BY DI SNEDDON
Two well-known Singleton couples, John and Isabella Bailey and Ron and Joan Stokes are the latest names to be added to the Wambo Coal Singleton Hall of Fame list.
They join 81 other individuals and community organisations to be recognised in the 16-year annual tradition that has been a Singleton Council initiative with long-term partner Peabody Wambo Coal.
Company manager of environment and community Peter Jaegar told the gathering that the event recognises the talents and achievements and celebrates the mark people make in their own community.
Mayor Sue Moore added that the fact that there are now 83 pavers paying tribute to this community involvement demonstrates the community commitment of the people of Singleton.
“When you consider the diverse range of achievements—from political and military service to global businesses, athletes, and unparalleled public and community service—it’s obvious that Singleton punches well above its weight when it comes to local, state, national and international acclaim,” she said.
Both couples were celebrated for their life-long contribution to the region during their working lives, and more prominently in recent decades as stalwarts of Singleton’s cultural fabric.
For the past 20 years, John and Isabella Bailey have been at the heart of spreading Christmas cheer to the Singleton community through the Rotary Club of Singleton by bringing Santa and Mrs Claus to Singleton for the annual Christmas on John Street event, as well as through visits to aged care facilities and the much-loved 444 Fire Truck run.
They are also local business owners and members of Singleton Town Band, Isabella as a clarinetist and John a saxophonist.
Ron and Joan Stokes dedicated their working lives to the agricultural industry but are now perhaps best known for researching and preserving the history of Singleton. Ron is the author of a number of books covering a range of topics including The Lamp (focusing on Singleton Hospital Auxiliary), A Time to Remember (the story of Mt Thorley, Gouldsville and Long Point), A Bygone Era (a tribute to the milk and cream carriers of the Singleton District), and Place in Time (the story of Singleton Co−operative Dairy Co.). A fifth volume charting the vegetable growers of the Singleton district is close to completion.
Joan has also researched and published an extensive history of her family.
Both Ron and Joan have been members of the Hospital Auxiliary for many years, and all proceeds from Ron’s books are donated to the organisation.
