Sunshine
Valley News

July 24,
2001

Page 7

Tribute to Palmwoods Residents Vera & Les Herse:
a life of community service rewarded

VERA and Les Herse of Palmwoods (pictured above) were among the many recipients who were rewarded with Certificates of Appreciation at a special morning tea held to honour volunteers on July 10. Nominated by the Palmwoods Progress Association, the Herses have been extremely active in the Palmwoods community for more than 50 years, both belonging to, actively involved in, and regularly attending meetings of, just about every organisation in Palmwoods during that time.

An extract from the submission by the Palmwoods Progress Association reads:

An ex WAAF wireless telegraphist, Vera Herse has been a member of the Palmwoods RSL Womens Auxiliary for almost 40 years, serving as President and Secretary on many occasions; the Palmwoods CWA since 1954, serving as president and secretary on many occasions; a Cub leader in Palmwoods from 1958 – 1971, an advisor of the Palmwoods Rural Youth for 10 years and secretary of the Palmwoods Senior Citizens for 17 years. She has been a member of the Palmwoods Memorial Hall Association for 33 years, a singer with the Palmwoods Singers Theatrical Society since their formation, a member of the Sundale Hostel Auxiliary and a member of the Palmwoods Progress Association for almost 50 years.

Les and Vera are patrons of the Palmwoods Amateur Swimming Club and life members of the Palmwoods Rugby League Club.

Les Herse was a member of the Military Force before the Second World War broke out, but being a farmer he was sent back to his farm to await call-up. He joined up in November 1941 and became a member of the coastal defence force. He was discharged in February 1946. Les has taken care of the Palmwoods Memorial Hall for as long as anyone in Palmwoods can remember and remains a stalwart member of that committee, often earning the nickname "Mr Palmwoods Hall.’ Every day, Les heads into Palmwoods where he raises the flag at the Palmwoods War Memorial and is also the official flag raiser at the Palmwoods Australia Day ceremonies. Like Vera, he has been a loyal supporter of the Palmwoods RSL sub-branch and for many years, he was the Brisbane Bureau of Meteorology’s official weather observer.

Despite their age (they celebrated their 54th wedding anniversary last week) the Herses continue to be actively involved in most organisations and continue their commitment to the Palmwoods District.

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