first time in this area. The locals welcomed us, the accommodation at the North Laura Hotel was very good, and the fellowship between participants was enjoyable. And I hope that those in the group also learnt a lot of the history of this area.

Our History Festival talk in May was once again well received. Geoff Saegenschnitter presented an interesting story of the two Biar brothers who emigrated in 1854 – one to South Australia and one to America. His success at reconnecting with the American relatives is fascinating.

In June Garry Eckermann gave us an account of two Pech brothers who served in the Australian Army in World War One. His detailed research of military records was outstanding.

The Saturday lunches we have organised at various hotels have continued to prove popular as people enjoyed meeting socially. In October we met at the Norwood Hotel, in February at the Hyde Park Hotel, and in July at the Parkside Hotel.

In March I attended the unveiling of the plaque on Pastor Kappler’s grave at Mt Gambier. A detailed report of this occasion and of Pastor Kappler’s life and work can be found in our latest newsletter. Our society shared the cost of the plaque with the Wendish Heritage Society and the Lutheran Church at Mt Gambier.

The linden tree we planted at Peters Hill has survived its first summer, thanks to help from the Friends of Peters Hill Church who ensured it had sufficient water as it established itself. Our committee saw that it was fitting to thank them by supporting their current project to rebuild the vestry on the church with a donation. This fits with our society’s objective 2d: to assist local communities to identify and preserve significant local sites, structures and artefacts relating to Wend/Sorb history in South Australia.

Our newsletter continues to advertise our meetings and provide information about Wendish history and culture. We always welcome any contributions. Andrew Kollosche continues to maintain our website which contains many interesting items. We thank him for this.

What about our booklet about the Wends in South Australia, you ask? It is at the final stage, and I am confident you will see it next year.

Finally, I wish to thank all the members of our committee for the time and effort they willingly give. We must especially thank our efficient Secretary Pauline Burger, our reliable Treasurer Leona Coleman, and our book salesperson Ruth Walter, for their extra work. And we are always looking for new members to come onto the committee.

Lyall Kupke
18 Aug 2024