Henley Marine Drive This street is renowned as one of the most picturesque in Canada Bay, as it skirts the waters of Iron Cove Creek and Iron Cove, from Five Dock to Drummoyne. Henley Marine Drive was named after Sir Thomas Henley, born on the 4th of February 1860 at Wootton Bassett in Wiltshire, England….
The Convict Valley The story of the second British penal settlement in Australia, where a notoriously brutal convict regime became the template for penal stations in other states. Mark will explore the relations between the white settler and the local Aboriginal landholders and uncover a long-forgotten massacre. Saturday 2nd November 2pm
In ancient times, fireplace tools were crucial for maintaining the fire’s size and heat. They were used to arrange the logs, stir the embers, and control the flames. People relied on these tools for warmth, cooking and light, making them essential in households. Fire tools used to maintain a fire have changed little since the…
LYONS ROAD, DRUMMOYNE Most of us would be familiar with Lyons Road, which runs from Drummoyne, through Russell Lea, Wareemba and finishes in Five Dock West. Lyons Road is named after Samuel Lyons, who purchased the Five Dock Farm estate in 1836. He subdivided the Estate for housing and built the first roads in the…
The history of rowing in Australia began in the early 19th century. In 1818 the crews of three convict ships, the Batavia, the Guildford, the Minerva plus a crew put together by Captain John Piper raced from Bradleys s Head to Sydney Cove. They raced the 3.5 miles in 15 minutes1, 2. An interesting side…
Child-size Chair Many years ago this small child-size chair was donated to our former museum situated at the Thomas Walker Convalescent Hospital. It has the words “My Birthday” engraved on the backrest. The only other information we were given was that it was “in memory of Olwyn Jean Gaward”. We could possibly make an educated…
Another year has passedAnd we’re all a little older.Last summer felt hotterAnd winter seems much colder. There was a time not long agoWhen life was quite a blast.Now I fully understandAbout “living in the past”. We used to go to weddings,Football games and lunches . . .Now we go to funeral homesAnd after-funeral brunches. We…
There’s some confusion about exactly when the first camels and their handlers arrived in Australia, and for what purpose. We do know that “Harry” was the first camel to arrive in Australia after landing in Port Adelaide on 12 October, 1840. The animal was shipped from Tenerife, Spain, by the Phillips brothers, Henry Weston and George. Camels…
Educational requirements of Concord were commenced in a private school conducted by Mrs. Love, near Bray Grove. On Mrs. Love’s demise, her daughter continued the school, with the address on her letters: “Miss Love, ‘Love Dale,’ Concord, opposite Kissing Point.” (Note: At that time Ryde was known as Kissing Point.) Some few years prior to…
Bungaree, or Boongaree (1775 – 24 November 1830), was an Aboriginal Australian from the Kuringgai people of the Broken Bay area north of Sydney, who was known as an explorer, entertainer, and Aboriginal community leader. He is also significant in that he was the first person to be recorded in print as an Australian, and…
Ten days after the landing at Sydney Cove on the 26th January, 1788, Captain John Hunter with Lt. Bradley, led an expedition along one of the rivers running into Sydney Cove. This is now known to us as the Parramatta River. Having left at daylight, the expedition proceeded up the river, passing several natives in the…
Though Christmas may be celebrated differently around the globe, there’s one festive tradition that is shared the world over – dinner. Be it roast turkey with all the trimmings, spicy meat stew, grilled seafood, or even Kentucky Fried Chicken, ‘tis the season for feasting. Here are nine traditional Christmas meals to truly whet your appetite….