Ceremonial Jug Returns Home

20 November 2024

AN incredible piece of Inverell history has been gifted back to the Inverell Community.

A silver ceremonial jug was presented to Lieutenant General Henry Gordon Bennett on the 1st November 1958, in commemoration of the opening of the Inverell Memorial Pool.

Mr Bennett was part of the 8th division at the fall of Singapore.

Upon his passing, the item became the property of his daughter, Miss Joan Bennett. Miss Bennett bequeathed the jug, plus other items to Mrs Christine Curteis, who has been a long- time friend.

Mrs Curteis, along with her husband Alan, made the journey back to Inverell to donate the ceremonial jug to Inverell Shire Council. It was handed over to Inverell Shire Council General Manager, Mr Brett McInnes.

Mrs Curteis stated that, “It is only right that this beautiful piece of history be returned to the community that gifted it all those years ago.”

Mayor of Inverell Shire Council, Cr Kate Dight says “We are extremely grateful and proud that we have been granted custodianship of such a beautiful piece of Inverell’s past. It is quite serendipitous that it would be donated back to us as completion of the new pool is very close”.

The ceremonial jug will take pride of place in a display of memorabilia to be housed at the new Inverell Aquatic Centre.

Media Enquiries:
Peter Caddey / 02 6728 8288 / peter.caddey@inverell.nsw.gov.au