Getting Your Genealogy Started, Restarted and Organised in 2018

Getting Restarted

Genealogy is a stop-start hobby that lasts years. So if you are one who is just re-starting or picking it up again, you might consider the “Do-over Book” which takes you step-by-step through reanalysing everything you have, while getting it all into an organized form.

Getting OrganisedThere’s no doubt that doing genealogy you need to be organised. The amount of paper, photos, documents, even emails, you will get relating to your research is huge. And there’s no point having information if you can’t find it, so you need to get organised. There are numerous books relating to organising. Apart from physical organisation of genealogy files, photo filing and heirloom documenting are both an important part of genealogy organisation. But don’t forget about your old slides, home movies and audio tapes – these are important and irreplaceable records. For some, writing is a way to get their research into order. No matter what aspect you’d like to focus on and learn how to improve … there’s a guide for it.More getting organised:

 

Genealogy and History News.

Iconic Poplar trees to be removed along The Long Bridge

From the Maitland Mercury report:

It’s not going to be a popular move however Maitland City Council has no choice but to remove the city’s 22 iconic Poplar trees that line The Long Bridge.

Significant rot and decay have been identified in the Lombardy Poplars which were planted in 1939 by local school children to mark Arbor Day in the city.

In a report to Tuesday night’s council meeting council’s infrastructure manager Ashley Kavanagh said the trees have been assessed by council’s arborist who said the trees require removal to ensure public safety.
Work is to be carried out immediately to meet safety requirements and the removal process will start in February.

Full article available at Maitland Mercury, January 26 2018.

One of the country's oldest wineries, Dalwood Estate, relaunches at Branxton

From the Maitland Mercury report:

The “grandfather” of Hunter Valley vineyards roared back into life on Sunday, with the launch of the revamped Dalwood Estate at Branxton. 

After laying dormant since 2014, the site was snapped up by Iris Capital 13 months ago, with the hospitality industry player undertaking an extensive overhaul of the historic winery. 

Property owner, Iris Capital CEO Sam Arnaout, was full of praise for the rebirthed site. 

“It’s the grandfather of all the vineyards in the Hunter,” he said of the 190-year-old winery.  

“The entire property is steeped in history. For us, it was about bringing it back to life.”

Full article available at Maitland Mercury, January 21 2018.

Hunter Valley winery Dalwood Estate, formerly Wyndham Estate, reopens after closure in 2014

From the Maitland Mercury report:

One of Australia’s oldest wineries Dalwood Estate is set to reopen its doors for the first time in more than three years after a rigorous revival project.

The historic winery, formerly known as Wyndham Estate, will welcome guests this weekend 190 years after it was established at Branxton.

The estate sat virtually untouched since its closure in 2014 until last year when Iris Capital bought the property, adding a third winery to its Hunter portfolio alongside Hungerford Hill Wines and Sweetwater Wines.

After a major 12-month renewal program, the 260-acre property has a new lease on life and has been restored to its former glory.
With a return to its original 1828 establishment name, Dalwood Estate boasts a heritage winery building, manicured lawns and garden beds, a function centre, cellar door, restaurant, walking trails and public barbecue areas on the banks of the Hunter River.

Full article available at Maitland Mercury, January 18 2018.
 

Photo Mystery - Cultural Collections, UON Library at the University of Newcastle

Here’s a mystery for our intrepid historian colleagues.
We would like to know something about the soldier in this photo.(see https://www.flickr.com/photos/uon/39735029291)  Unfortunately, time and other hazards have obscured his face, but we are hoping that someone out there on the Internet may be able to identify his regiment or other army group. We have uploaded a 1200 DPI scan of the full photo to our Flickr site – https://www.flickr.com/photos/uon/39735029291 and 4800 DPI scans showing detail of his shoulders and calves in the hope these may help in the identification.
If you can identify the uniform or unit, please contact archives@newcastle.edu.au

Kurri Kurri Nostalgia Festival 2018

From the Maitland Mercury report:
Burlesque Idol Australia grand final to be held at Kurri Kurri Nostalgia Festival.

Feathers will fly at Weston Workers Club on Friday, March 23 when the grand final of Burlesque Idol Australia 2018 comes to town.

Now in its fifth year, the competition is coming to the Hunter Valley as part of the Kurri Kurri Nostalgia Festival.

Created to help support emerging talent, Burlesque Idol is a high-energy and deliciously entertaining evening, jam-packed with talent, humour and audience participation.

 

Full article available at Maitland Mercury, January 16 2018.

Photos of Hunter Valley Steamfest from the archives

From the Maitland Mercury report:

Tickets to the 2018 Burton Automotive Hunter Valley Steamfest are set to go on sale at 12 noon on January 15.

Last year’s two day event attracted more than 50000 people, so steam enthusiasts are encouraged to secure their tickets early for this year’s event, which will be held on 14 and 15 April. 

Locomotive 3642 has already been secured for the event and organisers expect to announce a second steam loco soon. 
For more information, or to buy tickets, visit www.steamfest.com.au or call the information centre on 4931 2877.

Full article available at Maitland Mercury, January 12 2018.