THERE’S now a permanent reminder of one of Australia’s country music legends Standing Tall at the East Cessnock Bowling Club.
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Kew (Victoria) sculptor Tessa
Wallis created the life-sized bronze statue of Reg Lindsay, titled Standing Tall (after one of Reg’s many hit songs).
And Reg is not alone. The cast of a horse that looks very much like old Joe, Reg’s last horse, stands alongside him.
“Reg used to ride old Joe in parades and he also sang from his back at many rodeos and functions,” Ros said.
“Joe was my barrel race horse. He won two state titles and travelled full-time around the rodeo circuit for over six years, taking me to the pay window on many occasions.
“When he retired, he made the perfect horse for Reg, and Joe enjoyed his new life being Reg’s mate.”
The unveiling took place on March 8, with Central Coast-based country star Adam Harvey and Aussie legend Chad Morgan removing the covers to reveal the work before a large crowd of Reg’s friends in the industry.
“We were delighted that Chad Morgan made the trip down from Queensland for the unveiling,” Ros said.
“Michael Pincott and Beryl Imhoff wrote a song called Reg Lindsay You’re A Legend and they both travelled from Queensland for Michael to perform the song live.”
Ros started raising funds for this wonderful tribute to her late husband back in 2011 and decided to situate the life-sized bronze in Cessnock as it was the last home town Reg shared with her.
East Cessnock Bowling Club secretary manager Marlene Hartog and the board members have been extremely helpful with the fundraising, hosting a series of concerts at the club.
Geoff and Tabbi Mack, who made a generous donation at the beginning of the venture, enjoyed seeing the statue finished and were thrilled to be part of the event. Allan Caswell performed after the unveiling andwas very well received.
Bob Morton and The Summerland Kings were the backing band and enjoyed working with The Crosby Sisters and other artists on the day.
Auriel Andrew received a standing ovation after her dynamite
performance.
Among the guests was Frances Little (Jimmy’s daughter), who was there to represent her late father.
A booklet has been produced, along with post cards and a Standing Tall wine, which are now available from the club.
It was a big weekend in Cessnock, with the annual Reg Lindsay Rodeo attracting large crowds who were treated to action aplenty, the day before.
Ros is planning a huge concert for the 2016 Tamworth Country Music Festival with lots of Reg’s mates being invited to share the bill.
