Could two pieces of fencing wire or a freshly cut willow fork reveal water beneath your feet? Could two men, visiting separately, nominate exactly the same spot for a bore? And what would it take to turn a sceptic into a believer?
In March 2016, I challenged Bingara’s John Bancroft and Paul White to demonstrate their water-divining skills. If it had been a footy match, they would have trounced me fifty to zero!
How did Paul’s wires and John’s willow fork lead them to the same spots? What happened when John placed his hand on my arm? And why did he reckon Bingara was “put in the wrong place” when it came to gold?
I went looking for answers and came away utterly astounded.
John and Paul have both since passed away, leaving a huge hole in their families and our town. Wonderful family men, they quietly pitched in when needed, never seeking anything in return. Their story remembers not just their unusual talents, but two much-loved men who meant so much to Bingara.
Were you a sceptic? Did you ever see either man at work?
Discover the full story in Bingara Our Town, Our People Vol. 1.
Rodney