How the reunion started
Valma McLauchlan, daughter of William McLauchlan of Villeneuve and Kathleen McCauley, daughter of Paddy McCauley of Neurum often travelled on the rail motor together during their school years. Both ladies lived in Redcliffe and met by chance one day in the late 1970s. They came up with the idea of having a reunion.
After notifying family and friends, Caboolture park, now Centenary Lakes, was chosen as the first venue in 1979. The second reunion venue was held at Ashton Park in Kilcoy. However, the weather was unkind and the gathering was given the opportunity to move to the foyer of the Kilcoy Memorial Hall.
Special mention must be made to Neta (Venita) Mitchell (nee Poole maiden name Kropp) of Villeneuve who worked tirelessly over the years to ensure the reunion continued to be held on the last Sunday of August each year.
As told by long-time reunion attendees
This year’s Villeneuve and Neurum reunion, the 42nd, that was held on the 28th of August 2022, and was a huge success with nearly 100 people attending. The museum was full of people, smiles and constant chatter. Special guests, Dr Denver Beanland and Dr Margaret Kowald both gave talks to entertain us and Woodford Historical Society President, Mr Ron Trim thanked everyone for coming, past and new residents of the areas, our volunteers who succeeded in organising the day, especially Kay and Maxine for their scrumptious morning tea and dessert baking. Everyone is looking forward to the next reunion that will be held on the 27th August 2023.
Each year, with help from MBRC Funding, we produce story boards about the history of the areas. Please enjoy the one’s we have produced over the past few years.
