Our guest speaker will be Carl Valerius, a sculptor from Harden-Murrumburah, who has made a life size statue of “Bill the Bastard”.

“Bill the Bastard” a Waler Warhorse, so named because of his obstinate nature was a massive horse weighing in at  730 kilograms and standing 17 hands tall.

He was rumoured to only let one man ride him. The sculpture depicts a scene from the infamous battle of Romani on August 4, 1916.

Featured are Bill the Bastard, his rider Major Michael Shanahan and four Tassie Troopers who were saved during the battle.

Guests will be intrigued by Mr Valerius’s story of his passion for commemorating this legend of World War 1 and the journey from beginning with a wooden sculpture through to his masterpiece being bronzed.

His project has been supported by corporate sponsors and the NSW State Government and has been a wonderful drawcard for Harden-Murrumburah which was the home of the First Australian Horse Regiment.

President of Cowra Rotary Mr Bill Murphy said, “We are hoping that we can attract many members of our community to come along and share the evening with us to commemorate the end of World War 1”. 

To reserve your place please phone Bryan Dawes on 0428 675 942 or 6342 2590.

The cost of dinner is $25 a head, at the Cowra Bowling Club on Thursday, November 8 commencing at 6pm for 6.30pm.