Community Display | Sale VIC
Wednesday: 2 April 11am – 4pm
Community display at the Clock Tower – Sale VIC
Wednesday began with a slight delay as we encountered a traffic jam due to roadworks from the Lucknow church property to Bairnsdale. What usually is a 1 km drive into Bairnsdale ended up taking an extra 30 minutes. This meant we had to notify our contact in Sale that we would be running behind schedule, as we had hoped to arrive at the Sale church by 9:30 am to unload the caravan and then get into town to set up by 10:00 am. We also needed to refuel in Bairnsdale, which allowed us to share the story with the proprietor.
We arrived at the church just after 10 am and disconnected the caravan, getting it set up. However, Glen and the “Bubsie” trailer did not arrive until 10:30 am, as he had needed to stop to adjust the load of books in his car, as the seatbelt warning kept activating, which was quite disconcerting for him.
Several members from the Sale Church were there to greet us and show us the designated display area in town. We were quickly able to set up, and after unloading “Bubsie,” Kevin took the trailer back to the church to park for the day. We were grateful for the preparatory work done by Colin Wilson, the head elder, who had secured a wonderful display location, arranged for a half-page color article on “Bubsie” to be published in the Gippsland Times the previous week, and coordinated for a journalist to come and interview us during the morning. The local newspaper had also highlighted the display again in this week’s edition and planned to publish a report in the next issue.
As a result of the media coverage, we had a steady stream of visitors throughout the day, many of whom had read about the display in the local paper. We were able to share approximately 150 books, along with Incredible Journey leaflets and YouTube QR code program cards.
We were also delighted to meet a couple, David and Heather Harrington, who brought their 1926 Austin to see “Bubsie.” Heather had fond memories of the Austin from her childhood, and David also had a piano housed in a clocktower that he would bring out for people to play during the day.
After a busy day, we were invited to the home of Kerryn and Stan Ellis for the evening meal and accommodations. It was a welcome opportunity to refresh and relax, sharing fellowship over a lovely dinner. Kevin and Glenda then returned to the church van for the night, and we noticed the temperatures had been getting colder, so we made sure to use the feather down quilt, ensuring a comfortable night’s sleep.
