News Of The Area
GLOUCESTER DISTRICT Local Community News ~ Proudly Independent ~ Family Owned
Wednesday, 15 April 2026
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Gloucester Parkrun
Colin’s croquet legacy
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Sub-Branch celebrates Toby Wilson OAM GLOUCESTER RSL subBranch members gathered on Saturday to celebrate the birthday of branch patron Allan Laurie ‘Toby’ Wilson OAM. Mr Wilson turns 99 on 19 April. “It was truly heartening for all present to see Toby in good spirits and enjoying robust health, as well as could be expected for such a significant milestone,” the sub-Branch said in a statement. “The executives and members of the Gloucester RSL sub-Branch collectively wish Toby a very happy birthday and extend their best wishes for his continued good health in the years to come.” As a celebration of Toby’s life, the sub-Branch shared a detailed version of his story on social media. That information is
summarised below. Born in Gloucester on 19 April 1927 Allan Laurie Wilson was the only child of Elsie Wilson. As a baby it was thought he looked like a Toby Jug and so earned his known name of Toby. When he turned 16 Toby joined the Air Training Corps at Wingham, spending every second weekend there. Activities included drill training on the football field opposite, aircraft spotting with cardboard silhouettes and practising with firearms at the local shooting range. After leaving school, Toby worked as a Grocery Assistant at Garner’s Grocery Store (now Nanna’s at the roundabout). Not wanting to wait until he was old enough to enlist in the Royal Australian Air
WAR ON WEEDS q
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A proud Toby Wilson OAM turns 99 on 19 April.
Progress on Scotch Broom, but Barrington Tops weed fight far from over
By John WATTS
Wednesday, 15 April 2026
LIKE many other plant and animal pests, Scotch Broom was brought to Australia by
the early European settlers. Apparently, it was imported here in the early
1800s by Governor King as a substitute for hops, and being suited to some Australian
www.newsofthearea.com.au
conditions, it quickly spread. This weed particularly enjoys parts of the World
Heritage Barrington Tops, CONTINUED Page 2
GLOUCESTER DISTRICT NEWS OF THE AREA
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