Sunday, August 28, 2011

A stunning garden in all its glory

From the Maitland Mercury report:
Helen Moyle’s rambling and rustic garden is a testament to her talents to reuse and recycle.
Mrs Moyle began creating the garden three years ago when she and her husband moved into their 1835-built Maitland Vale homestead. It is a scene Mrs Moyle is happy to share with other garden lovers as part of the Maitland Black and White Committee’s annual Garden Ramble on September 17 and 18 to raise money for Vision Australia.

Full article by Briony Snedden available at Maitland Mercury, 25 Aug, 2011.

PGH site passes into history

From the Maitland Mercury report:
All evidence of brick making could be erased from the former PGH works at Metford under $1 million plans to demolish the buildings on the site.

The works could make way for new developments, including the potential for residential housing.
An application lodged with Maitland City Council on behalf of CSR Building Products said the proposed demolition was the first step in the rehabilitation of the site to allow future land uses to be considered.
The land on both sides of Metford Road is owned by the Crown, and identified by the council as the Metford Preliminary Investigation Area.
Full article by Briony Snedden available at Maitland Mercury, 24 Aug, 2011.

Dixson map collection digitisation project

Over the past 18 months the State Library of New South Wales has been digitising a collection of maps donated to the Library by Sir William Dixson in 1952. With the completion of the project an online collection is now available on the State Library website.
The online collection showcases 80 maps from this wonderful collection which reflects Dixson’s interest in early navigation, geography and the European exploration and settlement of the Pacific, in particular Australia.

Riverstories

Riverstories - art workshops : Maitland Regional Art Gallery in partnership with Hunter Councils, 1233 ABC Newcastle and ABC Open. Come to a workshop - Explore the river - Share your stories.
Further information contact the gallery on 02 4934 9859.

Greta's wall of remembrance

From the Maitland Mercury report:
The first names on the Greta RSL Sub-Branch’s Wall of Remembrance were unveiled at a ceremony at the Greta Cenotaph on Thursday to mark the Vietnam Veterans and Ex-Services Day, which coincided with the 45th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan.

Full article by Briony Snedden available at Maitland Mercury, 19 Aug, 2011.


Thursday, August 18, 2011

Maitland and District Historical Society Inc. Bulletin

The August Bulletin of the Maitland and District Historical Society Inc. is now available via the Society's web site.  The Bulletin includes articles on the Historical Society's activities, St. Peter's Anglican Church at East Maitland, St. John's and the Bishop's house at Maitland, Alexander Dodds and diary dates for upcoming events.

Call to keep heavy traffic off Morpeth Bridge

From the Maitland Mercury report:
Morpeth businessman Trevor Richards fears that while heavy vehicles continue to use the historic town’s heritage timber bridge its future is at risk. Mr Richards said he was concerned ongoing maintenance costs would one day see the RTA close the Morpeth Bridge, leaving it open to only pedestrian traffic. “They can’t pull it down because it is state-significant and on the heritage
register, but they could close it.”

Full article by Kate Morris available at Maitland Mercury, 10 Aug, 2011.

New life for former hostel

From the Maitland Mercury report:
A building that has weathered the changing face of Maitland for more than 150 years is about to be restored to its former glory.

Once a hotel for those visiting Maitland in the 1840s and, later, the Matthew Talbot Hostel for homeless men, the two-storey dwelling – in Banks Street, East Maitland – is almost ready for its latest reincarnation.
“The building has been approved to be converted into an 18-room guest house and it will be completely refurbished and restored to its original state,” heritage conservationist Chris Richards said. “This will be a magnificent project but it will also be a real challenge.”
Mr Richards helped save the house from demolition almost three years ago when an engineer claimed the building was condemned.

Full article by Emma Swain available at Maitland Mercury, 10 Aug, 2011.

The Enemy At Home Seminar

Rethinking Australia’s WWI home front story- The Museum of Sydney. While the Anzacs were fighting in Gallipoli and Europe, thousands of Australians of German and Austrian descent were interned in camps on our home soil.

Join guest speakers Nadine Helmi, Professor Gerhard Fischer and Professor Marilyn Lake, with chair Professor Ann Curthoys, as they examine the hitherto neglected history of the internment of so-called ‘enemy aliens’ during WWI and its impact on Australian society.
When: Saturday 27 August from 2pm-4pm
Cost: General $30 Conc/Member $25. Includes refreshments & museum entry. Bookings essential
Where: Museum of Sydney. Cnr Bridge and Phillip St, Circular Quay
Further information: http://www.hht.net.au/whats_on/event/lectures/rethinking_australias_wwi_home_front_story

Les Darcy spirit ‘alive’ in the city

From the Maitland Mercury report:
The Tidy Towns judge was in Maitland yesterday, looking at projects that add value to the city. Entered into the Bush Spirit Award category, that recognises tenacity in the face of adversity, visiting judge Andrew Scott said Les Darcy epitomised the fighting spirit. “I think its important that Maitland is making efforts to see the Les Darcy spirit live on in the city,” he said. “He is not just important here in Maitland but he was a working class hero known all around Australia and all around the world.”

Full article by Kate Morris available at Maitland Mercury, 16 Aug, 2011.


Green light for Darcy gravesite

From the Maitland Mercury report:
A long-standing plan to restore the gravesite of Australian boxing legend Les Darcy is one step closer to fruition. Maitland City Council is in the process of looking at tenders for the $60,000 project with a selection expected to be made next month. The news heralds the continuation of the project, which began four years ago when council started investigating the deterioration of the boxing champion’s gravesite at East Maitland cemetery.
Full article by Emma Swain available at Maitland Mercury, 11 Aug, 2011.


Saturday, August 13, 2011

Steam train lovers

From the Maitland Mercury report:
Almost 200 people took an historic steam train ride to mark three significant occasions in the region’s history.
On Friday, two restored locomotives that hauled Hunter Valley coal for much of the last century chugged their way along the South Maitland Railway as part of the 30th anniversary celebrations for the Hunter Valley Training Company.
The ride also commemorated the 125th anniversary of the discovery of the Greta Coal Seam and 100th anniversary of the arrival of one of the restored locomotives.

Full article by Frances Sacco available at Maitland Mercury, 08 Aug, 2011.

New Newcastle Museum

The new Newcastle Museum opened on Thursday 4 August 2011. The $23.5 million development is the most significant project the City of Newcastle has undertaken in recent years. The new museum will be showcase a wide range of cultural, educational and entertainment programs for the Newcastle community and will draw many visitors to the region.

The new museum will house both permanent and temporary exhibitions, with over 1000m2 dedicated to the interactive science centre, Supernova, in the Locomotive Boilershop. There is also a range of significant individual display items such as a 19th century steam locomotive and a fossilised tree.

Powerhouse Museum’s Regional Outreach Program

The Powerhouse Museum’s Regional Outreach Program is supporting cultural heritage organisations across New South Wales to record, preserve and display their collections for the benefit of regional communities. Professional Advice and Project Assistance is available across all the collection areas and other areas of museum practice such as developing exhibitions, museum learning, publishing, security and marketing.
Applications due: 2 September 2011.
Contact: Regional Services Coordinator on ph: 1800 882 092

Hawkesbury Regional Museum Wins the Award for Cutural and Heritage Tourism

For the second year in a row, Hawkesbury Regional Museum has won the Award for Cultural and Heritage Tourism in the Greater Sydney Tourism Awards. The award was accepted by Museum Director, Kath von Witt, who thanked major partners Hawkesbury Historical Society and Arts NSW, as well as 'all of the volunteers for their time and energy, the people of the Hawkesbury for their histories, the visitors from interstate and overseas, and the Museum staff for their dedication and enthusiasm'.
This is the fourth award to be won by the museum since its official opening in May 2008.

National Trust News

A recent listing on the National Trust Register is the Queen Victoria Memorial Hospital Conservation Area at Picton which includes the institution for tuberculosis treatment established in 1886 which was the first institution for the treatment of tuberculosis in Australia. Established by philanthropist Colonel John Hay Goodlet the QVMHCA represents an important development phase and innovation in health care of New South Wales and Australian history.

The new National Trust Online Shop has launched, with a new Spring Range! Some of the new items include: picnic hampers, hats and tea towels, with all proceeds from sales supporting the Trust's work.


Paying tribute to our mining heritage

From the Maitland Mercury report:
Coal mining was honoured in Abermain yesterday – 125 years after Edgeworth David discovered the Greta coal seam – and the community came out to celebrate. The ceremony marked the start of a month-long River of Black Gold Festival that celebrates the years of coal production from the South Maitland Coalfields following the discovery of the Greta seam.

Full article by Kate Morris available at Maitland Mercury, 04 Aug, 2011.

Saturday, August 6, 2011

National Trust, Miss Porter's House

Family Matters

Sunday 14 August
1pm - 4pm
Miss Porter's House
An exhibition of household realia relating to the lives and times of Herbert and Florence Porter and their daughters Ella and Hazel - freestanding Edwardian terrace house.
Cost: Free NT Members / $7 Adults / $5 Concession / $20 Family / Free for children under 5 yrs
Bookings: (02) 4927 0202

Magazine launched to promote Morpeth

From the Maitland Mercury report:
The first edition of the Morpeth tourism magazine – a joint venture between the Maitland Mercury and the Morpeth business community – was launched at Crisada's Cafe, Morpeth, on Thursday night.
A total of 40,000 copies of the 24-page glossy magazine – which highlights more than 30 specialty shops, boutiques, restaurants and cafes, and accommodation – are being inserted in newspapers on the Central Coast, including Avoca, Terrigal and Gosford, Sydney's northern hills district, Armidale and the Upper Hunter.

Full report available at Maitland Mercury, 02 Aug, 2011.

Bob’s Bird Barn is set for a showdown

From the Maitland Mercury report:
The owner of historic building eyesore Bob’s Bird Barn is set for a showdown with Maitland City Council who are seeking powers – with or without his permission – to make the High Street building safe.
Labelled a blight on the city centre, the dilapidated building has long been a haven for vandals and adjoining business people fear for the safety of their properties should Bob’s Bird Barn catch fire.
Full article by Alan Hardie available at Maitland Mercury, 01 Aug, 2011.

Society of Australian Genaologists

SAG Spring Special - Breaking Down the Brickwalls
Saturday 20 August (10.00am - 3.45pm)

Held at the State Records NSW - Western Sydney Records Centre. Our annual free seminar is on again! This year we are looking at breaking down the brickwalls in your research. The day will be aimed at beginners and those who are ‘stuck’ and in need of inspiration! Are your ancestors hiding? Are you having trouble killing them off or does it look like they swam? Presenters Martyn Killion & Heather Garnsey. Emily Hanna from State Records will also provide an update on what’s happening at State Records. BYO lunch. Morning & afternoon teas provided (gold coin donation appreciated). Full program on website. Bookings Essential by 13 August. Members Only. FREE.

SAG Online Shop

As a further enhancement to our website, we've just launched our new online shop. We've made it simpler for you to browse all our books, CDs, software, microfiche and magazines and order and pay for them via a secure Eway server, or reserve copies of items which you can pay for later by cheque or in person. You can also pay your membership or make a donation to the SAG's work through the shop.