129 years of military and Parramatta community history street Pageant

To commemorate the centenary of WW1 and the raising of the 1st Light Horse (AIF) from the ranks of the NSW Lancers, the Museum of the 1st/15th Royal NSW Lancers together with Parramatta City Council is mounting a historical Pageant along Macquarie Street, Parramatta. Drawing extensively on period uniforms, equipment & vehicles from the Museum's heritage listed collection, the Pageant will trace the history of one of Australia's oldest and most decorated Regiments, from its foundation in 1885 as Australia's only Regiment of Lancers, through it's time as a Tank Regiment (you are unlikely to see a 50 ton Main Battle Tank rolling through the centre of any other city in Australia!) to the current Regiment with its Bushmaster vehicles.

Sat 30 Aug.   1:00–​6:00pm
 

NSW Lancers Memorial Museum                                                                

Maitland Grossmann’s 130th anniversary

From the Maitland Mercury report:

The school hall is prepared and ready for Maitland Grossmann High School’s 130th anniversary. 

Former students and staff, and anyone with a connection to the school, is invited to attend the September 4 celebration. 

Earlier this year the school tracked down its oldest living former student, 107-year-old Edith McDonald, following a search in the Mercury. 

Mrs McDonald, who lives in Moree, attended the school in the early 1920s when it was Maitland Girls High School.

Established in 1884, the girls school was amalgamated with Maitland Boys High School more than 100 years later, in 1987. 

 

Full article available at Maitland Mercury, Aug. 11, 2014.

Richmond Vale Railway Museum

17th August 2014 Centenary of Coal.

Richmond Vale Preservation Co-Operative Society Ltd is celebrating Centenary of Coal.Gates open at 9.30 am with first train ride at 10.00 am then starting again at 1.00pm last train 3.00 pm. Gates closing at 4.00pm.Official ceremony 11.30 to 12.30.Demonstration of haulage of non-air coal wagons and other historic rail vehicles.Guided tours of the Richmond Main site and Mining MuseumDisplay by Mines Rescue. Road haulage vehicles and mining machinery.Rides on the miniature railway.Come and help us celebrate100 years since the first train load of coal left Richmond Main and travelled via railway to Minmi and on to Hexham.Entry Fees Apply. No bookings required.For more information check web site or ring 02 4001 0197

General Sir John Monash's war papers released online

 A collection of private papers from The Australian Corps Commander General Sir John Monash was launched on 25 June by Prime Minister the Hon. Tony Abbott.  Monash was one of Australia’s greatest leaders of the First World War and is considered one of Australia's outstanding commanders.

The papers, official letters, maps, and personal correspondence that make up this collection, document Monash’s experience of the First World War and cover a range of material, from campaign maps to concert programs.

The release of Monash’s papers in an online format allows not only Australians but also people from across the world to delve into the life of this significant historical figure. The digitisation of Monash’s wartime papers is part of the Memorial’s Anzac connections project, a centenary initiative that makes First World War private records available online to the Australian public.

Now and Then: East Maitland Mechanics’ Institute

From the Maitland Mercury report:

East Maitland Mechanics’ Institute was built in 1859.

The regular meetings of its members often appeared within the pages of the Mercury. 

The following report on a lecture on the Blacks of Australia appeared on pages four of the Maitland Mercury and Hunter River General Advertiser on Thursday, May 16, 1878. 

“On Friday evening, May 3, a lecture, on the Blacks of Australia, was delivered in the hall of the East Maitland Mechanics’ Institute, by Mr Wilton Hack ; the President, Mr John Ewing, in the chair. 

 

Full article available at Maitland Mercury, Aug. 9, 2014.

Tocal College celebrates golden anniversary

From the Maitland Mercury report:

The life and times of Tocal College will come into focus next year as part of the establishment’s 50th anniversary.

From its opening in March 1965 – with 15 male students – the college has grown to become one of Australia’s largest and most diverse agricultural colleges.

“The college was established by the Presbyterian Church as the CB Alexander Presbyterian Agricultural College,” ­principal Cameron Archer said.

“Its operation was transferred to the NSW Department of Agriculture in 1970 and it continues to be operated by the NSW government through the Department of Primary Industries.”

 

Full article available at Maitland Mercury, Aug. 6, 2014.

WWI memorabilia wanted in Maitland

From the Maitland Mercury report:

Military buffs and history enthusiasts in Maitland are being enlisted to help with a giant project to commemorate the 100th year since the nightmare Battle of Passchendaele was fought in World War I.

 

Foremost among the ­soldiers who took part in the horrific fighting were the men of the 34th Battalion – known as Maitland’s Own.

The commemoration will take place at Maitland Regional Art Gallery in October, 2017.

 

Full article available at Maitland Mercury, Aug. 4, 2014.