Maud Butler Book Launch at Kurri Kurri Public School with Raymond Terrace Historical Society FEATURED Medowie & Tilligerry News Of The Area Medowie, Ferodale, Campvale Raymond Terrace, Heatherbrae, Tomago by News Of The Area - Modern Media - November 6, 2017 Authors John Gillam and Yvonne Fletcher with organisers of the King Street Festival, Kaye Newton and Peter Robinson alongside Mrs Renae Jenkins dressed as a World War I nurse in authentic replica uniform, and WO2 Kristy McConnell from 8 Combat Service Support Battalion based at Adamstown. MEDOWIE author, Mrs Yvonne Fletcher and retired Williamtown RAAF member, Mr John Gillam launched their latest book, You Can’t Fight, You’re A Girl. Modern Media: Advertise with News Of The Area and you get your ad in 1) in Print, 2) on the News Website (like this ad), and 3) on our Social Media news site. A much more efficient way to advertise. Reach a HUGE audience for a LOW price TODAY! Call us on 02 4983 2134. Or media@newsofthearea.com.au Or CLICK FOR ADVERT QUOTE Approximately seventy people attended the book launch, including Ms Meryl Swanson MP, Member for Paterson; Ms Liesl Tesch MP, Member for Gosford, and Ms Eve Eather, Kurri Kurri Public School principal. From stowaway to nurse, the story of Miss Maud Butler is one of imagination and determination. Disguised as a male soldier, Maud was twice caught and arrested for impersonating an Australian soldier. Her main intention, though was to contribute to the war effort. Dressing as a soldier seemed to this young teenager the best way to help Australia in World War I. She would eventually find other ways to help, by becoming a nurse and working with wounded and returned soldiers. Speaking at the launch, Ms Swanson MP said, “What the authors are doing across our area is bringing our stories to life.” “Maud was rejected and she had to show enormous resilience.” One of the authors, long time Medowie resident, historian and school teacher, Mrs Fletcher said, “When we think of World War One we often recall images of the terrible fighting, death and personal sacrifice of the soldiers on battlefields.” “Their sense of courage, endurance, mateship and sacrifice spawned what became known as the Anzac legend.” “In more recent times the term ANZAC spirit has been used to represent those values in not just the military but in all areas of endeavour where courage, mateship, endurance, and personal sacrifice are needed.” “I often say to people don’t ask what did Grandpa did in the War, ask what Grandma did.” “While Grandma never picked up a weapon and served on the front line it is the mass voluntary labour of women and children in Australia that supported those at the front.” The audience were treated to a song written by Mr John Thompson especially for the occasion, What Should We Do with Maud Butler, and sung by Kurri Kurri Public School student, Miss Zoe Barber. A poem, The Stowaway in Disguise, was also written and performed by former Newcastle Breakers footballer, Mr Mark Wilson. By Heather SHARP
