The landscape around Bethungra, New South Wales, is dotted with reminders of a bygone era, relics of a time when the railway shaped the region’s destiny. As we rolled through this part of the Riverina, one particular building snagged our attention: an old, clearly derelict pub.
Its weathered facade stood in stark contrast to the surrounding countryside.
The name, though, is what truly stopped us in our tracks.
There, above the main entrance, emblazoned in gold lettering, was 'Hotel Shirley'. It immediately made us think of Steve's mum, Shirley. Shirley was the most dedicated teetotaler we have ever known. It struck us as rather humorous that such a fine establishment could be named after her.
We found ourselves chuckling at the irony. Shirley, bless her soul, would have gotten a laugh out of it, too. While the Bethungra pub may no longer serve drinks, it certainly provided a memorable moment and a fond remembrance on our journey.
