William Lockrey, school teacher remembered
History Notes
Another successful market this weekend, although it was rather quiet, due to the holiday weekend and the huge number of events being held over the weekend. It seems that most people managed a few events, which is good for our area.
This week a small group are visiting a neighbouring Historical Society and then next week is our meeting so members can remain busy, especially when the secondhand books need a good sort into similar groups. I did hear that our shed might be going up soon, but the current wet weather could delay proceedings.
Some months ago, a visitor to the markets paid for a pile of Australian Women’s Weekly’s and was to collect them the next market day. If this woman reads the News, we would like her to collect her purchase as soon as possible or at least make contact. We may have to sell them to someone else.
In a Barraba newspaper dated 1947 and recently donated to the Society, I have been lucky to find an article on a well know Barraba school teacher. It is a tribute to Mr. William Lockrey, organised by his ex-pupils and various members of staff on the occasion of his 83rd birthday.
The dinner was arranged by ex-pupils at the Monterey Café, now home to some wonderful war photos and information. The Mayor of Barraba Alderman HB Lowcock, chaired the function which greeted Mr Lockrey with “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow” when he entered the room.
Mr Lockrey, whose family were from Inverell, began his teaching career in 1880 as a pupil teacher in Emmaville and later at Tingha before training at the Teacher’s College in Sydney. His early career ranged from Inverell to Manly and from Parramatta to Wollongong.
In 1899 William Lockrey married Emma Louse Capel, daughter of John and Maria Capel of Rocky Creek and was appointed headmaster of the Macksville School for three years. From there he moved to Bombala for 6 ½ years before being appointed to Barraba in February 1908 – a position he held until 1930. It was during this time that he lived sometime at Wyndella.
In 1936 Emma died and Mr Lockrey lived the rest of his life with family in Alice Street. He may have retired from teaching, but he took on 15 years as secretary of the local Show and loved to play cricket until he took up umpiring. I can remember, as a child, visiting the household in Alice Street and seeing this great man with a long flowing white beard. I wonder if anyone else can remember Mr Lockrey?