PARRAMATTA & DISTRICT HISTORICAL SOCIETY (Incorporated in NSW) (Established 1913)
ANNUAL REPORT for 2019
Parramatta and District Historical Society Inc. (ABN: 45 831 855 140)
HAMBLEDON COTTAGE 63 Hassall Street (Corner of Gregory Place), PARRAMATTA NSW 2150 (P.O Box 1384, PARRAMATTA NSW 2124) Telephone: 9635-6924
E-mail: [email protected] Webpage: www.parramattahistorical.org.au
VISION
To be the authority on the history (local and family) and heritage of Parramatta and to operate Hambledon Cottage as an historic house museum.
MISSION
• To operate the Society and Hambledon Cottage, meeting all legal, financial and statutory obligations; • To continue to conserve, restore and furnish Hambledon Cottage as a colonial Georgian cottage of the 1820s-1880s period; • To collect, research, preserve, exhibit and interpret archives and artefacts relevant to Parramatta and district for the benefit and education of the community; • To encourage the study of local and family history, both of the Parramatta district and of Australia; • To promote the compilation of authentic records relating to Parramatta and district; • To research, print, publish and circulate publications relating to Parramatta and district; • To promote and market the Society and Hambledon Cottage to encourage community involvement; • To maintain an active membership of the Society. PARRAMATTA and DISTRICT HISTORICAL SOCIETY Inc.
PATRON: Her Excellency The Honourable Margaret Beazley AO QC Governor of New South Wales
VICE PATRONS: Enid Clark LTCL, AASA, FPDHS Beverley McClymont OAM, FPDHS
PRESIDENT: Jeff Allen
IMM.PAST PRESIDENT: Brian Powyer BA(Educ), GradDipEdAdmin, AdvDipTourism, FACE, FACEL (Deceased 12 November 2019)
VICE PRESIDENT: Ken Smith OAM, BE, FIEAust, CPEng (Ret), FPDHS Enid Turbit FPDHS
SECRETARIES: Jacqui White Enid Turbit FPDHS
TREASURER: Debra Allen
PUBLIC OFFICER Debra Allen
COUNCILLORS: Mary Dunham Judith Dunn OAM, FPDHS Les Fenech Bruce Gregory B.Ed Margaret O’Hearn R.N. ,M.Ed Kaye Weaver Man-Ling Yuen
AUDITORS: McCarthy Salkeld, Chartered Accountants
Parramatta and District Historical Society 1 Annual Report 2019 SOCIETY COMMITTEES 2019
ARCHIVES: Ken Smith (Convener), Rhonda Reese, Enid Turbit, Maureen McDonald, Tim O’Hearn, Margaret Smith AWARDS: Brian Powyer, Ken Smith, Enid Turbit, Man-Ling Yuen DISPLAYS: Trevor Patrick (Convener) FAMILY HISTORY: Enid Turbit (Convener), Brenda Gardiner, Kerry Martin, Elizabeth Matthews, Rhonda Reese, Jennifer Reynolds, Jan Stoker FUNCTIONS: Barbara Keighran (Convener), Debbie Allen, Mary Dunham, Dot Harris, Valerie Hutchinson, Margaret O’Hearn, Jean Perryman, Lorenza Powyer, Ken Smith, Margaret Smith, Kaye Weaver GARDEN: Jean Perryman, Margaret Smith, Les Harris, Jacqui White, Bruce Gregory, Ken Smith GRANTS: Ken Smith (Convener) HAMBLEDON COTTAGE: Ken Smith (Guides Co-ordinator and Schools Program Co-ordinator) HISTORIC GRAVES: Judith Dunn (Convener), Rosemarie Morris HISTORIC SITES: Jeff Allen (Convener) LIBRARY: Enid Turbit (Convener), Rhonda Reese. Ken Smith MAINTENANCE Les Harris (Convener), Ken Smith, Margaret Smith, Verne Tuckwell, Bruce Gregory, Lorenza Powyer, Jacqui White, MEMBERSHIP: Man-Ling Yuen (Convener) NEWSLETTER: Chiu Poon (Co-Convener) & Man-Ling Yuen (Co-Convener) Jan Stoker, Ken Smith, Enid Turbit. ORAL HISTORY: Barbara Keighran (Convener) PUBLICATIONS: Ken Smith (Convener) PUBLICITY: Trevor Patrick (Convener) RESEARCH: Suzanne Jones, Elizabeth Matthews. SALES Debra Allen (Convener) SCHOOLS & NAVAL Brian Powyer (Convener) (to November 2019) LIAISON SPEAKERS: Ilma McKee (Convener) STRATEGIC PLANNING: Ken Smith (Convener) TECHNOLOGY: Brian Powyer (Convener) (to November 2019) TOURS: Brian Powyer (Convener) (to November 2019) WORK,HEALTH & SAFETY Kaye Weaver (Convener)
GUIDES (active during 2019): Margaret Best, Barbara Brett, Judy Clark, Norine Collins, Margaret Cunningham, Ron Dick, Allan Drew, Mary Dunham, Judith Dunn, Les Fenech, Lauren Fiedler, Jill France, Ronda Gaffey, Bruce Gregory, Patricia Grove, Dot Harris, Les Harris, Sue Hart, Joy Heape, Sue Hush, Valerie Hutchinson, Barbara Keighran, Alice Kershaw, Maureen King, Elizabeth Laing, Warren Lewington, Stephen Martin, Anne Mathews, Ann Miles, Rosemarie Morris, Margaret O’Hearn, Christina Penning, Jean Perryman, Chiu Poon, Brian Powyer, Lorenza Powyer, David Senior, Rosy Sharma, Bob Shayler, Lyn Shayler, Ken Smith, Margaret Smith, Val Tuckwell, Jacqueline White, Man- Ling Yuen.
Parramatta and District Historical Society 2 Annual Report 2019 FELLOWS (FPDHS): Keith Houison* (1963), Gwenda Houison* (1964), (Commenced 1955) Lesley Harwin* (1981), Frank Bloxham OAM* (1984), David Corthorn* (1987), Beryl Louis* (1991), John McClymont* OAM (1991), Geraldine Palmer (1992), Enid Clark (1993), Moya McAuslin* (1994), Judith Dunn OAM (1996), Robert Low* (1999), Hilda Bloxham* OAM (2002), Beverley McClymont OAM (2004), Rosemarie Morris (2007), Ken Smith OAM (2007), Elizabeth Laing (2008), Enid Turbit (2008), David Shakespeare* OAM (2012), Audrey Meisenhelter* (2013), Faye Rogers (2015), Jean Perryman (2016), Margaret Smith (2016).
CERTIFICATE Elma Ham* (1995), Jean Perryman (1995), Judy OF MERIT AWARDS: Jenkins* (1996), Ruby Walsh* (1996), Hilda Bloxham* (Commenced 1995) (1997), Helen Campbell* (1999), John Watson* (1999), Meryl Watson* (1999), Barbara Wiles (1999), Agnes Meers* (2000), Mary Morris* (2000), Rosemarie Morris (2000), Val Tuckwell (2000), Heather Howie* (2001), Pat Walsh* (2001), Shylie Brown (2002), Elizabeth Laing (2002), Beverley McClymont (2002), Enid Turbit (2002), Brenda Gardiner (2003), Elizabeth Matthews (2003), Audrey Meisenhelter* (2003), June Brown (2004), Joan Ross (2004), Margaret Smith (2004), Margaret Bell* (2005), Barbara Brett (2005), Betty Brown (2005), Faye Rogers (2005), Rhonda Reese (2006), Kerry Martin (2006), Ron Buttrey* (2007), Barbara Keighran (2007), Richard Boots (2008), Beryl Eccles (2008), Jess Maclachlan* (2008), Ilma McKee (2008), Enid Clark (2009), Norine Collins (2009), Doreen Ellis* (2009), Thelma Skinner* (2009), David Shakespeare* (2010), Greta Lee* (2011), Shirley Hannam* (2011), Jan Stoker (2011), Olga Tatrai* (2011), Man-Ling Yuen (2012), Les Harris (2015), Trevor Patrick (2015), Jean Perryman (2015), Suzanne Jones (2016), Verne Tuckwell (2016), Brian Powyer (2018)*.
*Deceased
LIFE MEMBERS (at end 2019) Karen Barden, Richard Boots, John Brock, Enid Clark, Pauline Corthorn, Linda Drew- Smith, Judith Dunn, Annette Forster, Gloria Gillies, Margaret Grace, Elizabeth Gregory, Don Guerin, Suzanne Jones, Barbara Keighran, Beverley McClymont, Ian Meggitt, Ken Miles, Jean Morgan, Rosemarie Morris, Geraldine Palmer, Jean Perryman, Richard Pike, Robert Pollard, Anne Segerstrom, Ken Smith, Margaret Smith, Leola Tacey, Kerima-Gae Topp, Enid Turbit, Linda Uhlberg, Kaye Weaver, Barbara Wiles, Michel Wilson.
COVER ILLUSTRATION: Hambledon Cottage.
Parramatta and District Historical Society 3 Annual Report 2019 HIGHLIGHTS OF THE YEAR
The Society had another great year. Highlights were: • Visitors to Hambledon Cottage house museum increased by 9%, largely led by a 26% increase in the number of students undertaking our schools education programmes; • Utilisation of the Hambledon Cottage site remained high - a very active site with activities on nearly every day; • Our monthly newsletter, the Hambledon Herald, continued to provide excellent coverage of Society activities; • The Society continued to gain valuable publicity through an increasing array of electronic and social media; • Society continued to support Parramatta Heritage Partners group building stronger links to the Council and other heritage properties in Parramatta; • Two entertaining Public Speaking events, one for primary students at Parramatta Public School and the other for secondary students at Catherine McAuley High School, were organised; • The Annual School’s History day was well attended by local schools. Special guest was Commander of HMAS Parramatta, Troy Van Tienhoven, who read a message from Governor of NSW, the Honourable Her Excellency, Margaret Beazley; • In partnership with Parramatta Branch of the National Trust the Society conducted a series of successful talks and well attended walks as part of the National Trust Heritage Festival in April and May • Our general meetings were moved to Burnside Community Centre and were well attended due to a strong guest speaker program featuring a wide variety of presenters; • Our Society website recorded over 28,400 hits during the year; we had nearly 1,000 followers on our Facebook page; • The Hambledon Cottage garden continued to be lovingly maintained and fittingly won the award for Best Garden in the Non-Residential Section of the City of Parramatta Garden Awards • Our InMagic computer database continued to record data about our Society furniture, books and collection – now having over 13,000 items; • The Family History Group continued to undertake research and provide an excellent program of guest speakers for its members; • The Society’s tour program proved to be popular, with all tours and excursions being fully booked, culminating in an excellent three day tour of South western NSW; • A very popular display, Herstory, based on the lives and conditions of the women in the Parramatta Female Factory was maintained and updated regularly; • The annual James Jervis Memorial Lecture was delivered by Dr Scott Hill and was well received by the large audience; • Eight Service Awards presented to members for their loyal and valuable service; • Brian Powyer was awarded a Certificate of Merit; • The Functions Committee held many successful events, including the Guides afternoon tea and the Society’s Christmas Party; • The Society continued its strong representation on the City of Parramatta Council’s Heritage Advisory committee • As part of Foundation Day Festival, Hambledon Cottage hosted a book launch Then and There Lying Dead by Judith Dunn. This was highly successful with a huge crowd in attendance.
Parramatta and District Historical Society 4 Annual Report 2019 PRESIDENT’S ANNUAL REPORT
At the beginning of 2019 I was privileged to start my term as President of the Parramatta and District Historical Society. It is with great pleasure that I present the President’s Annual Report for the past year.
By any measure, 2019 was a very successful year for the Society. Perusal of the following Committee Reports provide clear evidence of the many achievements of the executive team and the many members who willingly gave up their valuable time and expertise to support the Society.
One of the most pleasing aspects of the year was the large increase in students participating in our school programs. School students now comprise the vast majority of paying visitors to Hambledon Cottage. This is a credit to the hard work done by members to make the cottage guiding activities relevant to the school curriculum and enjoyable for students and teachers. With the apparent lessening in visitors from other community groups, the uptake in school visits is essential to the prospering of the society and encouraging an interest in history by Australian youth. It is imperative that the strong links that have been built between ourselves and the local schools continue into the future.
The Society hosted a variety of highly successful functions and events at Hambledon Cottage. These ranged from activities as diverse as talks and performances (Emancipists V Exclusives) as part of Heritage Week, Annual conference of the Federation of Australian Historical Societies, book launch as part of Foundation Day Festival, City of Parramatta Garden Awards presentation, School History Day as well as the usual annual Guides afternoon tea and Society Christmas Party. These many activities demonstrate the ongoing engagement and relevance of the Society and Hambledon Cottage to the wider community and encourage the understanding of the importance of heritage as we move into the future.
Our input and continued support of the Parramatta Heritage Partners was both considerable and important as we were able to better coordinate the resources and activities offered across the many museums and attractions in Parramatta. Our ties to Friends of St John’s and Mays Hill Cemeteries, Friends of the Female Factory, National Trust of NSW and other groups were as strong as ever and highly productive. Continued participation in an advisory capacity on the City of Parramatta Heritage Advisory Committee was vital in supporting the Council and the broader heritage community in their efforts to protect the City’s heritage.
The conduct of Hambledon Cottage as a house museum is central to our purpose as an historical society. A huge thank you must be given to our cottage guides who so generously give of their time to the Society and provide an excellent presentation to the visitors to our cottage. Also, thanks must go to Ken Smith for his work in coordinating the guides and activities at the cottage.
Historical Societies largely exist to study, record and share the history of their particular location. In Parramatta we have an enviable record of achieving such for well over 100 years. Several of our groups, the Tuesday group, the research committee, the historic graves committee, our guides and Family History Group, spend countless hours researching filing and informing others of the history and heritage of Parramatta, its buildings, its people and its stories. Thanks are extended to the various conveners and members of these groups.
Parramatta and District Historical Society 5 Annual Report 2019 I would like to mention the catering committee headed by Margaret O’Hearn that is called upon throughout the year to provide food and refreshments that make our events and activities highly social and friendly as we mix and talk. Without their input our events would not have been as successful as they were.
Another area, that often goes unnoticed, that requires special acknowledgement is the general maintenance of the site and the gardens. Special thanks must be passed onto Bruce Gregory for his attention to all the things that need repairing. Also, special mention is given to Jean Perryman, Margaret Smith and Jacqui White for their care and attention to our garden.
Other people I would like to extend my appreciation to are Trevor Patrick for his excellent work in publicising activities of the Society, Man-Ling Yuen for coordinating the production of our newsletter the Hambledon Herald, Enid Turbit for her efficient management of our copious correspondence, Margaret Smith, Sue Hush, Jean Perryman, Lorenza Powyer, Brenda Gardiner and Jacqui White for cleaning the cottage and Ilma McKee for arranging all the interesting speakers at our monthly general meetings.
In conclusion, I thank all those members who have contributed to the work of the Society during 2019, many of whom I apologise for not directly acknowledging in this report. Thanks to all Committee Conveners and their committee members for the excellent work throughout the year. I look forward to your continued support in the year ahead.
Jeff Allen President
Guides Afternoon Tea
Parramatta and District Historical Society 6 Annual Report 2019 Vale: Brian Powyer
It was with great sadness that we learnt of the passing of our much loved Society member and Immediate Past President Brian Powyer on 12 November 2019 following a sudden heart attack.
Brian spent his life tirelessly contributing to the community as a teacher, Principal, Assistant Director Curriculum NSW and Secretary of the NSW Primary Principals Association. Other varied recent involvements included Chair of Parramatta Community College, Chair Bidjigal Reserve Trust Board, Secretary Excelsior Park Bushland Society, Treasurer Cumberland Land Conservancy Group etc etc.
Brian was passionate about supporting the preservation and protection of the built, cultural and natural heritage of NSW in general and Parramatta area in particular. He was a strong advocate for promoting the importance of the history of Western Sydney.
His involvement & achievements with Parramatta & District Historical Society included: • Joined Society November 2013 • Councillor since 2014 • President 2015 to 2018 • Volunteer Guide since 2015 • Updated & Developed 3 school education programs • Tours Convener, Technology Convener, Schools & Naval Liaison Convener • Awarded Society’s Certificate of Merit 2019
Brian was a member of the NSW National Trust for more than 30 years and elected President in December 2017. He also served as National Chair of the Australian Council of National Trusts.
Many of us will recall his selfless willingness to always give of his time and energy should any members of the Society or the general community need the assistance of his experience and intellect.
Brian will be sadly missed by us all. Our sympathy has been expressed to his wife Lorenza, daughter Alicia, son Nathan and family.
Parramatta and District Historical Society 7 Annual Report 2019 COMMITTEE REPORTS 2019
ARCHIVES
Once again, the past year has been another successful and busy year for work on the Society’s valuable archives.
COMPUTER DATABASE • Work on the INMAGIC computer database system continued, mainly entering data on new acquisitions & including various photographs in the Society collection. • Special thanks to Rhonda Reese for her dedication to updating this database system. Also thanks to Enid Turbit for identifying photographs and assisting Rhonda to catalogue the photograph collection. • In 2020, work will relate to adding new objects and any other objects currently in the compactus identified for inclusion in the Society collection. • Work is also planned in cataloguing and sorting out the numerous maps and documents stored in our Map Cabinet, as well as commencing on digitisation of our photographic collection.
SIGNIFICANCE ASSESSMENT Object Files and Significance Assessments are prepared for the more significant objects in our collection, with a total of 88 completed. This year, two assessments were updated and two new assessments were created, namely: • Mrs Statham’s dress (Mrs Statham was the last Matron of Parramatta Female Factory & the first Matron of Parramatta Lunatic Asylum); • Pole-mounted Fire Screen.
ACQUISITIONS, LOANS AND DEACCESSIONS Donations During the year, the Society was indeed fortunate to receive many donations, including: • Boomerang, hand-carved, hunting (Bob Franklin); • Framed prints (5) of Parramatta scenes (Department of Fair Trading) • Old Government House; • St John’s Church; • Court House & St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church; • Subiaco & The Vineyard; Pole Mounted Fire Screen • Commissariat & Howell’s Mill;
Parramatta and District Historical Society 8 Annual Report 2019
• “Freedom to Libel” book (Tim O’Hearn); • Numerous Parramatta memorabilia (Lis Maris); • Painting, St Mary’s Anglican Church Toongabbie, & related 1993 newspaper article (Ann Miles); • Large Garden Pot (Jacqui White); • Large Garden Pots (2) (Mary Dunham); • Pole-mounted Victorian Fire Screen (purchased from Pam Ralph donation); • Leather-bound Testimonial to Harold Meggitt, 1917 (Ian Meggitt) • Photographs (2) of Meggitt family in front of Hambledon Cottage, c1902 (David Meggitt) • Details & letter relating to Vallack’s Brewery (David Meggitt) • Document “Meggitt Limited: An Early Parramatta Company (David Meggitt) • Booklet “100 Years of Oilseeds in Australia: 1908-2008” (David Meggitt) • Photocopy “Over Half a Century of Transportation: 1908-1963” (David Meggitt) • Brochure “Meggitt – the growth story of an industry” (David Meggitt) • Photocopy extracted from Meggitt Limited’s Leadership Magazine “The Little Boy from ‘Meggitt’s’”, “A Tribute to Low”, “Story told by Low” & “Vegetable Oils are excellent Preservatives” • Brochures (3): “Peanut”, “Soybean” & “Vegetable Oils” (David Meggitt) • Folder with pictures of 1933 Royal Agricultural Show, featuring the Meggitt Limited’s stands and exhibitions (David Meggitt) • A 1980 aerial photograph of Parramatta (Guy Pulley).
Loans • For an exhibition at Parramatta Heritage Centre during the period of the HMAS Parramatta Freedom of Entry parade, the following objects were loaned & returned: • Print of clipper SS Parramatta; • HMAS Parramatta one centenary commemorative glass & program; • HMAS Parramatta hatband.
De-accessions • Folding Campaign Bed - sold to a new member starting a museum in Bathurst area – it had been on display at Hyde Park Barracks for 5 years, but on return was considered not appropriate for the Society’s collection.
STORAGE OF COLLECTION Progress continues to be made on completing the accession and de-accession of items stored in the Coach House Garage. However, this task was not able to be completed in 2019. It is hoped during 2020 to eventually finalise work on processing our archives and collection, and the labelling of all objects in Hambledon Cottage and the collection.
Ken Smith OAM, FPDHS Convener
Parramatta and District Historical Society 9 Annual Report 2019 AWARDS
The Society once again recognised the efforts of members for their loyal contribution to the Society.
FELLOWSHIPS No nominations this year.
CERTIFICATE OF MERIT It was a great pleasure for the Society to award a Certificate of Merit to Immediate Past President, Brian Powyer, at our Annual General meeting in March this year. It was given for his significant contributions to the Society, with the citation “ for distinguished service as President and Councillor, as well as his involvement as a Hambledon Cottage Guide , the development of our school education programs and his advocacy for the retention of Parramatta’s heritage sites, together with his contribution to Society’s activities”
SERVICE AWARDS Following the instigation in 2011 of a system of Service Awards to recognise the valuable and loyal service of our volunteers, further awards were made this year. The Service Awards are given out for blocks of 5 years, i.e. over 5 years, over 10 years, etc. These are quite separate to our awards of Certificates of Merit and Fellowships. Without volunteers, this Society would not be able to operate. The Service Awards were presented to: • GUIDES “for valuable and loyal service as a Hambledon Cottage Volunteer Guide” o Over 5 Years ▪ Margaret BEST ▪ Jill FRANCE ▪ Ronda GAFFEY ▪ Sue HUSH ▪ Anne MATHEWS ▪ Brian POWYER ▪ Lorenza POWYER
• COUNCILLORS “for valuable and loyal service as a Councillor of the Society” o Over 5 Years ▪ Mary DUNHAM Anne Mathews & Jeff Allen
EXTERNAL AWARDS It was pleasing to note that one of our members, John Rogers, received an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) this year for his work in the community. His citation read “…for service to veterans and their families”. Ken Smith OAM, FPDHS Convener
Parramatta and District Historical Society 10 Annual Report 2019 FAMILY HISTORY GROUP
The Family History Group meetings are held in the Coach House of Hambledon Cottage on the first Saturday of the month, at 1.30 pm except January.
The Family History Group in 2019 had another busy year, the meetings were fairly well attended, Jennifer Reynolds notified the newspapers and some publicity was received, this resulted in visitors being welcomed at the meetings. Thanks to Trevor Patrick for the publicity he achieved for the group.
Arranging the speakers was the group’s programme co-ordinator, Jan Stoker, who again rewarded the members with an excellent list of presenters.
The Minutes secretary Sue Jones prepared the minutes for the records. Kerry Martin, looked after the journals and newsletters received by mail.
Brenda Gardiner keeps track of the Family History Group income and expenditure for the Society Treasurer.
Thank you to Bob Pollard and Bruce Gregory, with the help of members, for setting up the chairs and organising the Coach House for the Saturday meetings, greatly appreciated is the assistance of Jennifer Reynolds for setting up the laptop and projector for the speakers. There are a number of members who quietly do many chores to keep the Group running, including preparing afternoon tea following the meetings. A big thank you to all the helpers.
Jennifer Reynolds puts an article in the Hambledon Herald on behalf of the Family History Group. Thanks Jennifer for your great contribution.
February: 2nd – John Cann, Archivist from the NSW Archives and Records Office spoke to a full house, about some early bushrangers of NSW, relating many stories in regard to a number of colourful bushrangers.
March: 2nd – There was disappointment when the guest speakers were not able to attend, apologies were received and they spoke at the June meeting. An early afternoon tea with lots of interesting conversations among those present still made for an enjoyable afternoon.
April: 6th – Mark Bundy is the Director of External Operations Rookwood and gave a very informative talk, as well as showing 3 short videos about the Cemetery, and answered many questions from the members.
May: 4th – It was good to welcome back Gail Davis, she spoke about the different indexes held at State Records for marriage and divorce research records, plus what’s new at the archives.
June: 1st – Pam Forbes and Greg Jackson spoke to the group about the Quarantine Station at North Head and why it was established, primarily to regulate the risk of disease.
Parramatta and District Historical Society 11 Annual Report 2019 July: 6th – Angela Phippen – “Oops” I wish I’d checked the original. The group had the pleasure to listen to Angela talk about the importance of checking original sources when undertaking research. August: 3rd – Ronda Gaffey stepped in at very short notice to speak about “Loves Labours and Loss” when due to unforeseen circumstances Kerima-Gae Topp was not able to attend the August meeting. Ronda has an interest in unusual objects related to her topic and her fascinating presentation was about the different types of symbols used for romance.
September: 7th – Peter Plowman – Early Paddle Wheel Ferries including Parramatta. Pater is a noted maritime researcher and had a wealth of photos in his PowerPoint presentation.
October: 5th – Society member, Peter Hinds was the guest speaker his topic The Campbelltown Convicts. He spoke about the early colonial period of Sydney and what it was like as his ancestor John Champley would have known it. After receiving his freedom John left Parramatta.
October: 12th and 13th – The 35th Annual Conference of the NSW & ACT Association of Family History Societies was held at Knox Grammar School hosted by Ku-ring-gai Historical Society on the Saturday and Sunday, four members of our Society attended. A pre-conference fair was held on Friday 11th, this day is open to the public and creates a local interest. The Group had a trade table selling Society publications, and second hand books, taking the opportunity to meet up with old friends and make new friends, this is a wonderful network to keep in touch with other groups and their activities. Again there was a diversity of speakers along with well Beth Matthews, Brenda Gardiner, attended specialty talks. Jennifer Reynolds
November: 2nd – Beth Matthews and Anne Mathews – Female Factory and its Girls gave the group a fascinating talk on the girls in the factory, their crimes and life in the Female Factory. Beth related interesting stories on some of the girls who went through the Factory.
December: 7th – Christmas afternoon tea was held in the grounds of Hambledon Cottage, the weather was very kind and the members enjoyed a lovely afternoon tea and chatting with those present. Thank you to the members for supplying a plate with so many goodies.
The Family History Group exchange very few journals by mail with other Groups, the journals are in the Coach House and available for members to read and can be borrowed. To keep Christmas Afternoon Tea costs down most of the exchange journals are now being received electronically, the group has a system where Jan Stoker keeps a record of these and will forward a copy of the journal to members who are interested.
Parramatta and District Historical Society 12 Annual Report 2019 Newsletter: Brenda Gardiner, the editor, again is to be congratulated, along with the help of contributions from members, for a great Family History Group magazine, The Parramatta Packet, which is published three times during the year and exchanged with many other Family History Groups, it is being sent electronically where possible, to keep expenses down, and by email to all Society members. A special edition, The Christmas Packet, was printed for the members who attended the Christmas afternoon tea. Thank you Brenda for all your hard work.
I am fortunate to have a very capable committee who fill in when required, this makes the Family History Group a pleasure to work with. Thank you to the members and visitors who attend the meetings and their contributions during the year.
Enid Turbit FPDHS Convener
FUNCTIONS
Like all PDHS activities, the success of functions depends on the generosity of volunteers for which we are very grateful. Commencing March 2019, Margaret O’Hearn stepped in to manage this portfolio. Since March, PDHS hosted 20 events (including nine general meetings) at which a warm welcome and hospitality was given to over 780 people (members and guests). Feedback on the hospitality provided at these 2019 Spring Garden Awards events has been very positive. A call for volunteers was issued at the March General Meeting. At this time, a roster of volunteers was prepared and circulated to members including Man-Ling for inclusion in Hambledon Herald 2019 publications. To ensure volunteers were kept well informed and were supported in their roles and responsibilities, a meeting was held in June. This meeting had four key objectives. 1. Introduce members 2. Clarify what is asked of volunteers 3. Raise awareness of health and safety issues 4. Raise awareness of the idiosyncrasies of the electrical set up at the Cottage. For the purpose of this annual report, the hospitality provided in 2019 has been allocated to either of two categories: Internal and External. External refers to events that welcomed and catered for groups of external guests. Internal refers to events held where guests primarily consisted of PDHS members.
Internal Events: Hospitality Number of Event Month Provided Attendees* Monthly General Meeting Monthly Supper 315 Exclusions v. Emancipists evening May Supper 52
Parramatta and District Historical Society 13 Annual Report 2019 Guides afternoon tea September Afternoon Tea 45 James Jervis Lecture November Supper 60 Christmas Dinner November Dinner 47 519 External Events: Hospitality Number of Event Month Provided Attendees* Probus Group May and Morning tea 30 September Bundanoon Historical Society June Morning tea 30 Girl Guides September Morning tea 12 History Schools Day September Morning tea 15 FAHS Conference October Morning tea 18 and luncheon Parramatta Council Garden Awards November Morning tea 80 and luncheon Book launch November Morning tea 80 and luncheon 265
Again, a very big thank you to the dedicated volunteers for their continued support, generosity and warm hospitality.
Margaret O’Hearn Convenor
GARDEN
Congratulations to the Society and in particular to our gardening team of Jean Perryman, Jacqui White, Margaret Smith and Bruce Gregory for their efforts in helping the Society win the award for Best Garden in the Non Residential Section of the City of Parramatta 2019 Garden Awards. This was fitting recognition for the many hours of work they have put in over the years to ensure that the grounds of Hambledon Cottage are always presented at their best. Thanks for your great work.
Largely due to our lovely gardens, City of Parramatta Council selected Hambledon Cottage to host the above mentioned Garden Awards as well as hosting the Book Launch for Parramatta’s Foundation Day. Both events were highly successful with much favourable comment being received on the presentation and pleasant atmosphere of the garden.
The gardens were also used to successfully host a number of other events such as Guides Afternoon tea, luncheon for Federation of Australian Historical Societies AGM and the Society Christmas Party.
Parramatta and District Historical Society 14 Annual Report 2019 Garden in Full Bloom
The fantastic spirit of the Society was demonstrated in February, when many members volunteered their time, at short notice, to help with the extensive cleanup at Hambledon Cottage following a severe storm. In the matter of a few days many broken branches and leaves were cleared from the grounds and placed in piles ready for collection by the Council. Unfortunately, the large Jacaranda tree at the front of the Cottage was uprooted and subsequently removed by Council contractors. We eagerly await the relocation of an Oak tree from nearby Robin Thomas Reserve to replace it.
The volunteer gardeners would appreciate any member helping for an hour or so on any Tuesday morning to do some light gardening. They are there from 10am to 1pm and morning tea will be provided.
Jean Perryman, Jacqui White, Margaret Smith & Bruce Gregory Receiving Garden Award From Cr Dr Patricia Prociv
GRANTS
This year our Society applied for three grants and was successful with two applications. The first project that was seeking funding was a project to record the changing face of Parramatta. Project Summary.-Changing Parramatta Develop a data base showing Parramatta's main street views using early available photos verses modern photos of the same address. This will show changes in economic and social development in Parramatta. This data base can be used to eventually publish a book showing a visual history of social and economic change, or be featured in future exhibitions and web
Parramatta and District Historical Society 15 Annual Report 2019 galleries. Each photo requires research to show the site history and what cultural changes have taken. These could be changing retail use, changes to housing, change from small factories to City CBD. This project’s outcome is a record of the changing cultural heritage landscape of Parramatta. What is the reason for this project? Parramatta is changing rapidly; we need to document its changes. Cultural heritage helps people reflect on and understand economic and social change. It forms an educational resource for the next generation and for migrants to understand the place they live in, its economic and social development. Images make the past seem more accessible, giving concrete shape to a world that seems intangible. The learners who arrive in our classrooms today are not only immersed in technology, but also in visual ways of learning. They appreciate the immediacy of the image, which often conveys information more quickly than a primary document. How much did we receive and what are we spending it on? The project aims to acquire equipment so as to visually document the changes in Parramatta's landscape, sourced from historical and contemporary images. This requires equipment such as scanners, photo software, and storage devices to store collected images from photos, current street views and other sources. Our grant is $1,192.50 with a co- contribution of $400 in project work by the Society. Project Summary – Be Connected The second project is Be Connected a Commonwealth Government initiative to update Senior Australian’s in Digital Literacy. The Society has received funding of $2000 to support 21 members over a six-month period in a range of on-line training from basic computer usage to a wide range of courses including: Online Hobbies Time for a bit of fun. Learn how you can build your family tree, travel to places far and wide without leaving your chair, and how to create your very own blog to share your experiences and knowledge. • Researching family history • Exploring Google Earth • Google Earth - more than a map • Beyond Google Earth • Blogs - online journals
Connecting to others Need a helping hand with video calls? Find out how to get set up from your phone, tablet or computer. • Getting set up for video calling • How to use Skype • How to use WhatsApp • How to use FaceTime
Online Skills Develop your online skills by learning how to shop online, watch catch-up TV online, and connect with others using Twitter, Pinterest and Facebook. • Online shopping overview
Parramatta and District Historical Society 16 Annual Report 2019 • Socialising online • Using Facebook overview • Using a digital camera • Watching and listening online
The funding can allow the society to update its computer equipment and purchase a Tablet device to make learning easier and be used in guiding at a later time. Session will be run at Hambledon by appointment for members on a class or single basis.
Les Fenech Convener
HAMBLEDON COTTAGE
John Macarthur’s Hambledon Cottage certainly continues to be one of the “crown jewels” of Parramatta from a heritage point of view. Our Society is very privileged to have the honour and responsibility of operating it as a house museum and resource centre.
During the year, it was pleasing that visitation grew, with increases in paying visitors and school student visits, apart from greater utilisation of the site. In addition, we are indebted to City of Parramatta Council for their ongoing restoration of the building.
Guides Thanks to all of our willing, volunteer guides who devote their time to talking to the community about the 19th century lifestyle as depicted in the cottage and relating Parramatta’s history and heritage. Without your involvement, we would not be able to undertake this work.
During the year, we were pleased to welcome Judy Clark, Ron Dick, Allan Drew, Patricia Grove, Ann Miles, Chiu Poon, David Senior and Rosy Sharma as new rostered and school Guides.
Due to other commitments, we were sorry that Elizabeth Laing and Ilma McKee had to cease volunteering as a guide. Both were presented with a Certificate of Appreciation for their 25 and 16 years, respectively, of service. Elizabeth was also presented with a framed print of Hambledon Cottage in recognition of her 17 years as Hambledon Cottage Manager. Sadly, another Guide, Brian Powyer, passed away during the year.
All existing and former guides were invited to attend an Afternoon Tea in September. Those who attended enjoyed the function.
In order to recruit some more rostered and school guides, four training sessions were held during the year and further ones are planned for 2020.
Groups School students have been the major group of visitors, making up 75% of all visitors. The number of school students visiting increased 26% over last year.
Parramatta and District Historical Society 17 Annual Report 2019
Visits by Probus and Senior groups reduced this year, with an overall decrease of 42% over last year, but fortunately this was significantly offset by increased school student visitors.
Many of the seniors groups have been supplied with morning tea or a Devonshire Tea. Most have been very interested in the Female Factory exhibition, which will continue to be on view well into 2020.
The other group of visitors have been the free and independent tourists, i.e. visitors arriving without any booking. These numbers have remained relatively static as experienced by some other museums, despite every effort with publicity.
First Time Visitors to Hambledon Cottage
Schools Education Programs Our education programs this year continued to be: • Stage 1 (Years 1 & 2) – “Present and Past Family Life”, which highlights the differences between life and technology in the 19th century and current times.
• Stage 2 (Years 3 & 4) – “First Contacts”, which focuses on the lifestyle of the 19th century and the similarities and differences between the early European colonists and the Aboriginal people.
• Stage 3 (Years 5 & 6) – “Australian Colonies”, which provide a study of colonial Australia in the 1800s, focussing on John Macarthur to learn about his Family, Friends and Foes.
All three programs attracted many school groups, with 51% undertaking our Stage 1 program, and 34% the Stage 2 program. Pleasingly, our newer Stage 3 program attracted 15% of school visitors this year.
As mentioned last year, our Stage 3 program was used during the Heritage Festival as an evening event for our members and friends. It was so successful and enjoyable that we had to run a repeat performance on another evening. This year, an adaption of the program was performed during the same event on two nights, entitled Exclusives and Emancipists. All members and participants thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
The Society owes a debt of gratitude to the late Brian Powyer for his major contribution to establishing these programs in line with the School History syllabus.
It is a great credit to Brian and our School Guides that our school groups have grown by 255% over the last 5 years.
Parramatta and District Historical Society 18 Annual Report 2019 3000 Staff 2500 Stage 3 Australian 2000 Colonies Stage 2 First 1500 Contacts 1000 Stage 1 Present & Past Family Life 500 Stage 1 & 2 Now & Then 0
2001 2003 2005 2007 2009 2011 2013 2015 2017 2019
Our Society website gives a very good introduction to our school education programs, which are based on the current school syllabus, and enables teachers to visualise its application to the school curriculum, as well as download Venue and Safety information required for approval to visit us. It is noticeable that teachers have viewed our website prior to making a booking. Our hands-on approach in each room keeps the children involved and interested in the functions of yesteryear. Some schools have returned year after year, which indicates a successful program. We have been pleased to welcome some new schools participating in our program. Thanks to all of the Schools Guides who presented our education programs in 2019.
Ken Smith OAM, FPDHS Guides Co-ordinator and Schools Program Co-Ordinator
HISTORIC BUILDINGS AND SITES
The Society continued to maintain a strong and active presence on the Parramatta City Council Heritage Advisory Committee and made representations on a number of matters that had potential impacts on our city’s heritage. Some of the many issues where representations were made included: -
195 Church St Parramatta (St Johns Cathedral) A development proposal is being considered that would involve a large commercial office tower and a residential tower being built close to St John’s Cathedral. One of the options being looked at would involve destruction of the Parish Hall.
The committee expressed its strong objections and supported the independent heritage study that was undertaken in 2018 which recommendation that the Parish Hall should be retained.
Parramatta and District Historical Society 19 Annual Report 2019 Epping Planning Review Provided comment on the review of the planning controls relating to the following Heritage Conservation Areas - Essex Street, Rosebank Avenue and East Epping. The Committee recommended Council consider developing a transitional zone policy in relation to the conservation areas that does not involve the reduction of the total area.
Carlingford Produce The Committee has voiced its concerns regarding the future of the Carlingford Produce Store which is adjacent to Carlingford Railway Station. Although it is Heritage Listed, there are risks the building could be adversely impacted by the final design and construction of the Parramatta to Carlingford Light Rail.
Harris Park There were a number of Development Applications submitted for the Harris Park area. The Committee voiced strong concerns regarding some proposals that were considered likely to have an impact on heritage sites.
Powerhouse Museum Continued to express concerns on any potential impacts to Willow Grove House and St Georges Terrace should the Powerhouse Museum relocate to the NSW Government’s preferred site along the Parramatta River. Unfortunately, the Government announced late in the year that the winning design for the new museum would require destruction of both of the historic buildings. Every effort will be made to try and have the proposed design altered so that these sites can be saved.
Interpretive Signage City of Parramatta Council was requested to refresh the badly weathered interpretive signage in Harris Park area and along nearby Parramatta River.
Council advised that a complete review is underway of all signage in the city and this will be looked at in due course.
Roxy Theatre Parramatta Thankfully, the Land and Environment Court of NSW ruled against the proposed 29 storey development at the site of the Roxy Theatre. Commissioner O’Neill refused the appeal on the grounds “that the impact of the demolition proposed would have an unacceptable detrimental impact on the heritage significance of the State heritage item”.
This was great news for the Society members and the Heritage Advisory Committee who strongly fought against the proposal. Roxy Theatre
Jeff Allen Convener
Parramatta and District Historical Society 20 Annual Report 2019 Local Heritage Funds The Committee recommended to Council that 12 grants totalling $31,911 be made towards applicants undertaking worthwhile and compliant improvement works to heritage properties.
HISTORIC GRAVES
During the year the committee has represented Parramatta & District Historical Society at: • Friends of St Johns Cemetery (FOSJ) meetings (committee and general meetings) - Judith Dunn is President of this group • Friends of St Johns Cemetery working bees • Holroyd History Forum meetings • Writing articles for St Pats Matters, the quarterly magazine of St Patricks Cathedral. These articles pertain to those buried in the cemetery from convicts to priests. • Speaking engagements talking about cemeteries in general and local cemeteries in particular. Judith gave a master class at the State Genealogical Conference on finding ancestors in Parramatta cemeteries. • Cleaned the chapel in St Patricks Cemetery for their All Souls Day service. • Friends of Mays Hill (FOMH) meetings (committee and general meetings) Judith is President of this group • Friends of Mays Hill gardening days • Keeping a watching brief on all Parramatta cemeteries and apprising City of Parramatta Council (CPC) of vandalism or repairs required. • Deal with email enquiries from several different sources regarding family history.
On Saturday 27th April the now annual Combined Cemeteries Meeting was held at Linnwood Hall with six cemetery groups represented. Felicity Barry from the Office of Environment and Heritage was the speaker who was amazed at the attendance and vigour of local groups. She spoke on common issues, maintenance, plaques, funding, working with the Heritage Office etc which was well received.
Rosemarie Morris and Judith entered every property that surround St Johns Cemetery and took photographs and notes of the wall condition and inappropriate structures impacting on the wall. This was put into a power point with full address and description of the issues and shown at a St Johns meeting.
July saw a visit to St Johns Cemetery by five members of the Heritage after they received a complaint about conditions there. This was welcomed by the group as a chance to point out difficulties and explain what they are doing to address issues. The meeting was very fruitful. By September the power point on wall issues was completed and delivered to the Heritage Office with full notes, eliciting a response that it was an excellent report.
In October the Friends of St Johns ratified a new constitution and became incorporated. They are now seeking insurance outside the church so they can meet other than in the church hall which has significant parking problems which affects attendance at meetings.
Mays Hill and St John Cemetery committees elected to hold a combined tour of four local cemeteries for Foundation Day in November. CPC supported the event with some funding to
Parramatta and District Historical Society 21 Annual Report 2019 run a bus and it was booked out a week before the tour. It was very successful with visitors coming from as far away as Cowra to attend.
Following the delivery of the work on St Johns wall issues, December saw personnel from the Heritage Office hold a meeting with CPC to talk over responsibilities of Council in heritage matters – a meeting we had been trying to hold for 18 months.
After Friends of Mays Hill cemetery contracted $9,000 worth of repairs to the cemetery last year, it has been disappointing to learn there is nothing in CPC budget to assist with a list of memorials waiting for repairs. None of the previous $9,000 came from CPC. FOMH has been waiting for two years for a seat to be placed in Mays Hill in memory of Pat and Jerry O’Brien although two seats have been placed in All Saints Cemetery in that time. All cemetery funding for the coming year is allocated to All Saints and St Patricks Cemeteries.
The plaques policies for St Patricks, Mays Hill and St Johns Cemeteries are working well – when the families contact us. Unfortunately, it is a constant battle to stop descendants entering the Parramatta cemeteries and placing plaques without referring to the relevant group. In this way erroneous information and undesirable materials have been used or plaques placed on original fabric. This committee goes to an inordinate amount of trouble to ensure new plaques are exact replicas of the original inscription which is the policy of the Heritage Office for heritage listed cemeteries and guidelines within the Local Environment Plan (Heritage and Conservation) for unlisted cemeteries. The Historic Graves Committee are being called on more frequently to transcribe difficult memorials to the exacting level required because of their long experience in this field.
It has, on the other hand, been a pleasure to work with the group plaquing the graves of all police who died in the course of their duty. Each new plaque has to go to the current Police Commissioner for approval to use the police insignia. A second memorial in St Johns and one in Mays Hill are currently under consideration.
Recently it has been far too hot and humid to work in North Rocks Cemetery. Work is going ahead on entering data of new plaques and additional inscriptions added to memorials since earlier books were published. There are a surprising number of these additional epitaphs. This book also includes the many isolated memorials hidden in plain sight in Parramatta and surrounds. Research on these is ongoing.
Finally we are still searching for the headstone of Bridget Egan which was removed from St Patricks Primary School grounds and now cannot be found. It is an important part of our heritage as it is known as the earliest Catholic headstone and the earliest known ecclesiastic carving in Australia.
Missing Headstone of Bridget Egan
Judith Dunn OAM, FPDHS Convener
Parramatta and District Historical Society 22 Annual Report 2019
LIBRARY COMMITTEE
There were many generous donations received in 2019, an ongoing resource for members and researchers. The books were catalogued and shelved during the year. Rhonda Reese with assistance from Ken Smith has been busy preparing the sheets for her to input into the InMagic data base, this essential work is appreciated by all who use the library.
Please accept apologies for any omissions in this report, the Society appreciates the generosity of the donors.
The Coach House is open on a Tuesday, this facility is available for members for research, or to receive help from the research committee in starting or advancing their research. A number of non-members for a small fee, access the resources of the library.
A number of articles, newspapers and other items of interest have been donated by members and friends of the society throughout the year and added to the Society files.
PURCHASED: From Fruit Bowl Farms to Housing Boom Vol. 2 covering Epping, Beecroft & Carlingford area by Chris Staples. Linseed and Penny Sections – A History of the Parramatta – Duck River Tramway 1883-1943 by Bruce S. Irwin Origins of Names of Suburbs and Localities in and about the Parramatta Area compiled by J.A. Wickham & P.J. Yeend
DONATIONS-BOOKS Many of the books donated during the year, were added to the Society library, duplications or those not fitting the library criteria were offered at first for sale in a list forwarded to Society members with the Hambledon Herald and at the General Meetings. A selection of donated books were offered for sale at the NSW-ACT Family History State Conference in October and at stalls at Back to St Bart’s and events held by the Friends of the Female Factory.
LIST OF DONORS Sue Jones has had her research on Church Street printed and is included in the Society library. The history of Pubs in Parramatta written by Gary Carter. Back to Regent’s Park Public School written by Pam Trimmer
A large number of second hand books were generously donated to the Society during the year by: June Barrett Alison Van Nooten Elaine Young Linda Bradley Merill Shakespeare Elizabeth Maris
The library books in the member’s room are available for borrowing and for the guides to read whilst guiding at Hambledon Cottage.
Thank you to the members for their invaluable support during the year, it is really appreciated.
Parramatta and District Historical Society 23 Annual Report 2019
Enid Turbit FPDHS Convener MAINTENANCE
During 2019 many maintenance issues were addressed. Besides the usual minor repairs and cleaning tasks, some of the main maintenance items attended to were:-
January – a plaque installed to commemorate the recent Oak Tree planting for 200th year celebration.
February - Hambledon Cottage was in the centre of the ferocious storm that hit Parramatta late in the afternoon of 8 February 2019. Luckily the Cottage was spared any significant damage but the trees in the surrounding Reserve were not so fortunate. The large jacaranda that stood in front and to the western side of the Cottage was completely uprooted. An old oak on the adjoining property and next to the carpark was severely damaged with large branches falling across the dividing fence and into the carpark. Most trees in the Reserve and the large bunya at the rear of the Cottage lost branches which resulted in the grounds of the Cottage and Reserve being covered in a very heavy load of broken branches and foliage. Thanks to many willing volunteers who responded to calls that went out for help to clear the grounds.
Some Of The Many Volunteers That Cleaned Up the Cottage Grounds Following February Storms Additional and ongoing cleanup of grounds around Hambledon Cottage by City of Parramatta Council (CPC) contractors and PDH&S members on a number of days during mid to late February 2019. Electrical work was completed in the members room of the Cottage.
March – City of Parramatta Council engaged consultants to conduct building inspection on Hambledon Cottage in April.
April/May –City of Parramatta Council contractors undertook a number of maintenance issues including replacement of damaged guttering on Hambledon Cottage and repairs to picket fence.
June/July –Cupboard lock in members room repaired.
August – Electrical repairs and improvements were undertaken ie Cottage floodlights, additional lighting in ladies toilet, dimmer switch in Lucas Room. Lock and key change to
Parramatta and District Historical Society 24 Annual Report 2019 power box by CPC, restored to original. Works undertaken to prevent dirt and debris penetration from Coach house chimney.
September/October – Further meeting held with City of Parramatta Council and they agreed to undertake a number of maintenance issues identified as needing to be prioritised. These include repairs to walls in cottage kitchen, rising damp, levelling of kitchen floor in Coach House kitchen, repairs to shutters and rectification to car park entrance. November/December – Above works were undertaken by Council contractors with only the laying of vinyl flooring in the Coach House kitchen awaiting to be fully completed in early January 2020.
We are fortunate to have an excellent relationship with City of Parramatta Council and their willingness and promptness to address any identified maintenance issues is much appreciated.
Thanks to Margaret Smith, Sue Hush, Jean Perryman, Lorenza Powyer, Brenda Gardiner and Jacqui White for the excellent work they did in keeping the Cottage clean and tidy. In addition, thanks to the Guides who sweep the verandahs and toilets to make visiting the cottage a pleasant experience. Thanks also to Ken Smith, Verne Tuckwell and the many other members who so freely gave of their time when help was needed throughout the year.
Bruce Gregory Convener
MEMBERSHIP
This year ended with 217 members. There were 32 new members and 12 members did not renew their membership for various reasons.
Two of our beloved friends: Olga Tatrai and Brian Powyer passed away during the year.
Congratulations to John Rogers who received the Medal of the Order of Australia on the Queen’s Birthday Honours List. The Society awarded Honorary membership to the Commanding Officer of HMAS Parramatta, Commander Troy Van Tienhoven.
The 32 new members who joined in 2019 were: Dr Patricia Mayne, Tom Mayne, Margaret Tressider, Bill Bradley, Brett Evans, Jennifer Evans, Leo Hart, Ron Dick, Gail Dick, Peter Stenning, Ann Miles, John Miles, Les Tod, Lyn Tod, Moira Wilkinson, Greg Edwards, Rosalina Sharma, Brian Wood, Judith Wood, Christine McKenna, John McKenna, David Senior, Jennifer Senior, Bruce Simpson, Lucy Pedrana, Stuart Green, Cheyne Wright, Allan Drew, Judy Clark, Susan Armstrong, Glen Armstrong and Irene Dixon.
At year end we had 35 life members. The list is as follows: Karen Barden, Richard Boots, John Brock, Enid Clark, Pauline Corthorn, Linda Drew-Smith, Judith Dunn, Annette Forster, Gloria Gilles, Margaret Grace, Don Guerin, Carolyn Hoskin, Sue Jones, Barbara Keighran, Beverley McClymont, Ian Meggitt, Ken Miles, Jean Morgan, Rosemarie Morris, Geraldine Palmer, Jean Perryman, Richard Pike, Robert Pollard, Anne Segerstorm, Ken Smith, Margaret Smith, Leola Tacey, Kerima-Gae Topp, Enid Turbit, Linda Uhlberg, Clarrie Wallace, Kaye Weaver, Ron White, Barbara Wiles and Michel Wilson.
Parramatta and District Historical Society 25 Annual Report 2019 Man-Ling Yuen Convener MINUTE SECRETARY
All meetings for 2019 took place as scheduled and our General Meetings were very well attended, with about 30 members each month. Due to a mix up, our regular venue at Oatlands was unavailable in April and the meeting had to be held in the Coach House at Hambledon – 34 people managed to hear our guest speaker that night. Most general meetings were well patronised, depending sometimes on the weather and sometimes on the speaker or topic for the evening. At the meeting of 18th March (when we also held the Annual General Meeting), 41 members and three visitors heard Sam Everingham’s talk on The Rise and Fall of Cobb & Co. The largest attendance of the year was at the October meeting when Dr Scott Hill delivered the James Jervis Memorial Lecture. Forty-four members and two visitors signed the attendance book and heard details of Dr Hill’s research into the career of Henry Kitchen.
Eleven Council meetings were conducted during the year. On occasions, some Councillors had to miss a meeting or two due to ill-health, travel or family commitments; however, a quorum was present at every meeting and the achievements of the Society over the last year are a testament to the work of Councillors in planning and carrying out the many and varied functions of their convenorships.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Ken Smith, Jeff Allen and especially Debbie Allen for their patience and the help given to me in preparing the minutes, and I am looking forward to another year as Minute Secretary.
Jacqui White Minute Secretary
NAVAL LIAISON
A highlight of the year was on Saturday 14 September when a large crowd, including many Society members, gathered between Alfred Square and Lennox Bridge to witness the officers and sailors, from HMAS Parramatta IV, led by their Commander Troy Van Tienhoven, exercise their right to Freedom of entry to Parramatta. A challenge, by the Mayor and Commissioner of Police, was made on the Lennox Bridge then the parade continued along Church Street to Parramatta Town Hall.
Many of the Society members present also viewed the commemorative display on HMAS Parramatta mounted in the Information Centre. Several items from the Society’s collection were included in the display. HMAS Parramatta Freedom of Entry Parade HMAS Parramatta IV spent a large part of 2019 on
Parramatta and District Historical Society 26 Annual Report 2019 active duty in the Pacific Ocean although regular email exchanges occurred between the Society and the Commander. We were fortunate to have Commander Troy Van Tienhoven in attendance at the History Day event at Hambledon Cottage to deliver the Governor’s Message and to give a short address on the bond between the HMAS Parramatta IV and the City of Parramatta.
In early December Commander Troy Van Tienhoven contacted the Society to confirm that he had relinquished Command of HMAS Parramatta to Commander Anita Nemarich. He assured us that as part of the hand-over to the new Commander, he had outlined the importance of the relationship with the Society. Commander Anita Nemarich has subsequently been invited to attend a meeting of the Society as early as practicable in 2020.
NEWSLETTER
The Hambledon Herald, in 2019, continued to keep members informed of the Society’s activities and the historical and heritage matters of the Parramatta District. Copies were also sent to the local members of Parliament, City of Parramatta Councillors and other relevant organisations.
The newsletter was produced from February to November and the print run for each issue was 50. The reason for the drop in printed copies was that more newsletters were sent through emails to members.
The issuing of paper copies involves the printing of the newsletter and sending of the digital copies by Ken Smith, the printing of address labels by Enid Turbit and the sticking of the labels and inserting the insertions in the envelopes by Jan Stoker and other members of the Tuesday research group. Thanks to Ken Smith and Enid Turbit for posting the printed copies whenever I am not available. Thanks to you all!
The monthly reports of the President and the Committee Conveners with the ever reliable contributions of Jennifer Reynolds have been the mainstay of the newsletter and are most appreciated by the Society. The History Corner is now years old and is sure to stay. However, we need your support to ensure it remains interesting---all members are invited to contribute any interesting snippets of history for inclusion.
Chiu Poon and Man-Ling Yuen Co-Conveners
ORAL HISTORY
No oral histories were recorded this year of long term residents of Parramatta.
Margaret O’Hearn Convener
Parramatta and District Historical Society 27 Annual Report 2019
PUBLICATIONS
No new publications were produced this year. However, work continues on the production of the final book in the Parramatta Cemeteries series, mainly covering the Roman Catholic Cemetery at North Rocks, and on a Parramatta Memorials and Monuments book.
To supplement our continuing exhibition on the Parramatta Female Factory, the Society has sold copies of their two associated Friends publications: HerStory-Lives of the Parramatta Female Factory Women and HerStory-Another Chapter Unfolds.
On Parramatta’s Foundation Day, a book was launched by former Lord Mayor and Executive Director of Western Sydney Business Chamber, David Borger OAM in Hambledon Cottage gardens, with an attendance of 82 people. Written by Past President and Fellow Judith Dunn OAM, FPDHS, it was entitled Then and There Lying Dead about murders. accidents, inquests and incidents in Sydney’s Greater West, 1803-1950.
Copies of these books and the various Society and member publications can be purchased at Hambledon
Cottage or ordered by post – see Society website for price Judith Dunn - Book Launch and postage details.
Ken Smith OAM, FPDHS Convener
PUBLICITY
Hambledon Cottage stories were the basis of the year’s promotion. The media pathways were internet sites of Parramatta & District Historical Society, City of Parramatta web ‘Discover Parramatta’, community net newsletter, Tourist magazine IMAG, HAMBLEDON HERALD and community FM radio station ALIVE 905.
Hambledon Cottage Guides were kept aware of each month’s promotion message so they would be prepared if a visitor asked questions about the current story. Similarly, the staff at the Parramatta Heritage Information Centre were advised.
The refurbished ‘Discover Parramatta’ web site was successfully filled with a complete Hambledon Cottage story using the ‘Cottage on the Plain’ booklet. The EVENTS menu of the site was active in the winter months focused on promoting Saturday and Sunday visits.
Alive Radio FM 905 featured the monthly guest speakers on air and on their web site.
Parramatta and District Historical Society 28 Annual Report 2019 The Society gained a larger footprint with extra ‘pages’ in the IMAG Tourist magazine. The posters for guest speakers of Family History and General Meetings were reproduced in full. The theme of ‘Discover Real Australian History where it happened!’ was maintained along with the statement A MUST SEE DESTINATION – Take an interactive guided tour. We also received an extra page where one of my stories from the pages of history around the cottage was published. A bonus with the web publication is an associated FACEBOOK edition.
The New South Wales Tourism web site www.discoversydney.com.au and www.discovernsw.com.au continues to include the Society and Hambledon Cottage on sites I have created and maintained throughout the year : Convict Ladies of the Female Factory Exhibition at Lucas Gallery; How to discover your local history – Parramatta & District Historical Society; How to find your family history – Hambledon Cottage House Museum; John Macarthur’s Hambledon Cottage Museum; Learn your history Saturday- Parramatta & District Historical Society.
HERITAGE PARRAMATTA Cradle City of Australia has been the main title of our feature page each month. Story lines January 2019 – You will touch real wool during a guided tour of Hambledon Cottage February – John Macarthur’s Hambledon Cottage - an enjoyable guided tour March – Garden of mystery and delight April - “You will endure Hell and Brimstone Fire unless you Repent” May – Betrayal and Beauty – Liberty or Death. June – Asthma display in Lucas Gallery, Happiness in every room of the cottage, Step back in time July – Major Paterson story, Boab pod, Kitchen herbs, Women of the Female Factory. Visit Cottage! August – Maori story, Rev Samuel Marsden. September – Did Parramatta have Bushrangers? October – HMAS Parramatta – Royal Australian Navy November – Thrill of walking where the first governor surveyed the land – Dining Room story December – Thrill of walking where the first governor surveyed the land – Christmas Remembrance Brian Powyer.
Trevor Patrick Convener
RESEARCH
It was of interest to read that other Societies are not receiving as many enquiries as usual. Our work load has varied from month to month but we have had enough to keep us busy. People are using the Internet to trace their people. It is a wonderful tool but information found always needs to be checked and verified. All too often people just copy what others have related as fact.
Parramatta and District Historical Society 29 Annual Report 2019 Beth and I respond to all enquiries to the best of our ability using the resources available to us. As always Enid Turbit and Ken Smith together with other contacts pitched in to supply the information sought. In all we gathered $535.00 in donations. Most of our enquiries are from individuals seeking help to trace family members, but we also get other requests trying to identifying locations or confirm the position of an object in a certain place at a certain time. Due to our main computer crashing, we were not able to access emails directly. This made it a little more difficult to follow up on requests made. There have been times where people complain that we have not responded quickly enough, but it is our practice to check what we have before replying. Many are still reluctant to pay for information. Our main computer is now back in action and we now have had other accessories connected to our #2 computer enabling us to scan material and hopefully access the main printer by WiFi. This will make our job a little easier.
SALES
Book sales were down compared to last year as we did not have any new Society publications. However, our second-hand book sales were up on last year’s figures.
Thanks to Enid Turbit for selling $976 of second-hand books to members and at stalls – an outstanding effort! Also, a big thank you to Barbara Keighran and Jacqui White for also manning the book stalls.
Sales were made through our web site, tables at various functions and outlets and they were made by the Guides to visitors at Hambledon Cottage.
Our sales were: Hambledon Cottage: Cottage on the Plain (40) $ 196 All Saint’s Cemetery (14) $ 70 Mays Hill (10) $ 50 St Paul’s Cemetery (19) $ 335 James Houison (22) $ 105 Parramatta Pioneer Register 1 Book (1) $ 5 Parramatta Pioneer Register 1 CD (3) $ 45 Parramatta Pioneer Register 2 CD (10) $ 50 Soldiers Memorial, Prince Alfred Square (1) $ 20 PDHS Journal 8 (9) $ 45 PDHS Journal 9 (3) $ 20 Parramatta Caught in Time (1) $ 25 Parramatta Bicentenary (4) $ 11 Parramatta Pictorial History (1) $ 25 About That Shout: History of Pubs of Parramatta (8) $ 240 HerStory (5) $ 75 HerStory: Another Chapter Unfolds (5) $ 75
Parramatta and District Historical Society 30 Annual Report 2019 What Became of the Parramatta Domain (1) $ 30 William Woolls (2) $ 10 Swann Family (1) $ 2.50 Switched on in the West (1) $ 15 Wind & Watermills of Parramatta (3) $ 45 Postcards (16) $ 16 Copies of the books can be purchased at Hambledon Cottage or ordered by post – see Society website for price and postage details. Debbie Allen Convener
SCHOOLS LIAISON
Engagement with schools in the Parramatta area in various historical activities was initiated by the late David Shakespeare many years ago, and after his passing Brian Powyer willingly took over this task in 2018. Sadly, Brian passed away in November 2019 but had continued these activities with great gusto.
During the year, Brian encouraged and assisted the schools in taking part in these events. The importance of these events in the history of Parramatta and Australia is shown by the active involvement of the Society and its members in helping to organise and present these events.
In March, a Schools Education Program Information session was held at Hambledon Cottage Coach House to acquaint schools of our various education and public speaking programs. All schools were invited and some 60 information packs were sent out to the schools.
On Tuesday 30 July, eight local primary schools gathered at Parramatta Public School, now located in the restored Old Kings School in O’Connell Street, to participate in our Annual Primary School Public Speaking Event. The participants were Rosehill Public School, Oatlands Public School, Parramatta West Public School, Parramatta North Public School, Burnside Public School, Rydalmere East Public School, St Monica's Primary School and our hosts Parramatta Public School. The public speaking and the associated visual Primary School Public Speaking Event displays were outstanding and captured the interest of the large audience present. Over 50 adults and 600 students of the host school applauded loudly after each school presented their item. Congratulations to all the students who were chosen to represent their schools. It is great to know that our history is in your young hands going into the future.
Parramatta and District Historical Society 31 Annual Report 2019 A week later, on Tuesday 6 August it was a pleasure and delight to hear students from Our Lady of Mercy College, Parramatta Marist High School, Cumberland High School and our hosts Catherine McAuley Westmead speak about the history of their schools. A feature of this year's Secondary Schools' Public Speaking Event, held at Catherine McAuley Westmead, was the variety of presentation styles employed by the schools. The range of content covered by the speakers was also impressive covering such topics as significant local personalities, important educational leaders, the impact of the first contact between Aborigines and Europeans, and the importance of fact over myth. Everyone in the audience spoke of the exceptional quality of all the speakers as they recounted their respective stories and school histories. Members of the Society came away agreeing that the future of our history is in good hands with the coming generations.
The School Liaison Program for 2019 was completed on Tuesday, 3 September, when the Society conducted its annual Schools' History Day Event at Hambledon Cottage. Around 65 students, members and visitors gathered on the grass in front of the Cottage to witness a series of historical enactments by the students from 6 local schools - Burnside Public School, Our Lady of Mercy College Parramatta, Redeemer Baptist School North Parramatta, Macarthur Girls High School, Catherine McAuley Westmead and Parramatta North Public School.
A message from the Governor of NSW, the Honourable Her Excellency, Margaret Beazley OA QC, was read by our special guest, Commander Troy Van Tienhoven from HMAS Parramatta IV. A small group of Society members performed a scene from our production - John Macarthur, Visionary or Villain - to the delight of the audience. After the seven magnificent school performances everyone present retired to the emerging spring garden at the rear of the property for a light morning tea. Another great event for all who participated.
Brian advised that there was strong encouragement from all the schools involved with the School Liaison program of Public Speaking and History Day for it to be continued in 2020. He recommended that the Society conduct the Public Speaking Events during the Heritage Festival Month and the History Day during History Week in September. He had hoped to advise the schools of the 2020 dates in December 2020 but
History Day 2019 unfortunately this was not possible.
The Society Council agreed that this program of public speaking events for school children must be continued and, as soon as a new Convener is appointed, the 2020 program will be initiated and marketed to the schools.
Ken Smith OAM, FPDHS (based on Brian Powyer’s reports to Society Council)
Parramatta and District Historical Society 32 Annual Report 2019 GUEST SPEAKERS
Although we had a change of venue to Oatlands, we did not have any difficulty in obtaining speakers for our interest and enjoyment. The high standard demonstrates the worthwhile effort in auditioning speakers wherever possible and discarding those who have poor presentations, diction, and subject content. I have been ably assisted this year by a panel consisting of Elaine Young and Ian McKee who give a thumbs up or down vote regarding the speaker suitability.
The speakers covered the spectrum of a plane crash, Cobb & Co coach, colonial and gang wars, Norfolk Island, crimes of convict women and Big Ben clock. Their educational and personal backgrounds varied, with their interest in their subjects and their willingness to share their knowledge and book sales enhanced enjoyable evenings and acted as a catalyst for convivial intermingling during supper.
Travelling from outside suburbia does not seem to be a problem as most agree to my request without any contemplation because of the high public esteem of the Parramatta & District Historical Society.
18th February - Graham Sims – The Search For The Lost Stinson Airliner In 1937, a commercial, Stinson Airliner disappeared on route from Brisbane to Sydney, although it was reported and accepted as having crashed off Palm Beach, near Sydney. .A young farmer, Bernard O’Reilly on his parents’ property in the McPherson Ranges, out of Brisbane, believed everyone was looking in the wrong area, and, after a strenuous walk and climb through rugged country, found the plane, and two survivors, 700 kilometres to the north of where the official search had been conducted.
18th March – Sam Everingham – Wild Ride – The Rise And Fall Of Cobb & Co The talk explores the fascinating behind the scenes realities, using over 90 nineteenth century images to bring to life the human side of Cobb & Co – the powerful families who ran the empire, their strong personalities, private tragedies, the drivers who made the firm famous and the incredible hardships endured by passengers journeying into Australia’s heartland in an age before telephones, mailmen, fax machines, before rivers even had bridges. Being held up by bushrangers, having to strip and swim a river in the dead of night, being stranded on a boggy track for days were just some of the hardships of nineteenth century travel.
15th April – Bob Maynard – The 1842 UK Royal Commission On Women And Children Working In The Mines The early nineteenth century saw a dramatic rise in coal mining activity drawing many people into the industry. Stories about how these people lived and worked began to circulate among the general public stirring their conscience and Victorian philanthropists pressed Parliament for action. Consequently, a Royal Commission was established and Commissioners were dispatched to the coalfields to report on the conditions that prevailed as well as wages, ages, schooling, clothing, and jobs of the children and women who were employed underground and available facilities. The outcome was a horror story.
20th May – Stephen Gapps –The Sydney Wars- Conflict In The Colony 1788 – 1817 Stephen discussed the first three decades of convict settlement, which was what he terms the Sydney Wars - conflicts over territory, waged in military and paramilitary encounters across
Parramatta and District Historical Society 33 Annual Report 2019 the Cumberland Plains. His story of vast cultural differences between military, convicts and Indigenous. All sides understood what was at stake and while participants may not have met on equal terms neither were they hopelessly outmatched, against technology of the British weaponry, the Indigenous warriors of Sydney possessed significant advantage of speed, stealth and knowledge of the country. The British troops were forced to deploy military tactics and develop new ones to meet unfamiliar circumstances.
17th June – John McKenna – 150thAnniversary Of The Clark Gang The video depicted the re-enactment of Tom and Luke Clarke’s relatives who were jailed for possession of stolen banknotes. They surrendered after a shootout with police. They were hanged two months later bringing an end to more than 100 robberies and the alleged murder of seven victims including two unfortunates who were supposed to have been executed on their knees.
15th July – Patrick Dodd – From Hell To Paradise Discovery of an uninhabited pristine island covered with tall pine trees and New Zealand flax by Capt James Cook on the 10th October 1774 became a log entry of the possibility of a future settlement. At that time the Empress Catherine 11 of Russia restricted the export and sale of hemp to the British Royal Navy for cordage and sail cloth, making it necessary for other sources of supply. Britain’s population was exploding ,unemployment was rife, crime had reached major proportions, authorities desperate for a solution, Cook’s report of a great land across the sea, prompted transportation to get rid of the riff raff, expand the Empire, empty the goals. Offenders of any crime were sentenced to seven years or fourteen years or perhaps life. Forget the hell of the hulks, the overcrowded locked in dark holes, starvation, disease, rape and a six month incarceration on a raging tortuous sea. Paradise was Norfolk Island.
19th August – John Donohoe - Ben Hall’s Treasure Ben Hall was an Australian Bushranger who is credited with over 600 robberies between 1862 and 1865 across New South Wales, from Bathurst to Forbes, south to Gundagai and east to Goulburn. Unlike many bushrangers of the era, Hall was not directly responsible for any deaths, although several of his associates were named. In May 1865, Hall and others realised that to survive they would have to leave New South Wales. They first retreated to an isolated area but their whereabouts were reported to the police. At dawn on 5 May, Hall was ambushed by eight well-armed policemen who shot him at least thirty times as he attempted to run away. Bushranging was often the source of desperate men who had no other means of generating an income through lack of education, social structure, and no qualified occupation.
16th September – Judith Dunn – Crimes Of Convict Women The feisty nature of convict pioneer women, noted in the official records as “the very dregs of society”. Individual crime reports from the Sydney Morning Herald illustrate the larrikinism and inner strength which allowed the convict women to survive. Far from stealing a loaf of bread, these cunning women were up to all sorts of mischief, amorous adventures with men, drunkenness, absconding, violent and riotous behaviour and much more depending on their circumstance. All stories relate to crimes committed after their arrival in the colony. Although humorous, this was also a thought provoking talk describing the transport and gaol system endured by these women.
21st October – Dr Scot Hill – “Professionally Useful to the Colony”: The Short Career of Henry Kitchen James Jervis Memorial Lecture
Parramatta and District Historical Society 34 Annual Report 2019 Scot’s presentation was drawn from his PhD Thesis - Paper Houses (2016). The thesis looked in depth at the colonial architectural legacy left within John Macarthur’s Papers, which obviously included Hambledon Cottage and Henry Kitchen. The lecture provided a much deeper appreciation of Henry Kitchen and the significance of the design of Hambledon Cottage in relation to several other significant colonial homes.
18th November – Rob Shipton – The Great Westminster Clock ‘ Big Ben’
The clock is a British cultural icon recognised all over the world by photographs, tourists, films, and locals. Big Ben is the nickname for the Great Bell at the north end of the clock in the Palace of Westminster. Built in 1859 in a neo-Gothic style by Augustus Pugin. it was known as the Clock Tower until 2012 when it was renamed the Elizabeth Tower in honour of the Diamond Jubilee of Elizabeth II. It is one of the most prominent symbols of the United Kingdom and Parliamentary democracy and a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1987. It kept perfect time during WW11 with only very slight damage to two of the clock’s dials.
Ilma McKee Convener
STRATEGIC PLANNING AND BUDGET
This report seeks to examine the Society’s performance in a number of key areas. This approach is in keeping with the reporting approach whereby a number of key Performance Indicators (PIs) are selected and the Society’s performance against each measured.
To briefly recap, the Society has identified a number of Performance Indicators which assist the Society’s Council to objectively appraise the health of the Society from year to year. Some fifteen PIs have been identified that cover all the key areas of the Society including Membership, Hambledon Cottage, Overall Income, Research, Publicity, Financial Assets and, last but certainly not least, the performance against Budget.
The Society’s performance overall for 2019, using the PIs as a barometer has been satisfactory and it remains in very sound financial health.
The Society had budgeted to utilise a large portion of its cash reserves to fund a number of projects through the year. Various grants had been received in recent years to fund some of these projects.
To monitor all fifteen PIs is important, however, among these are four that are most representative of the health of the group. These four PIs are: • Membership - the backbone of the Society’s future; • Hambledon Cottage - the most visible of the Society’s assets; • Financial performance (Operational and Budget) – the key to the future longevity of the group; and • Publicity - the vehicle through which new members and sponsors are attracted, in turn continuing the Society’s life cycle.
Following is a brief review of these very important indicators:
Parramatta and District Historical Society 35 Annual Report 2019
Membership – Slight Decrease Membership increased during 2019 to end at 217, an increase of over 9% nearly meeting our budgeted 10% increase. This level of membership remains satisfying. During the year, there were 32 new members.
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Hambledon Visitors – Higher Numbers In 2019, visitation to Hambledon Cottage increased over last year, mainly due to visits by school groups even though there was a reduction in free and independent visitors. Overall, there was a 9% increase in total paying visitors to our fine historic house museum.
From an analysis, there was a 13% increase in group visitors, comprising a 26% increase in school students undertaking our education programs, but offset by a 42% decrease in senior group visitors. School children visits now represent some 75% of our paying visitors.
Apart from visitors to our house museum, the Hambledon Cottage site is well utilised for many activities, there basically being some activity every day, but suffered significantly due to the restoration work. A total of 6,374 people-days, an increase of over 400 or 7% over last year, were involved on different days during the year. Apart from the visitors to the house museum, there were members attending on Tuesdays for our “research and archives” working days, others involved in the monthly Society Council and Family History meetings, Guides conducting guided tours, members attending functions in the grounds and meetings of the Parramatta Female Factory Friends and the Parramatta Heritage Partners in the Coach House. The extent of volunteer labour in 2019 remained extensive and growing, with some 75 members volunteering in various capacities for some 15,000 man-hours at an estimated in-kind value of some $700,000 annually.
Parramatta and District Historical Society 36 Annual Report 2019 Operating Position - Positive Outcome Overall, the operating position was a profit of $ 22,284, compared to a budgeted profit of $ 8,280.
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Overall performance against Budget Income – Income was above budget due to higher Hambledon Cottage Entry Fees essentially through increased school visitors, Donations and profit from Tours. Appreciation for our responses to research enquiries resulted in some 40% increase in revenue over budget. The increased income over budget was achieved despite lower than budget revenue from Book Sales and Functions. Expenses – Increased costs occurred in our costs for Tours due to increased participation but these were offset by reduced expenses in budgeted Insurance, Publicity and Publications costs.
Publicity – Satisfactory Outcome Thanks to Past President Trevor Patrick, the Society again achieved considerable publicity this year. Publicity of the Society meetings and those of the Family History Group appeared from time-to-time in the local papers (Parramatta and Hills district). The most successful publicity has been through the interesting iMAG magazine which is distributed throughout Sydney, the Cumberland Plain townships and across the Blue Mountains to Lithgow. As a direct result of this increased publicity, our Hambledon Cottage is getting greater recognition.
Policies and Procedures Quite separate from the operational performances of the Society, the production and/or updating of a number of Policies & Procedures are required to continue to improve the
Parramatta and District Historical Society 37 Annual Report 2019 governance of the Society and its members. During the year, no new policies and procedures were needed to be developed, but the Disaster Preparedness and policies were updated.
As usual, a Strategic Plan and Budget was produced to focus Society activities. It was monitored and reviewed by the Society Council twice in the year.
In summary, the continued work to improve Hambledon Cottage and Society resources as well as the sound financial position of the Society combine to provide the basis upon which to continue to build a stronger and more successful Society in 2020 and beyond.
Ken Smith OAM, FPDHS Convener
TOURS
During 2019 the Society conducted a highly successful program of tours and walks. The program was developed in conjunction with the Parramatta Branch of the National Trust and included a number of special events that were conducted during the NSW Heritage Festival 18 April to 19 May.
The tour program included: a) Following Gregory and John Blaxland 29 March & 12 April This tour followed the paths of two brothers, Gregory Blaxland and John Blaxland who arrived in New South Wales in 1806, and 1807 respectively. The tour travelled to sites significant to the pioneer brothers and visited Blue Mountains explorer Gregory Blaxland’s gravesite at All Saints Cemetery; Gregory’s home, Brush Farm House; Newington area, the hub around which some of John Blaxland’s business enterprises were established. and finally, St Anne’s Church at Ryde. b) Heritage Festival 18 April to 19 May 2019 – Talks and Walks Program • 24 April – Governor Arthur Phillip Walk Parramatta (Walk) • 1 May - Pubs of Parramatta (Walk) • 2 May - The History of Parramatta Churches (Talk) • 9 May - The Foundations of Parramatta (Walk) • 16 May - Thomas Hobbes Scott (Talk) • 17 May - Emancipists and Exclusives (Enactment and Supper) c) Cumberland Experience 4: Prospect: Lawson, Water & Legends 23 & 30 September This tour focussed on major historic sites within the Prospect area with a particular emphasis on the legacy left by William Lawson. Sites visited included the Prospect Heritage Trust Cottage, Prospect Reservoir, Pump and Valve House, Site of Veteran Hall, Royal Cricketers Arms Inn, Skyline Drive-In Blacktown, St Bartholomew's Church Prospect, The Turret Reserve
Parramatta and District Historical Society 38 Annual Report 2019 Prospect Reservoir Blacktown and the former site of Fox Under the Hill Hotel Prospect.
d) 3 Day South West NSW Heritage Tour - 15-17 November Again the three day tour was fully booked and 46 members thoroughly enjoyed an action packed trip that included Abercrombie House (Bathurst), Court House Museum (Carcoar), Drive Tour of Carcoar Village, Japanese Memorial Gardens (Cowra), Monte Cristo Historic Homestead (Junee), Broadway Hotel Museum (Junee), Liquorice and Chocolate Factory (Junee), Historic Bridges (Gundagai), Rusconi Masterpiece Marble (Gundagai), Historical Museum (Gundagai), Drive Abercrombie House Bathurst Tour of Main Street Gundagai, Historic Cooma Cottage (Yass). A special thankyou to Margaret and Ken Smith who stepped in at short notice and quickly and efficiently took over the final coordination of the tour following the sudden passing of Brian Powyer less than a week before the planned trip.
Jeff Allen
WEBSITE AND FACEBOOK
FACEBOOK Facebook continues to be a significant source of information for members and the broader public interested in history and heritage. It is reassuring that the page has nearly 1,000 ‘followers’. The number of ‘likes’ has been steadily increasing since the page was created and, as the Society reaches out to more new and younger members of the community, we are confident it will continue to grow and be an important component of our communication with members.
One advantage of Facebook is that we can post photographs of all our events and activities on the day that they occur and those that could not make the occasion have an opportunity to look at the proceedings. It is also of interest to note that increasingly the general community is using Facebook to make enquiries about information relating to their family or local event.
All conveners and organisers of events are encouraged to take photographs of any occasion involving members and forward them with a short story about the event or moment captured.
WEBSITE The Society’s website continues to play an important role in connecting and communicating with members, schools and the broader community regularly receives favourable comment. Updates are undertaken in response to the various executive or convener requests received.
Parramatta and District Historical Society 39 Annual Report 2019 This ensures that the information and details regarding the Society’s events and any administrative changes are current.
Monthly History
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
2019 2019 2019 2019 2019 2019 2019 2019 2019 2019 2019 2019
Unique Number of Month Pages Hits Bandwidth visitors visits Jan 2019 297 472 800 2,808 1.27 GB Feb 2019 209 264 496 2,240 1.22 GB Mar 2019 273 378 688 2,652 1.23 GB Apr 2019 232 360 648 2,537 1.26 GB May 2019 286 413 755 3,045 1.44 GB Jun 2019 270 447 756 2,370 1017.58 MB Jul 2019 264 448 721 2,202 1001.86 MB Aug 2019 292 461 823 2,585 1.24 GB Sep 2019 328 536 916 2,390 879.14 MB Oct 2019 309 468 811 2,536 1.24 GB Nov 2019 282 447 660 1,846 888.22 MB Dec 2019 195 326 428 1,212 621.55 MB Total 3,237 5,020 8,502 28,423 13.20 GB
During 2019, the site received some 28,400 hits which is an average of 2,370 per month. Typically, around 300 different individuals would visit the site each month and a lot of those visited more than once a month. Whilst this is about one-third the usage compared to last year, this is a good indication that the website continues to be a major source of accessing information about the Society and its activities. This is evidenced by the awareness of the website and its content by people emailing the Society about one of its activities.
Ken Smith OAM, FPDHS (on behalf of Brian and Lorenza Powyer)
WORK, HEALTH & SAFETY (WH&S)
The Society introduced Work, Health & Safety Policy and Procedure in 2008 to comply with its legal requirements to ensure that no volunteers, members or visitors come to harm as a result of our behaviour or failure to act safely.
Parramatta and District Historical Society 40 Annual Report 2019 A copy of the Society’s Policy & Procedures is given to all members who volunteer their time and services. Another copy is available in the Hambledon Cottage Members’ Room for anyone to peruse. Workplace activities of the Society include: • Public guided cottage museum and site tours, conducted by volunteer society guides • Research centre conducted by member volunteers which includes public access • Public and member meetings conducted each month, February to November • Conduct of historical fundraising tours, site visits, walks functions, lectures and exhibitions • Talks given to other community groups by society members • Hold regular garden maintenance days and working bees • Provision of catering for meetings, talks and site tours Administration of PDHS Work, Health & Safety Policy & Procedures (as required by Safe Work Australia, 1 January 2012) attended: • Regular review of Injury and Hazard Report Register folder • Review of suitability of documentation forms • Follow-up on reports with both the injured person and the reporter. Timely follow-up of all identified issues • Maintenance Report Book is monitored for safety hazard alerts and liaise with Society Maintenance Officer regarding the instigation of safety measures and rectification of hazard issues, e.g. increasing depth of hot drink holding tray for functions. • Monthly WHS report submitted to council meetings • Annual incident, injury and / or hazard submitted to council (type, location person etc) • Annual WHS Policy & Procedures reviewed for update recommendations to the council Regular monitoring of site for hazard safety attended: • Frequent general site safety maintenance observation, including for slip / trip hazards and the condition of the emergency evacuation point sign – updated 2019 due to weather fading and damage • Annual cottage and site housekeeping inspection report checklist submitted • Emergency contact lists on members room pinboard – update review e.g. community numbers, councillors and volunteer cottage guides emergency contact details • Recommendations submitted to the council for improved safety and hazard prevention to benefit volunteers, cottage guides, members and visitors e.g. use of safety alert “Spills Caution” sign in the Coach House kitchen and safe use of hot / boiling water • Public safety is monitored e.g. CoP tree branch and cone review schedule by their Park’s Department Asset Manager • Emergency policies and procedures signs are displayed within the Members Room and Coach House • Telephones are available in the Members Room and the Coach House for use in an emergency / care situation
Parramatta and District Historical Society 41 Annual Report 2019 Electricity Safety: • All portable electrical equipment, cords and power boards are regularly checked and tagged by a qualified person Fire Alert Equipment: • Smoke detectors are “back to base” to TriCorp Security monitoring company. They alert the fire brigade and a Society Councillor who is on the list • Fire extinguishers are located in the Members Room, Drawing room, Dining room, Coach House resource centre and Coach House kitchen. Six monthly inspections and tagging is attended by a reputable supplier Fire blanket is available in the Coach House kitchen Security alarms and CCTV cameras are in situ Garden: • Garden hoses and equipment is safely stored Regular monitoring of first aid equipment and kits attended: • Annual stocktake of first aid kits: located in the members room, coach house kitchen and Tours kit • Cleanliness • Completeness • Review with pharmacist regarding suitable replacement of out of date / expired items • Shopping list prepared for replacement of missing or expired items • Cost comparison shopping outlets for individual items Planned for 2020: • WH & S and basic first aid course four-part presentation for volunteer cottage guides – draft typed and transferred to a USB is in process of completion • WH & S policy promotion – “Working Together for a Healthy & Safe Environment” • Signs e.g. Coach House kitchen spills danger alerts Kaye Weaver Convener
Parramatta and District Historical Society 42 Annual Report 2019
PARRAMATTA AND DISTRICT HISTORICAL SOCIETY INC ABN: 45 831 855 140
FINANCIAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2019
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