Robins’ history returned anonymously

Ringarooma Heritage Association President Wendy Jacobs and Ringarooma Football Club stalwart Brendon Thompson with the suitcase of NEFU Premiership flags returned anonymously just in time for the Heritage Match at Pyengana on Saturday.

April 17, 2024

Memorabilia belonging to the Ringarooma Football Club was returned just hours before an NTFA Heritage Round match paid tribute to the Robins’ history.

Flags recognising the winning achievements of the town’s senior and reserves sides had been missing despite a desperate search ahead of last Saturday’s clash at Pyengana.

A mystery saviour returned the items ready for them to be displayed at the match between East Coast and Perth in front of a 2000-strong crowd.

“The word was about that we had lost them and we wanted them back,”
club stalwart Brendon Thompson said.

“On Friday night when we were up at the Hub and we were all down in the dumps because we didn’t look like we were going to have them.

“I got up Saturday morning and here they were in my driveway at Branxholm in this old suitcase.

“The senior team had won 11 premierships in the NEFU and they cost a lot of sweat and the main thing is they are in such good order.

“We displayed some on Saturday and the fact they were returned really was appreciated and it made a great day even better because everyone was relieved they were back.”

Ringarooma Heritage Association President Wendy Jacobs said she would photograph, archive and display the flags at the Ringarooma History Room, which is open to the public on Wednesday and Thursday and occasionally on other days depending on the availability of volunteers.

“We would love some more volunteers to help out,” she said.

They will hang proudly alongside the original bell used at Ringarooma, which rang loud and proud as the siren during the Heritage clash.