Sunday, December 12, 2010

Maitland Mercury archives recall December flood

The following is an extract from the 1887 Maitland Mercury article headed “Flood in the Hunter River: Serious loss of crops”.
We record with regret the occurrence of another flood in the Hunter, which has involved serious loss of property in the shape of growing crops. Though the flood has not been attended with such disastrous consequences as those with which we were so familiar in years past, there is a considerable area of land under water, and many farmers, notably those resident in the neighbourhood of Morpeth, have suffered great losses.

Full article available at Maitland Mercury, 10 Dec, 2010.

Village history revived at Morpeth

From the Maitland Mercury report:
Morpeth House is gradually being revealed to Morpeth Road, restoring the historic building’s original vista to the Hunter River and beyond.
And the grand new entry road – following the alignment of the original driveway trodden by Edward Close – could also be delivering residents to retirement villas on the site of the former St John’s College at Morpeth by April next year.

Full article by Briony Snedden available at Maitland Mercury, 09 Dec, 2010.

State Records New South Wales: 50 years

In 2011, State Records will be marking its 50th anniversary. As part of the celebrations, 50 items from the State archives collection will be displayed. This exhibition will showcase the extraordinary richness and diversity of  holdings, from our ‘founding documents’ recording the convicts on the First Fleet to items from the time of the establishment of the Archives Authority in 1961.
Items 1-9 are now available, 1788-1820
Some of the key themes of this founding era of the Colony’s history are vividly illustrated through extracts taken from the earliest convict and baptismal records, a chart and journal compiled by a little-known convict explorer, a brief but heartfelt poem written by the Surveyor General, and a request for land from an ex-convict with a most unusual occupation.

Hunter Lifestyle Magazine, October-November 2010

Hunter Lifestyle Magazine, October-November 2010 edition includes:
Locksland, Lorn, circa 1907. A Pender design, built after the dawn of the last century, this lovingly restored Lorn home provides a rare glimpse into the past.
Marlborough House, Newcastle. Built about 1872, a stately family home of historic significance with ocean and harbour views taking in Nobbys headland.
St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, Newcastle. This year the Church building celebrates its 120-year anniversary and forms the fabric and tapestry of history for the City.
Newcastle Mater Misericordiae. A unique bond of comradeship unites a strong band of women who devoted their nursing careers to caring for patients at the Newcastle Mater Misericordiae at Waratah. A collection of old photos has revived sentimental memories and prompted a way to retain them for decades to come.
Hunter River reflections, tracing the Hunter River back to its source.
Royal River Inn, Morpeth. Located at the quiet end of Swan Street, the Inn (circa 1828) has a long and colourful history.

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Rail heritage update

The upgrade of the Rail Heritage Centre at Thirlmere is part of the NSW Government's commitment to conserving the state's rail heritage. The Rail Heritage Centre upgrade is a two-stage construction process that began in November 2008 and is expected to be completed in 2011.
2010 newsletter has further details.

Tribute for service: Greta cenotaph

From the Maitland Mercury report:
There will be a new memorial next to the Greta cenotaph, where the names of soldiers, sailors and air personnel who fought in the world wars are etched in history. The Greta RSL sub-branch president Kevin Gordon said they want to see everyone who has fought for their country in all conflicts recognised and their names preserved.

Full article by Kate Morris available at Maitland Mercury, 08 Dec, 2010.

Governor to officially open 150th show

From the Maitland Mercury report:
Australian governor-general Quentin Bryce will officially open next year’s Maitland Mercury Hunter River Super Show as it celebrates its 150th anniversary. Maitland Show is one of the oldest shows in Australia with only Sydney and Launceston laying claim to a longer history, making it an event with enormous historical significance, Mr Ward said.

Full article by Kate Morris available at Maitland Mercury, 08 Dec, 2010.

Victoria Cross: Australia's finest and the battles they fought

The Australian War Memorial’s upgraded Hall of Valour, re-opening soon, contains the national collection of Victoria Crosses. To mark the occasion the latest 2010 edition of Anthony Staunton's popular book, Victoria Cross: Australia's finest and the battles they fought, is now available and exclusive to the Memorial.

This latest edition features over 100 rarely seen photographs and includes Victoria Cross for Australia recipient Trooper Mark Donaldson VC.

China’s entombed warriors – Art Gallery of NSW

The First Emperor: China’s entombed warriors brings to Australia over 120 rare objects, featuring ten complete terracotta warrior figures including foot soldiers, generals, kneeling bowmen and horses. The First Emperor: China’s entombed warriors reveals the fascinating story of a key figure in world history, who unified China, leaving a legacy that has lasted over 2000 years.
When: 2 Dec 2010 – 13 Mar 2011
Where: Art Gallery of NSW,1 Art Gallery Road, The Domain, Sydney
More Information  http://www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au/exhibitions/first-emperor/

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Miss Porter's house, Newcastle - Christmas at the Porters

A National Trust special exhibition of Christmas memorabilia owned by the Porter family. Enjoy decorations, postcards from various times in the lives of the Porters and an historic Christmas dinner table setting.
Sunday 12th December, 1-4 pm, Miss Porter's house, 434 King Street, Newcastle. Enquiries: Roland Bannister, 49270202.

Wall locked away: Maitland Gaol

From the Maitland Mercury report:
A Hunter-only heritage grant could help open a section of Maitland Gaol that is currently off-limits to visitors.

The second storey of the workshops building houses a series of murals drawn by inmates of the former maximum security prison.
But guidelines dictate a second staircase is required to allow visitors in. Maitland Gaol administration coordinator Gordon Sauber said a $400,000 program of works identified for the dollar-for-dollar grant also included other facilities.

Full article by Briony Snedden available at Maitland Mercury, 30 Nov, 2010.

Commonwealth War Graves Commission Annual Report 2009-2010

Annual Report 2009-2010
2009-2010 witnessed a number of very significant events for the Commission. The latest annual report, published on 11 November, highlights the great variety of projects over the past year, including the successful opening of the Commission’s first new cemetery in 50 years, at Fromelles in northern France.
The annual report is available at the Commission's web site.

St Paul’s Anglican Church celebrates 165 years

From the Maitland Mercury report:
A total of 165 years of worship for St Paul’s Anglican Church at Paterson was commemorated at a special ceremony in the town on the weekend.
The Anglican parish of Gresford/Paterson was consecrated there on November 27, 1845, by the first and only Bishop of Australia, the Right Reverend William Broughton.

Full article by Alan Hardie available at Maitland Mercury, 29 Nov, 2010.

Signs to tell story of Walka

From the Maitland Mercury report:
New interpretative signs are proposed to be in place at Walka Water Works in time for next year’s Hunter Valley Steamfest.
Maitland City Council committed $20,000 to the first stage of a signs and interpretative strategy to heighten the experience for visitors to the historic site.

Full article by Briony Snedden available at Maitland Mercury, 26 Nov, 2010.