I have pleasure in presenting my report for the calendar year of 2010.
FUNCTIONS
Our major event this year was our 60th Birthday/ Christmas party
at the Yellow Piano at Wyoming. Over 40 members and friends
attended this function but we would have liked a few more. Nevertheless,
everyone seemed to enjoy the meal and the entertainment.
Our Guest was Gosford Counsellor, Chris Holstein, who gave an
entertaining presentation.
BWHS was founded in 1950 and acquired Henry Kendall Cottage in
1960. We have a few longtime members, with the longest serving
being Elaine Fry who joined the Society in February 1972.
Elaine then spoke of her experiences and involvement with BWHS that
she had shared with her husband Stan. Not far behind in long service
are Elaine’s sons Kelvin and Daryl Fry who joined in March 1972.
Margaret Pearce presented Certificates of Appreciation on
behalf of BWHS to retiring Duty Members Joan and Fred Koch, Marion
Browne and Barbara Elmes, in recognition of their long and diligent
service.
EVENTS
Book Launch
Gwen Dundon’s latest book “The Ferries of the Central Coast” was
launched at Woy Woy library in September. There was also a launch
of Gwen’s book at Alison Homestead which was attended by Elaine
Fry. We have a copy of this fascinating book in our Library with
copies for sale.
A Big Working Bee and Sausage Sizzle took place in May with the
Museum, Cottage and Grounds closed to the public for a week. A
very big Thank You to those members who attended regularly and
gave so much of their time and efforts. A major clean and tidy up of
our premises was carried out by these dedicated members but it
would have been great to see a few more there to help. The display
Children over the Last 100 years was also erected.
Members Ruth Logan and Brian McCafferty attended, on behalf of
BWHS, a moving Service of Dedication which took place at the Lone
Pine War Memorial Garden at Wyong Historical Society’s Alison
Homestead. After WWI several Pine Trees were originally grown from
seeds taken from a Pine Tree cone carried back and planted in Inverell
NSW in 1928. The Wyong Pine tree is from this source.
An invitation was received from Koolewong & Point Clare-Tascott
Progress Association to attend their special Christmas meeting at
which were displays of old photographs maps, and plans, with stories
about early settlers such as the Fagans. Bob and I attended this on
behalf of BWHS.
An invitation was received recently from Maitland & District’s
Historical Society to attend a function celebrating the opening of
their new premises at Maitland. This Society have been without
adequate accommodation for some time so were of course delighted
to move into their new premises. Edith, Elaine, Margaret, Ron,
Ingrid and I attended on behalf of BWHS.
Throughout the year representatives of BWHS attended a number of
networking functions held by Central Coast Tourism at various
locations on the Central Coast.
FUND-RAISING ACTIVITIES
These included our successful Street Stall in William Street Plaza on
October 21st. Bunning’s BBQ in August was
a great day. The Rotary Raffle has just concluded.
On our Trading Table in the museum we also have Books, Handicrafts
and Plants on sale. Thanks to Trish Scott for organizing this.
Thank you, thank you to all those hard-working members involved in
these activities – well done!
DISPLAYS
In March we had Seniors’ Week Displays at Gosford and Erina
Libraries.
We participated in a successful Nostalgia Day at the Regional Gallery
& Japanese Gardens at East Gosford, April 17th and our display
attracted quite a lot of interest. We had a successful day with two
tables of artifacts and books as well as screens for photos and subdivision
plans. Thanks to those members who assisted on this day. Our Early Childhood display in the showcase in our museum had been up for 8 months so now a new display on early Medical paraphernalia has been erected.
In the museum the Photography display was researched and
consequenty re-organised and labeled, thanks again to Jay Sider.
OTHER ACTIVITIES
Our Estey Parlour Organ was rejuvenated by Robert Wilson who was
our Guest Speaker in November when he gave a short recital on the
organ. We are very grateful to Robert for all his work.
We hold a very interesting Scrapbook that was compiled by
Garnet Adcock, the second owner of Henry Kendall Cottage and the
founder of Jusfrute. A descendent of Garnet Adcock, Arthur Adcock,
visited our complex in May to do some research and was very
impressed by this scrapbook. Because of its fragile state, the scrapbook
was scanned on to a CD by Jay Sider, a copy given to Arthur and
we retained a copy for our collection. It was a lot of work and we
thank Jay very much for this.
Member Brian McCafferty organised the erection of a special frame
for our “Maitland” Bell and Portholes, free of charge, from Clark
Equipment at Hornsby. A Letter of Thanks was sent to Clark’s and we
really appreciate Brian’s efforts in arranging this.
Working Bees are held before each General Meeting and we’re very
grateful to those members who have given their time and energy to
carry out the various tasks necessary to keep our complex in good
condition and working well.
ADMINISTRATION
Many thanks to Jay Sider for his ongoing hard work relabeling,
reorganizing, reading emails, researching and the other computer
work he does. Evidence of Jay’s work is in the many signs he has
redone as well as redesigning our brochure. Our new leaflet is
currently in progress and almost completed.
Brian McCafferty has been sorting and assembling all the newspaper
clippings that have gathered over the years, some of which date back
to 1946. The project has a number of steps and when completed will
enable easy access for research. Thank you Brian for this painstaking
work.
Our ‘very old books’ are gradually being listed and reorganized –
thanks to Jay Sider but he could do with some help now that Terrell
Dixon, who was assisting him, has taken on a full-time job.
We hope this year to reorganize our Library to improve access and
appearance.
GRANTS
A Heritage Grant was received from Gosford City Council for an
inspection to be carried out by a Heritage Architect. The report found
that we had “spalling” (rising damp) on the front wall of the cottage
which required immediate action. A further Heritage Grant was obtained
from the Council for this work. After obtaining quotes and selecting
one, this work was carried out successfully. It also entailed drainage
work around the cottage and replacement of some rusted downpipes.
A smaller Grant was also received recently for replacing cracked window
panes and this also has been successfully completed.
We are really grateful to the Heritage Committee and Gosford City
Council for these Grants. Thanks to Ros Ellis for all the time and effort
she put into submitting these Grants.
During the inspection by the Heritage Architect it was suggested that
we remove the decaying picket fence so this was carried out by
Norman Allan. This has provided a much clearer view of the Cottage
and Museum from this angle. The lattice at the back of the Bullock
Wagon was also removed and this also provides a much clearer view
of the cottage and museum. Thanks Norman.
MEETINGS
Meetings held during the year consisted of 10 General Meetings (no
May or December meetings), 12 Management Committee Meetings,
and 1 Special Committee Meeting concerning our 60th Birthday
celebration.
Attendances at General Meetings remain at an average of
approximately 23 but we would like to see more members attending.
We have had some great Guest speakers who have been varied and
interesting – thanks to Margaret Pearce for arranging them..
Whilst our sub-committees have wound down somewhat we still have
had very hard working teams organizing our successful Street Stall,
Bunnings BBQ, Cleaning Working Bees, Administration, making Craft
items, General Maintenance, Mowing and Gardening. This hard work
is mostly carried out by a dedicated few. It would be great if we could
have a few more members becoming involved and sharing the load in
the care and maintenance of our valued Cottage and Museum.
We have been very fortunate to have Ingrid Rode who has demonstrated
her hospitality skills in organizing morning and afternoon teas
and special events refreshments, as well as organizing and purchasing
our supplies. Other members such as Brian James and Leni Raica
have filled in on a number of occasions and have been involved in
processing the Newsletter each month. Brian has demonstrated also
his willingness to organize the setting up and putting away the chairs
for our meetings as well as many other little jobs.
SOCIAL OUTINGS
About 20 Members and friends enjoyed a Cruise on Brisbane Water
on the Lady Kendall on March 29th.
In July members had an interesting and informative visit to the
Jewish Museum at Darlinghurst with lunch at the Sporties Club at
Gladesville.
We try to have 3 or 4 social outings each year. Thanks to Margaret
for arranging these.
TRAINING
A Training and Refresher Session was held on February 24th with
a Special Morning Tea. This was to help clarify many procedures to
Duty Members to assist in their museum duties. For those duty
members who could not attend we are sending a resume of the
proceedings and of course the Procedures Manual is now in our
staffroom for consultation.
I would like to thank most sincerely the hardworking members of our
Committee – Elaine, Edith, Margaret, Ros, George, Bob, Ingrid, and
Norman. Your work and support has been much appreciated. It
would be great if more of our members could share in the many tasks
that need to be done to help in caring for our valued Cottage and
Museum. Just come along to the Working Bees on Tuesday mornings,
before each General Meeting. Any help you can give would be great.
Best wishes to the incoming committee for the coming year. Thank
you for having me as President this year.
Sincerely
Shirley Rider – President
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Acme
When next you are in the museum take notice of the painting on the left wall.
It is of the Acme a wooden topsail schooner, built by Edward Davis. This
painting was donated to BWHS by Beryl Nixon a few years ago.
Edward Davis was born at Wollongong on 10 January 1837, and was
one of the shipbuilding brothers William, Benjamin, Rock, and Thomas.
Another brother George, was a carpenter but would probably have worked
for some of his time in shipbuilding. Edward was the only native born
Australian among the shipbuilding Davis brothers, his siblings having
arrived in NSW from Ireland in 1833, except for Rock who was born during
the voyage.
In 1859 Edward bought two acres of land at Cockle Creek, Davistown but
it was not until some years later that he set up his own shipbuilding yard on
this site.
Edward Davis moved his shipbuilding operations from Davistown to
Point Frederick in 1874 and Acme was built there in 1876. It was 55 tons,
67.5 X 19.3 x 7.0 ft, and had a female bust figure head. It was owned by
Edward Davis and David Capper, both of Brisbane Water. Sadly it was
wrecked at Seal Rock Bay NSW on 16th July 1876, in a heavy gale on her
first trip. The name Davistown evolved because of the number of Davis
family members living along the stretch of Cockle Creek channel. The
Rev. Alfred Glennie of Gosford referred to the area when writing in his
journals between 1855 and 1864 as Davis Village, Davisville, and Davis
Town.
(Ref: Dundon, Gwen. The Shipbuilders of Brisbane Water NSW - Gwen Dundon, 1997)
It is of the Acme a wooden topsail schooner, built by Edward Davis. This
painting was donated to BWHS by Beryl Nixon a few years ago.
Edward Davis was born at Wollongong on 10 January 1837, and was
one of the shipbuilding brothers William, Benjamin, Rock, and Thomas.
Another brother George, was a carpenter but would probably have worked
for some of his time in shipbuilding. Edward was the only native born
Australian among the shipbuilding Davis brothers, his siblings having
arrived in NSW from Ireland in 1833, except for Rock who was born during
the voyage.
In 1859 Edward bought two acres of land at Cockle Creek, Davistown but
it was not until some years later that he set up his own shipbuilding yard on
this site.
Edward Davis moved his shipbuilding operations from Davistown to
Point Frederick in 1874 and Acme was built there in 1876. It was 55 tons,
67.5 X 19.3 x 7.0 ft, and had a female bust figure head. It was owned by
Edward Davis and David Capper, both of Brisbane Water. Sadly it was
wrecked at Seal Rock Bay NSW on 16th July 1876, in a heavy gale on her
first trip. The name Davistown evolved because of the number of Davis
family members living along the stretch of Cockle Creek channel. The
Rev. Alfred Glennie of Gosford referred to the area when writing in his
journals between 1855 and 1864 as Davis Village, Davisville, and Davis
Town.
(Ref: Dundon, Gwen. The Shipbuilders of Brisbane Water NSW - Gwen Dundon, 1997)
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
60th Birthday & Christmas Celebration, December 14th, 2010
This was held at The Yellow Piano at Wyoming and all appeared to have an
enjoyable time. Thanks go to Ingrid Rode and Elaine Fry for their
organisational work and also to Kelvin Fry for his contribution of the attractive
table decorations. We had some nice food and the entertainment was great
so thanks go to Proprietor Trevor and his staff.
President Shirley Rider welcomed everyone and acknowledged the original
custodians of the area, the Darkinjung people.
Senior Vice President, Elaine Fry, was then invited to speak about the long
history of our Society. She is the longest serving member of BWHS, having
joined the Society in February 1972, with sons Kelvin and Darryl not far behind,joining in March 1972. Their long service was acknowledged on behalf of the Society by Margaret Pearce, Vice President.
Certificates of Appreciation were presented on behalf of the Society by
Margaret Pearce to retiring Duty Members Fred and Joan Koch, Marion Browne and Barbara Elmes for their dedication and outstanding contribution to BWHS and Henry Kendall Cottage.
The Birthday Cake was cut by Shirley Rider, Elaine and Kelvin Fry.
Chris Holstein from Gosford City Council then gave an entertaining presentation and proposed a toast to BWHS on this memorable occasion.
We thank Jay Sider for his work in designing our place mats and Bob Rider
and Tyrell Dixon for the laminating of the place mats. Thanks to Elaine and
Shirley in compiling the Photoboards and to Edith for her delivering them to
and from The Yellow Piano.
enjoyable time. Thanks go to Ingrid Rode and Elaine Fry for their
organisational work and also to Kelvin Fry for his contribution of the attractive
table decorations. We had some nice food and the entertainment was great
so thanks go to Proprietor Trevor and his staff.
President Shirley Rider welcomed everyone and acknowledged the original
custodians of the area, the Darkinjung people.
Senior Vice President, Elaine Fry, was then invited to speak about the long
history of our Society. She is the longest serving member of BWHS, having
joined the Society in February 1972, with sons Kelvin and Darryl not far behind,joining in March 1972. Their long service was acknowledged on behalf of the Society by Margaret Pearce, Vice President.
Certificates of Appreciation were presented on behalf of the Society by
Margaret Pearce to retiring Duty Members Fred and Joan Koch, Marion Browne and Barbara Elmes for their dedication and outstanding contribution to BWHS and Henry Kendall Cottage.
The Birthday Cake was cut by Shirley Rider, Elaine and Kelvin Fry.
Chris Holstein from Gosford City Council then gave an entertaining presentation and proposed a toast to BWHS on this memorable occasion.
We thank Jay Sider for his work in designing our place mats and Bob Rider
and Tyrell Dixon for the laminating of the place mats. Thanks to Elaine and
Shirley in compiling the Photoboards and to Edith for her delivering them to
and from The Yellow Piano.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
The Maitland
We are lucky enough to hold various artefacts from the wrecking of the Maitland steamer. The following information comes from: http://www.abc.net.au/backyard/shipwrecks/nsw/maitland.htm
Such was the impact when the steamer Maitland wrecked in 1898 that it led to the naming of a bay, a bombora and the storm that sank it!
Photographs of the iron paddle steamer portray its beautiful sleek lines. Of 231 feet (70.00 m) in length, the vessel was built at Glasgow, United Kingdom, in 1870. Famed as a regular trader along the New South Wales coast, excited passengers queued at Sydney to board before the 11.00 p.m. departure. By the time the steamer reached the Sydney Heads, they began to fear for their lives.
Labouring into a frightening gale, the Maitland immediately began shipping water. Seas carried away the deckhouse as all aboard assisted in bailing water from the flooding hull. Struggling in the pitch-black night, frantic efforts were made to dump cargo in a last ditch effort to stay upright. However, by the time they passed Barrenjoey Headland, huge seas flooded the engine fires, they were now adrift at the mercy of the driving seas. As one survivor was later to remark, "it seemed as if all the winds of heaven from every point of the compass had been let loose from their caverns". Captain Skinner got everybody together and instructed them "to prepare themselves for what was to come".
Just before 6.00 a.m. on 6 May 1898, the Maitland was driven onto the foot of East Reef with a mighty crash and driven high up into the air. The hull immediately wrenched apart amidships, carrying most of the crew and steerage passengers in the forward section to their deaths. Those swept ashore alive were severely injured by the jagged rocks and pounding surf. The remainder survived on the shattered stern, eventually making it ashore by the afternoon, after several nerve-racking attempts to secure a line to the beach. At one stage four of the crew including the Stewardess were crossing by the line when it broke. Only the Third Engineer made it to safety.
The tragic death of 24 from 63 aboard appalled the population. One young women found drowned had been buried under sand and wreckage, near naked, and with her teeth smashed away.
There were many tales of gallantry however, one involved the remarkable survival of baby Daisy Hammond. Trapped on the wreck after her mother had carried ashore, Daisy was nursed by crew through the night. Next morning, she was carried through the surf on the Boatswain's back. Many years later, Daisy Stevens visited the wreck, and when she died in 1988 at the age of 90, had her ashes flown from Canada and scattered over the wreck site.
The "Maitland Gale" also claimed the schooners Amelia White, Philip Palfrey, Adelaide, Isabel, J.G. Kondio; the ketch Coral; the barquentine Fido; the ship Hereward and the steamers Ethel, Merksworth and Saxonia. In 1909, the timber steamer Narooma ran ashore on the beach at Boat Harbour and became a total wreck. The Maitland's exposed boilers were still clearly visible in photographs taken at the time. Today little is left of the Maitland wreck, other than fragments of the hull and remains of a boiler on the exposed East Reef at low tide.
Sydney Morning Herald 9, 10, 11 & 12 May 1898
Central Coast Express, 8 April 1988
Gosford Heritage Association
Such was the impact when the steamer Maitland wrecked in 1898 that it led to the naming of a bay, a bombora and the storm that sank it!
Photographs of the iron paddle steamer portray its beautiful sleek lines. Of 231 feet (70.00 m) in length, the vessel was built at Glasgow, United Kingdom, in 1870. Famed as a regular trader along the New South Wales coast, excited passengers queued at Sydney to board before the 11.00 p.m. departure. By the time the steamer reached the Sydney Heads, they began to fear for their lives.
Labouring into a frightening gale, the Maitland immediately began shipping water. Seas carried away the deckhouse as all aboard assisted in bailing water from the flooding hull. Struggling in the pitch-black night, frantic efforts were made to dump cargo in a last ditch effort to stay upright. However, by the time they passed Barrenjoey Headland, huge seas flooded the engine fires, they were now adrift at the mercy of the driving seas. As one survivor was later to remark, "it seemed as if all the winds of heaven from every point of the compass had been let loose from their caverns". Captain Skinner got everybody together and instructed them "to prepare themselves for what was to come".
Just before 6.00 a.m. on 6 May 1898, the Maitland was driven onto the foot of East Reef with a mighty crash and driven high up into the air. The hull immediately wrenched apart amidships, carrying most of the crew and steerage passengers in the forward section to their deaths. Those swept ashore alive were severely injured by the jagged rocks and pounding surf. The remainder survived on the shattered stern, eventually making it ashore by the afternoon, after several nerve-racking attempts to secure a line to the beach. At one stage four of the crew including the Stewardess were crossing by the line when it broke. Only the Third Engineer made it to safety.
The tragic death of 24 from 63 aboard appalled the population. One young women found drowned had been buried under sand and wreckage, near naked, and with her teeth smashed away.
There were many tales of gallantry however, one involved the remarkable survival of baby Daisy Hammond. Trapped on the wreck after her mother had carried ashore, Daisy was nursed by crew through the night. Next morning, she was carried through the surf on the Boatswain's back. Many years later, Daisy Stevens visited the wreck, and when she died in 1988 at the age of 90, had her ashes flown from Canada and scattered over the wreck site.
The "Maitland Gale" also claimed the schooners Amelia White, Philip Palfrey, Adelaide, Isabel, J.G. Kondio; the ketch Coral; the barquentine Fido; the ship Hereward and the steamers Ethel, Merksworth and Saxonia. In 1909, the timber steamer Narooma ran ashore on the beach at Boat Harbour and became a total wreck. The Maitland's exposed boilers were still clearly visible in photographs taken at the time. Today little is left of the Maitland wreck, other than fragments of the hull and remains of a boiler on the exposed East Reef at low tide.
Sydney Morning Herald 9, 10, 11 & 12 May 1898
Central Coast Express, 8 April 1988
Gosford Heritage Association
Around the grounds
Our front entrance has had a bit of a facelift. The “Maitland” Bell has
been erected, along with two of the “Maitland” portholes, on a strong
stand made by Clark Equipment at Hornsby. This stand enables the Bell
to be presented hanging, as a Bell should be - and it has a lovely sound
when struck.
The picket fence between the Cottage and Museum has been
removed and this gives a clearer view of the Cottage. When the
Heritage Architect inspected our complex recently this was one of his
recommendations.
The lattice work behind the bullock wagon has gone and this also gives
a clearer view of the Cottage and Museum. The unfinished bullock yoke
which belonged to Horace Frost was donated to BWHS by Geoff Potter
of Gosford City library and this has been erected behind the bullock
wagon, which also belonged to Horace Frost.
been erected, along with two of the “Maitland” portholes, on a strong
stand made by Clark Equipment at Hornsby. This stand enables the Bell
to be presented hanging, as a Bell should be - and it has a lovely sound
when struck.
The picket fence between the Cottage and Museum has been
removed and this gives a clearer view of the Cottage. When the
Heritage Architect inspected our complex recently this was one of his
recommendations.
The lattice work behind the bullock wagon has gone and this also gives
a clearer view of the Cottage and Museum. The unfinished bullock yoke
which belonged to Horace Frost was donated to BWHS by Geoff Potter
of Gosford City library and this has been erected behind the bullock
wagon, which also belonged to Horace Frost.
Grant Success
Since recently receiving a Grant from Gosford City Council for an
inspection by a Heritage Architect, we received a subsequent Grant for
the essential work to be carried out. This entailed treating the ‘spalling’
or rising damp on the front wall of the Cottage and this has now been
successfully completed. It also covered the installation of a drainage
trench across the front wall, tying in with the existing drains so that the
same problem would not occur again. This has also been carried out
successfully. A small Grant was also received for replacing cracked
window panes in the Cottage. So thanks to Gosford Council, including
their Heritage Committee, for these Grants and to BWHS member Ros Ellis for
requesting them.
inspection by a Heritage Architect, we received a subsequent Grant for
the essential work to be carried out. This entailed treating the ‘spalling’
or rising damp on the front wall of the Cottage and this has now been
successfully completed. It also covered the installation of a drainage
trench across the front wall, tying in with the existing drains so that the
same problem would not occur again. This has also been carried out
successfully. A small Grant was also received for replacing cracked
window panes in the Cottage. So thanks to Gosford Council, including
their Heritage Committee, for these Grants and to BWHS member Ros Ellis for
requesting them.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Dedication of the Lone Pine Memorial Garden at Allison Homestead, Wyong
Brian McCafferty’s report at the General Meeting:
On 12 October, Brian McCafferty and his wife
attended the dedication ceremony for the Lone Pine Tree in the grounds of
Allison Homestead.
Brian reported that it was rather moving and was well organised. About 120 to
150 were in attendance including the Mayor, Local Member of Parliament,
local business leaders, Wyong RSL Sub-Branch members, some school
principals and their respective school captains. A noted item was that an
identical ceremony was being held on the same day on the Beach at
Gallopoli. That ceremony was being conducted by the Wyong Parish Priest
with about 30 people from Wyong and surrounds who accompanied the
Parish Priest to Gallopoli.
Member, Ruth Logan also attended – her comments follow …
On 12 October I attended, on behalf of Brisbane Water Historical
Society, a Service of Dedication at the Lone Pine War Memorial Garden
at Alison Homestead, Wyong.
It was a very moving ceremony conducted by Mr. Phillip Moreley,
President of Wyong District Museum & Historical Society and attended
by the Mayor of Wyong, Mr. Doug Eaton, the State Member of Wyong,
Mr. David Harris and President of Wyong RSL Sub Branch, Mr. Lawrence
Shaw. Rev. Father Michael Kelly OAM, Blessed the Memorial Garden and led
the service.
On this day, Rev. Fr. Bill Stevens, Parish Priest of The Entrance, along with
over 30 people on pilgrimage, were at Gallipoli to place soil, rosemary, poppy,
and a small piece of pine from the garden in Wyong, at a suitable location.
He in turn will bring back a small memento from Gallipoli to be placed in the
Memorial Garden.
Several Pine Trees were originally grown from seeds taken from a Pine Tree
cone carried back by Sgt. Keith McDowell of the 24th Battalion at the end of
the 1914/1918 war and planted in Inverell, NSW in 1928.
From this source there were several Pines grown there and another in
Canberra. The Wyong Pine Tree is from this source.
At the conclusion of the Blessing of The Memorial Garden, the Last
Post was played by a member of the Brisbane Water Brass Band who
also played Revelle.
The gardens and grounds are a credit to the work of Roman Paul, who
designed the Memorial Garden, planted with poppies, rosemary and other
flowers.
On 12 October, Brian McCafferty and his wife
attended the dedication ceremony for the Lone Pine Tree in the grounds of
Allison Homestead.
Brian reported that it was rather moving and was well organised. About 120 to
150 were in attendance including the Mayor, Local Member of Parliament,
local business leaders, Wyong RSL Sub-Branch members, some school
principals and their respective school captains. A noted item was that an
identical ceremony was being held on the same day on the Beach at
Gallopoli. That ceremony was being conducted by the Wyong Parish Priest
with about 30 people from Wyong and surrounds who accompanied the
Parish Priest to Gallopoli.
Member, Ruth Logan also attended – her comments follow …
On 12 October I attended, on behalf of Brisbane Water Historical
Society, a Service of Dedication at the Lone Pine War Memorial Garden
at Alison Homestead, Wyong.
It was a very moving ceremony conducted by Mr. Phillip Moreley,
President of Wyong District Museum & Historical Society and attended
by the Mayor of Wyong, Mr. Doug Eaton, the State Member of Wyong,
Mr. David Harris and President of Wyong RSL Sub Branch, Mr. Lawrence
Shaw. Rev. Father Michael Kelly OAM, Blessed the Memorial Garden and led
the service.
On this day, Rev. Fr. Bill Stevens, Parish Priest of The Entrance, along with
over 30 people on pilgrimage, were at Gallipoli to place soil, rosemary, poppy,
and a small piece of pine from the garden in Wyong, at a suitable location.
He in turn will bring back a small memento from Gallipoli to be placed in the
Memorial Garden.
Several Pine Trees were originally grown from seeds taken from a Pine Tree
cone carried back by Sgt. Keith McDowell of the 24th Battalion at the end of
the 1914/1918 war and planted in Inverell, NSW in 1928.
From this source there were several Pines grown there and another in
Canberra. The Wyong Pine Tree is from this source.
At the conclusion of the Blessing of The Memorial Garden, the Last
Post was played by a member of the Brisbane Water Brass Band who
also played Revelle.
The gardens and grounds are a credit to the work of Roman Paul, who
designed the Memorial Garden, planted with poppies, rosemary and other
flowers.
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