Two couples who have made a significant contribution to the spirit of Singleton over many decades are the latest inductees to the Wambo Coal Singleton Hall of Fame.
In an extra special ceremony at Singleton Civic Centre last night, John and Isabella Bailey and Ron and Joan Stokes were celebrated for their life-long contribution to the region during their working lives, and more prominently in recent decades as stalwarts of Singleton’s cultural fabric.
For the past 20 years, John and Isabella Bailey have been at the heart of spreading Christmas cheer to the Singleton community through the Rotary Club of Singleton by bringing Santa and Mrs Claus to Singleton for the annual Christmas on John Street event, as well as through visits to aged care facilities and the much-loved 444 Fire Truck run.
They are also local business owners and members of Singleton Town Band—Isabella as a clarinetist and John a saxophonist.
Ron and Joan Stokes dedicated their working lives to the agricultural industry, but are now perhaps best known for researching and preserving the history of Singleton. Ron is the author of a number of books covering a range of topics including The Lamp (focusing on Singleton Hospital Auxiliary), A Time to Remember (the story of Mt Thorley, Gouldsville and Long Point), A Bygone Era (a tribute to the milk and cream carriers of the Singleton District), and Place in Time (the story of Singleton Co−operative Dairy Co.). A fifth volume charting the vegetable growers of the Singleton district is close to completion.
Joan has also researched and published an extensive history of her family.
Both Ron and Joan have been members of the Hospital Auxiliary for many years, and all proceeds from Ron’s books are donated to the organisation.
Mayor of Singleton, Cr Sue Moore said the Wambo Coal Singleton Hall of Fame was one of the community’s most important events, because it recognised the talents and achievements of individuals, organisations and businesses from across the Singleton local government area.
“This year takes the number of inductees on the Wambo Coal Singleton Hall of Fame to 83, and when you consider the diverse range of achievements—from political and military service to global businesses, athletes, and unparalleled public and community service—it’s obvious that Singleton punches well above its weight when it comes to local, state, national and international acclaim,” she said.
“In the 16th year since the Hall of Fame was established, it’s very special to induct two husband and wife partnerships recognising the support Isabella and John, and Joan and Ron, have offered not only to the community, but to each other.
“The depth of their commitment and all that they have brought to our community adds up to a significant contribution to Singleton’s cultural fabric and all that we love about living here—from magical Christmas experiences to the preservation of the stories of the people who lived and worked here in decades past.
“What Isabella and John, and Joan and Ron have done and continue to do for Singleton goes beyond mere community service—it embodies the very essence of our community spirit.”
To see the full list of Wambo Coal Singleton Hall of Fame inductees, visit https://www.singleton.nsw.gov.au/Council/Media-Centre/News/2025-Singleton-Hall-of-Fame-celebrates-two-special-couples
Photograph caption: 2025 Wambo Coal Singleton Hall of Fame inductees John and Isabella Bailey and Ron and Joan Stokes with Singleton Cr Godfrey Adamthwaite, Peter Jaeger and Wayne Bower from Wambo Coal/Peabody Energy, Mayor of Singleton Cr Sue Moore and Singleton Council General Manager Justin Fitzpatrick-Barr.
Photo and media release courtesy of Singleton Council