Reserve committee treasurer/secretary Ben Anderson said the annual Allansford Christmas barbecue was highlighted by the unveiling of a bluestone monument and plaque to recognise the efforts of Lyell and Norma Adams.

“It was Lyell’s vision that we have an English- style cricket ground, complete with a picket fence and elm trees. The Uebergang Oval and the picket fence were also officially unveiled,” Mr Anderson said.

“People were able to sponsor a picket or a panel so the whole campaign was funded through the community. It was 12 months in the making.”

Mr Anderson said the member for Wannon Dan Tehan, Uebergang Family Trust director John Hunt, Warrnambool mayor Mike Neoh, reserve committeeman Paul Stafford and football netball club president Nathan Adams were involved in the official ceremonies.

“The Uebergang Trust donated the land which enabled the turf wicket to be relocated, the picket fence to be erected, the elm trees to be planted and there were also significant drainage works completed,” he said.

“Paul Stafford was also a long-time friend of Lyell and Nathan is Lyell and Norma’s son, so the ceremonies were very special for everyone involved.”

Mr Anderson said there were a couple of hundred people at the recreation reserve on Friday night.

“There would have been 100 kids. The primary school organised games, the choir were there and Santa turned up for the kids,” he said.

“The project has really helped build our sense of community. People have been very willing to get involved either through donations or hands on and we’ve all taken great pride in what has been achieved.

“There are some great smaller communities around Warrnambool and Allansford is one of those.”