George Town and District Historical Society | Non-profit organisation

George Town and District Historical Society

Phone: +61 3 6382 4412

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25.01.2022 The next FREE GUIDED HISTORY WALK around George Town starts outside the Watch House at 10 am this coming MONDAY 18 NOV. Be prepared with comfortable shoes as there's a fair way to walk. And remember the sunscreen, hat, water etc according to the weather. And at 7 pm at the Bass & Flinders Centre that day there will be another presentation IN THEIR OWN WORDS - taken from the actual depositions made at the 1820 Royal Commission hearing in George Town. $5 donation - EVERYONE IS... WELCOME - no need to RSVP Depositions were taken in a Q & A format and a well known local identity will take the part of Commissioner John Thomas Bigge to interrogate the Inspector of Public Works (Lt Van den Meulen), the Captain of the 48th Regt, Commissariat storekeeper, the Supt of Convicts, Overseer of the Brickworks, Assistant Surgeon Owen, Pilot John Thomas and ex-convict Henry Barrett, the York Town gardener. The selected readings give a great insight into the 'goings on' in George Town before and after its establishment as the of Chief Settlement of Northern VDL (Tasmania). There will be an 'interval' for supper to give a break to both speakers & listeners.

25.01.2022 This follow up to the first post on the Spanish 'Flu on the Launceston Historical Society, Tasmania's page shows the very real danger for health workers during such an epidemic, with the loss of a relatively young doctor who was at the forefront. Dr Charles Irvine's family had property at Low Head. His young widow with three young daughters to support, found employment at Launceston Grammar School. One of the three daughters, Miss Charlie Irvine worked at St Giles and had th...e little holiday home on the southern side of Low Head's Christ Church in the 1960s and 70s, and there are other descendants currently living at Low Head. So someone may be able to identify which daughter this is in this beautiful photo with her father.

25.01.2022 GOOD NEWS - a sensible decision was made at last night's George Town Council meeting: TO KEEP THE BANDSTAND ROTUNDA WHERE IT IS!

24.01.2022 While the 75th anniversary of VE Day (Victory in Europe) was celebrated on 8 May earlier this year, the Second World War did not end for most Australian servicemen who were still fighting or interned as POWs in the southern hemisphere on that date. The 75th Anniversary of VP Day (Victory in the Pacific), sometimes called VJ Day (Victory over Japan) was on 15 August 2020. Many planned commemorative events across Australia went ahead, though most were scaled down and some canc...elled altogether due to COVID19. This ABC story and some of the related stories are well worth looking at.

24.01.2022 It is now 25 years since the Iron Baron collided with Hebe Reef just off Low Head and locals awoke to the effects of a massive oil spill! People from right across the north of the state rallied to assist with the clean-up and feeding of birds, etc affected by this disaster and everyone who was here at that time has a story to tell. The Mercury covered the story on the 20th Anniversary back in July 20 15 with this story.

24.01.2022 Our NEXT MEETING is on THIS COMING MONDAY, 17 FEBRUARY at 7.30 pm in the HILLWOOD HALL. As usual we will be joining in with the Hillwood Garden Club and the topic should suit both groups.... Tony Walker will be guest speaker on the The Development of the Wine Industry. As the East Tamar was at the forefront of the early vineyards, this should be of interest to all. We look forward to seeing you all there.

24.01.2022 The Examiner's Sunday feature "Our History" written by Nigel Burch moves to our coastal village of Lulworth. It includes the story of the ill-fated barque "Tam O'Shanter that gave the bay its name when it was run aground there in 1837, but there's more. Read the story ...

23.01.2022 NEXT MEETING - MON 16 MARCH, TAM O'SHANTER GOLF & COMMUNITY CLUB starting at 7.30 pm. Rita Miller will speak of her "Early Days of Living at Back Creek and Pipers River" Rita is a great story teller and she will regale us with stories from the 1930 & 40s - of family life on a farm, the Back Creek PO, her own school days, trips to Tam O'Shanter Bay, country dances, some memorable personalities, her father's special wartime duties and an intriguing 'Spy Story' that played ...out in Pipers River! As usual our meetings are open to the public and we especially invite those from Tam O'Shanter/Lulworth and the other coastal villages. There is no charge but a gold coin donation is appreciated to assist with costs of supper provided after the meeting. We encourage car pooling when meetings are held out of George Town, so if anyone would like a lift or will have a spare seat, please contact Des or Lorraine Wootton on 63 82 4412 before Monday night.

23.01.2022 There are around 50 activities registered by 20 different community groups on the 2019 FOUNDERS FESTIVAL CALENDAR throughout November - December and the George Town Council area. A few are just for members, but most invite public participation - eg free guided history walks, exhibitions in the Memorial Hall and the Watch House etc etc... Several clubs invite others to their regular meetings to see what goes on. If you enjoy the activities, you might like to join! Throughout ...November you can visit the GT Senior Citizens' each Tuesday and Thursday; GT Rotary Club on Wed 13 & 27 and GT Garden Club on Thurs 21. And there's a dinner meeting with speaker for GT Lions Club on Thurs 5 Dec. Check out main details and contacts on the Calendar and tune in to Tamar FM 95.3 Inc or watch this page for further details!

23.01.2022 Together with Tamar FM 95.3 Inc, the Historical Society thanks all local organisations that have registered their activities on the 2019 FOUNDERS FESTIVAL Calendar for promotion during November and December. Here is the full program, complete with basic details of all activities. Some are for members only or by invitation, but most are public events. Several organisations invite others to come along to their normal meetings to see what goes on and perhaps sign up new members...! It's a great way for newer residents to get to know others with similar interests. Tune in to Tamar FM 95.3 Inc and keep an eye on this Facebook page to see more details about each listing. Emailed and printed hard copies of the calendar will be available throughout the community very soon, but in the meantime PLEASE SHARE THIS POST.

21.01.2022 NEXT MEETING: is MONDAY 16 NOV, 7.30 pm start at The Grove. Peter Cox will speak on The Geomorphology of the Tamar Estuary. Geomorphology is the study of the physical features of the surface of the earth and their relation to its geological structures, but don’t let the title put you off, as Peter has a knack of making complex things understandable! ... Peter spoke on this topic in Launceston last year and he also features in the Tamar Estuary and Esk Rivers (TEERS) video series kanamaluka/Tamar Working Together for Healthy Waterways where Peter is billed as ...Launceston[ ! ] Geography and Geomorphology expert about the natural history of kanamaluka/Tamar posted previously. Everyone is welcome, but as numbers are limited due to COVID19, PLEASE EMAIL [email protected] OR PHONE 63 82 4412 to book your place! Please leave a message if there’s no answer. ALSO due to COVID SUPPER All food and drinks must be provided from the premises and served safely, so reluctantly in these times, we cannot accept members’ occasional contributions that we have all enjoyed and appreciated in the past. Social distancing will also apply and sanitiser provided.

21.01.2022 The longlist for the Dick and Joan Green Family Award for the best Tasmanian History Book has now been pubished with the winner to be announced in August!

21.01.2022 The last Tamar FM 95.3 Inc Community Market for the year is sure to have plenty on offer for those handmade Christmas gifts! Starts at 9 am until pm in the Graham Fairless Centre in the Memorial Hall. There's always something for everyone, so call in and have a browse. Follow your nose once the onions start to sizzle and grab yourself a sausage or hamburger from the BBQ outside the hall while you're there.... And a reminder of the year's final TAKE 2 TENNIS round robin from 2 pm at Bluegum Park Courts. BYO seat, BBQ & salad to share.

21.01.2022 The annual John West Lecture is on this FRIDAY 13 MARCH at the Sir Raymond Ferrall Centre at the UTAS Newnham campus at 8pm with nibbles available from 7.30pm.

20.01.2022 It's great to see Perth celebrating its connections with Govr Lachlan Macquarie. It goes well with Campbell Town's tree carvings. The 2011 "Macquarie Bicentenary Commemorations" that saw a series of activities and almost daily readings from Macquarie's 1811 Journal, following in his footsteps from 18 Nov at Adventure Bay right through to George Town's 200th birthday party, and then his departure from Low Head on 20 December. All of this was led by our very own Peter Cox who w...as Chairman of the c'tee! The idea of a "Macquarie Trail" linking all the places that featured in that journey was floated back then as a heritage tourist trail - just like there is in the NSW Hawkesbury towns. Next year it will be the Bicentenary of the Governor's return visit to VDL in 1821, when Macquarie came to admire the town that he planned around York Cove and named GEORGE TOWN. It was by then the Chief Settlement in the north of the island, although that was not to last. "Regent Square was entered in the Tasmanian Heritage Register primarily for its ability to demonstrate early urban planning in Australia and the direct influence of Govr Lachlan Macquarie upon the design of the first country towns in Australia." Up until now, it has been the most intact of all Macquarie's signature town squares. Let's hope that, if he were to return 200 years later in 2021, he would still recognise it as a Square and see some appropriate recognition of his important contribution! And if other places that claim a connection to Macquarie were to do something like Perth and Campbell Town, we could have the makings of a "Macquarie Trail" from North to South for our tourists to follow! (Thanks to our member Jai Paterson for posting the photos )

20.01.2022 77 trees on our heritage-listed Regent Square are marked for demolition, despite the first note on Lange Design's Master Landscape Plan saying: "Where possible, existing trees will be retained to maintain the established vegetation structure within the park". While some of the trees have been found to be in 'poor condition', many of these 77 trees are deciduous ornamentals specifically recommended for the site, that were donated by community members and only planted in 201...1. Now, after the best growing season ever, they are just starting to take off and if looked after, would have been there for future generations to enjoy.

20.01.2022 John Dent makes 'history come alive' in this video talk relating Lt Thomas Laycock's journey from York Town to Hobart and return in 1807. Just remember that this was originally posted in 2017. And if you click on Carol Brill's link to The Tasmanian Midlands - pictorial history Facebook page, you're sure to find something else of interest! It's a great site.

19.01.2022 This song was written by Vince Brophy during an artist in residency at the Low Head Pilot Station where Vince met locals to gain inspiration for his songs. It became the title song on the CD of 11 specially written songs about this area. The CD was produced for George Town's Bicentenary Festival held in November 2004 and Vince has performed this song - and others - at almost every Tamar Valley Folk Festival since then. He and his wife Margie now live at Low Head overlooking... the Tamar River where Vince has plenty of inspiration for more song writing. Between the Moon and the Sun tells the story of Clarrie / Andy Andrews and his dad Charlie, who was a fisherman from one of George Town’s oldest families. The family lived in a cottage at the Low Head Pilot Station, before moving in to George Town just before Andy started school. Clarence James Andrews was George Town's last surviving WW2 veteran, but passed away on 29 March just before his 97th birthday and this year's ANZAC Day. Vince has produced this special video of the song for Andy’s family, and we thank him for making it available for others to enjoy.

19.01.2022 ON THIS DAY - 7th June 1825 (or maybe a week later) - Van Diemen's Land (Tasmania) officially separated from New South Wales. Read on to find out more:

19.01.2022 We've had a query as to the location of the George Town Pony and Riding Club in the 1970s and 1980s. Can anyone help with this please? Is there still a club in existence?

18.01.2022 There will be another LOW HEAD CONFERENCE in the Boatshed at the Low Head Pilot Station THIS SATURDAY, 8 FEBRUARY... Registrations from 9.00 am, First Speaker at 9.30am SPEAKERS & TOPICS (not in order): James Parker sealers women of Bass Strait, fact & fiction Tabatha Badger life & interests of Low Head's Flossie Perrin Denis Patten shipping co. crockery & shipping ephemera Lynette Ross 'Erebus' & 'The Terror' & Antarctic exped. 1842 Jon Addison evolution of the Australian flag, amongst others Sarah Beckett Jonno Johnson - he walked under Bass Strait Barry Brimfield Aboriginal fish traps of northern Tasmania Dr Hannah Neilsen on Antarctica and its global portrayal COST: $40 per head - incl. am & pm tea plus a light lunch. BOOKING ARRANGEMENTS By the internet go to Trybooking.com and follow the prompts for ‘Low Head Conference 2020’ or type in https://www.trybooking.com/BHRWV or https://www.trybooking.com/592093 DIRECT BANKING: Account name: Low Head Conference BSB 067601 Account number 1032 5668 Put your name in relevant space to identify payment MAIL: PO Box 505, MOWBRAY 7248 EMAIL: [email protected] PHONE: Thomas Gunn 0477 633 730 or Anne Green 0408 370 646

18.01.2022 This is your chance to get a first look and GIVE YOUR OPINION on the NEW DESIGN CONCEPT for our heritage-listed REGENT SQUARE - the oldest public park in Tasmania. 3.00pm - 6.00 pm on TUESDAY 11 FEBRUARY 2020 If you're there early enough, you might even enjoy a FREE icecream - on the GT Council!

18.01.2022 THE USUAL UNUSUAL CHRISTMAS STORY for the young and the young at heart is at 10.00 am THIS SUNDAY in St Mary Magdalene Anglican church in Anne St, George Town. Everyone is welcome at this special pre-Christmas service, and at the following Christmas services: NEXT SUNDAY 22 Dec at 10.00 am - Holy Communion... CHRISTMAS EVE at 7.00 pm - Holy Communion CHRISTMAS DAY at 9.00 am - Holy Communion

18.01.2022 No need to be bored - take an armchair tour today!

18.01.2022 "ARTWORKS - Skylines" Local Art Exhibition opening tonight at the Jim Mooney Gallery by invitation - a gala event in the 2019 FOUNDERS FESTIVAL Calendar presented by Lighthouse Regional Arts, George Town! And it will be open to the public tomorrow along with Tamar FM 95.3 Inc Community Market - 9 am till 1 pm. Also open from 10 am till 4 pm MONDAY to FRIDAY next week.... Call in and see the work from some of our talented local artists! Don't forget to vote for your favourite piece for the Viewers Choice Prize - this year you can vote for two.

18.01.2022 Missed the anniversary of the arrival of the last convict ship to Van Diemen's Land in 1853, but it's only just passed! Lots of history and wonderful images and comments here.

17.01.2022 Are you one of the more recent arrivals in George Town? An escapee from the mainland rat race seeking a quieter life or escaping the heat of northern Australia? Among the FOUNDERS FESTIVAL registrations are several local clubs' invitations to come along to their regular meetings to see what goes on. This is a great way to make new friends. ... George Town Senior Citizens invite visitors to join in their activities in their York Cove Centre each TUES & THURS throughout NOVEMBER - free of charge and obligation! The York Cove Centre is at the end of Sorell St, just down from the Watch House and overlooking the Cove. The local Rotary Club, Lions Club, Garden Club and Historical Society have also listed dates of their meetings at which visitors are welcome. Check out the Calendar on the previous post for details. It will be included in the November edition of Tamar Valley News and there will be printed hard copies available throughout the community very soon.

17.01.2022 GT LIONS CLUB have a bus going to Salamanca Market on THIS SATURDAY - it's an early start at 6.45 am from Regent Square Carpark for a very reasonable cost of $45 . There may be a couple of spare seats so contact: Aireen 0420 595 381 or Peter 0475 184 362 if you'd like to go. And it's going to be 'A SPLENDID STEAMPUNK SUNDAY' organised by Neal of Lighthouse Regional Arts for all those Steampunkers out there this weekend! ... See the historic attractions of Low Head & George Town for FREE if you're dressed in Steampunk gear! Meet at the Low Head Lighthouse (it's at the end of the road!) just before noon to hear the ancient Foghorn sound with the roar of 1,000 elephants.

17.01.2022 If you saw the OUR HISTORY article in last Sunday's Examiner, you'll have noticed the close links to this area. Joseph Davies first mined at Lefroy and retired as Mine Manager at Beaconsfield in 1902 to live at George Town where he resided in The Grove. His son, the much revered Major Thomas Davies DSO MC, was elected as MHA for Bass in 1929, was Minister for Mines from 1934 until his death in 1842, and he also lived at The Grove.

16.01.2022 On this day Abel Janszoon Tasman sighted Tasmania 24 November 1642 On 24 November 1642, Abel Jazoon Tasman reached and sighted the west coast of Tasmania, nor...th of Macquarie Harbour. and named the peeks seen after his ships Zeehan (Zeehaen) and Heemskirk. Sent by the Governor-General of the Dutch East Indies, Anthonio van Diemen, he left Batavia (modern Jakarta) on August 14, 1642 and named his discovery Anthoonij van Diemenslandt. Proceeding south, Tasman skirted the southern end of Tasmania and turned north-east. He then tried to work his two ships into Adventure Bay on the east coast of South Bruny Island, where he was blown out to sea by a storm. This area he named Storm Bay Two days later, on December 1, Tasman anchored to the north of Cape Frederick Hendrick just north of the Forestier Peninsula On December 2, two ship's boats under the command of the Pilot, Major Visscher, rowed through the Marion Narrows into Blackman Bay, and across the west to the outflow of Boomer Creek where they gathered some edible "greens" Tasman named Frederick Hendrik Bay, which included the present North Bay, Marion Bay and the inlet Blackman Bay (the name Frederick Henry Bay was mistakenly transferred to its present location by Marion Dufresne in 1772). The next day, an attempt was made to land in North Bay. However, because the sea was too rough, the carpenter swam through the surf and planted the Dutch flag. Tasman then claimed formal possession of the land, on 3 December 1642. For two more days, he continued to follow the east coast northward to see how far it went. When the land veered to the north-west at Eddystone Point he tried to keep in with it but his ships were suddenly hit by the Roaring Forties howling through Bass Strait. The impenetrable wind wall indicated that here was a strait, not a bay. Tasman was on a mission to find the Southern Continent, not more islands, so after A council of officers on December 5 decided against further investigation, so he missed the opportunity of discovering Bass Strait. They abruptly turned away to the east and continued his continent-hunting. After settlement the island was known as Van Diemen's Land and this name was kept until for nearly fifty year when in 1854 the Legislative Council wrote to Queen Victoria requesting that the name of the colony be changed to Tasmania. In 1856, the colony was granted responsible self-government with its representative parliament, and the name of the island and colony was officially changed to Tasmania on 1 January 1856. photo art-prints-on-demand.com

16.01.2022 If you're looking for something to do after ANZAC DAY services - apart from watching football - you can zoom into the The Royal Society of Tasmania's monthly presentation!

16.01.2022 Tamar Valley News is starting up again under new manager! Send your contributions and watch out for a September edition.

15.01.2022 It certainly won't come as a surprise to anyone that GT& D Historical Society's activities are postponed until further notice. So that means our MONTHLY MEETINGS at The Grove will not be held until things improve and the planned EXCURSION TO NILE / DEDDINGTON / PATTERDALE is also postponed. We hope that our presenters will be able to slot into our future program and we'll certainly arrange another time for the excursion. ... If everyone does the right thing, it may not be TOO long before things get back to normal. There's now time to catch up with some of the things we put off due to 'other commitments', so make the most of this extraordinary 'lock down'! Take time to explore some of the links in the last newsletter and keep a watch out on this page for an occasional post that should be of historical interest to all! Here's one to start with: https://www.glovercountry.com.au/about.html

15.01.2022 175 years ago TODAY on Monday 2nd June 1845, the Brig Tobago was wrecked on the reef under the Shear Beacon near the Low Head Pilot Station. Throughout the whole of the convict era, most of the boatsmen at the Pilot Station were convicts, but their names are rarely mentioned in Newspaper stories. 15 boatsmen who were part of the "Tobago" rescue mission were convicts and were rewarded for their "Meritorious Conduct. The correspondence to and from Port Officer Matthew Curlin...g Friend included in this article actually names those convicts! Make sure you click on the link below to read the full story. One of these men may be YOUR ancestor!

15.01.2022 PLEASE make sure you let George Town Council know your thoughts on retaining the ROTUNDA on Regent Square by email to [email protected] or in a letter by close of business 22 Feb (that's Saturday, but that's the date on the Council website)

14.01.2022 Pauline Conolly's post will resonate with anyone who heard John Watts' story of his father's exploits in Lancaster ND385F Crew and its missions at this month's meeting. Incredibly, all of the air crew survived the Second World War. Another Tasmanian airman, Cyril Keith Deed and his crew of Lancaster Bomber PB255 was not as lucky. ... Make sure you click on the link at the bottom of the story to read the full story, but have the tissues handy.

13.01.2022 The 250th anniversary of Captain James Cook's landing at Botany Bay and the mapping of the eastern coastline of Australia in 1770 seems to have almost gone 'under the radar' in Tasmania. Many of the commemorative events planned for this year have gone the way of most others due to the Corona virus pandemic, but much of it can be experienced online and there are some wonderful resources included in this site. This commemoration is not without some controversy, and you will f...ind a variety of responses and opinions being expressed in relation to this topic. Make the most of the opportunity to read up on all aspects for yourself. This is a good start and Mr Google will find plenty more for you to read! http://jamescook250.org/ch-3-1st-paci/commemorations-2019x/

12.01.2022 Don Heather hasn't just worked on the "Ponrabbel II" steam dredge. As you can see here, he's been around various vessels and ports on the Tamar River in his time! This MONDAY, 20 JANUARY at the BOATSHED at the LOW HEAD PILOT STATION, Don will be the speaker at the GT&DHS's first general meeting for the year 2020 - telling us about ... "The move to containerisation in Shipping on the Tamar". What did they do before containers were used? Come along and 'hear it from the horse's mouth' as they say. The meeting starts around 7.30 pm, but the BBQ will be fired up at 6.00 pm for old, new and prospective members to BYO food, drink, etc to enjoy a get together over your meal before the meeting. Tea & coffee will be available. Everyone is welcome to attend both the BBQ and meeting, or just come along for the meeting. There is no charge, but gold coin donations towards supper are welcome.

12.01.2022 GUIDED HISTORY WALKS around George Town will leave from outside the Watch House at 10 am for the next three MONDAYS. Walk will take around one and a half hours - or perhaps a bit longer if you get the guides fired up with some questions that need extra explanations! Make sure to dress for the weather, wear comfortable shoes and bring your water, sunscreen, etc. ... And there's also a REMEMBRANCE DAY SERVICE at the Max Harris Memorial in ANZAC Drive commencing 10.55 am.

12.01.2022 This article shows how history is not static; it evolves through research, with new discoveries, re-discoveries, re-interpretations, etc. Tasmanian Aboriginal History is no exception and there is still so much to learn. There are plenty of links for further reading in this article.

11.01.2022 How many people would know this interesting snippet of history? Many thanks to John Reid who posted this on Tasmanian History - you'll learn something new every day on this interesting page.

11.01.2022 We should be using the early history of George Town and Low Head to promote the whole municipal area to visitors. We could be a part of the Tasmanian Convict Trail, a FEMALE FACTORY TRAIL and a MACQUARIE TRAIL linking up features in Hobart, New Norfolk, Campbell Town, Norfolk Plains and Launceston, etc to bring more visitors to the area. That will be difficult if the George Town Council deliberately removes all references to the 'colonial features' of Regent Square that were ...taken into account when it gained HERITAGE LISTING, thanks to the enormous effort of Peter Cox. It risks a de-listing if the SQUARE is unrecognisable, and ensures many lost opportunities for marketing!

11.01.2022 You can read the next instalment of Peter Cox's article on George Town as a Holiday Resort, moving on into the 1900s in the December edition.

10.01.2022 This PRELIMINARY FOUNDERS FESTIVAL Calendar of Activities gives an idea of what's on and open to the public in the George Town Council area throughout November and December. A FULL CALENDAR of all public and member events will be distributed and publicised as soon as it's finalised. Contact Tamar FM or message this Fbk page immediately if you wish to include something. ... Tune in to TAMAR FM 95.3 OR follow Tamar FM 95.3 Inc or George Town and District Historical Society on Facebook for more details of all events. There have been more registrations since 11 October due date, including this one early in November: SAT 2 NOV - G.T. BOWLS CLUB QUIZ NIGHT - 6PM - 8 per table; $10 per person. Ph. Craig: 0409 319 607

10.01.2022 FREE Lunchbox Lectures at the Launceston Library are starting again 1.10 pm NEXT THURSDAY 19 MARCH.

10.01.2022 ***** A REMINDER OF TONIGHT'S MEETING ***** at the TAM O'SHANTER GOLF & COMMUNITY CLUB starting at 7.30 pm. Rita Miller is a great story teller and will tell us about her "Early Days of Living at Back Creek and Pipers River" in the 1930 & 40s.... We'll hear about family life on a farm, the Back Creek PO, Rita's own school days, trips to Tam O'Shanter Bay, country dances, some memorable personalities, as well as her father's special wartime duties and that intriguing 'Spy Story'! Everyone is welcome, especially invite those from Tam O'Shanter / Lulworth and the other coastal villages. There is no charge - only a gold coin donation for supper after the meeting. Enjoy the scenery, but take care on the roads - and watch out for wallabies and devils!

10.01.2022 George Town celebrated the Queen's Birthday in 1863! Was this the first PADDOCK TO PLATE experience on Regent Square with the unlucky hand-reared Merino as the 'sacrificial lamb'?

10.01.2022 DON'T FORGET! There's no need to RSVP or book. Our presentation IN THEIR OWN WORDS starts at 7 pm tonight at the Bass & Flinders Centre! Excerpts from the 1820 Royal Commission hearing in George Town. ... WHO will be MR BIGGE????? $5 donation - EVERYONE IS WELCOME - no need to RSVP Supper at the 'interval' to give a break to speakers & listeners.

10.01.2022 This anniversary presentation for the Royal Society of Tasmania is essential viewing/listening for anyone who loves the Tamar Estuary and cares for its future.

09.01.2022 Just came across this Nightly News 7 Tasmania story on the Iron Baron disaster from 1995. Although it's a bit late for the 50th anniversary that we did post about, this is a great coverage of the event and pays tribute to George Town's resilient and supportive community. And you'll get another look at Rachel Williams reading the news!

09.01.2022 Vale, Geoff Tyson who, along with his wife Judy, was a former committee member of the Society. Sincere sympathy is extended to Judy and the family in their bereavement and loss. R.I.P. Geoff.

09.01.2022 Our NEXT MEETING is this coming MONDAY - 7.30 pm at The Grove. It's the Annual General Meeting so there will be the usual Annual Reports and Election of Officers, etc and suggestions for topics and speakers for our next 12 months will be sought. After the meeting we'll be commemorating yet another BICENTENARY as it is 200 years since the first minister (Revd John Youl) was appointed to the north of Van Diemen's Land. ... As George Town was the Chief Settlement at that time, that's where Revd Youl resided - in "one of the finest houses outside Hobart" at that time, overlooking Regent Square in Cimitiere Street and built especially for him. You can see this on the model village in the George Town Watch House. When the Chief Settlement moved back to Launceston in 1825, Revd Youl moved as well and this building became the Female Factory. The women must have been quite pleased to move into this house from the small hut in the lumber yard! Following the AGM, Debbie Rainbow (creator the Model Village) will give a presentation on the life and times of the Revd Youl (17731827). As usual, everyone is welcome to attend, and what better time to pay your membership and get the benefit of the full 12 months! $15 per person or $25 for a couple will be recommended to remain.

09.01.2022 The plaque on the inside of the ROTUNDA reads: "This Bandstand is a gift to the people of George Town from Comalco Aluminium (Bell Bay) Limited, to mark 50 years of aluminium production in Tasmania. It was officially opened by the Mayor, Cr Doug Burt and the General Manager of the Bell Bay Aluminium Smelter, Niels Kristensen on Friday 1 December 2006" The Rotunda has been used for Australia Day ceremonies, many years of George Town On Show performances, Jazz concerts, Tamar ...Valley Folk Festivals, private gatherings, exercise classes and just as a place to shelter or relax. Following last Tuesday's presentation of the Revised Landscape Plan for REGENT SQUARE, and the community opposition to the removal of the Rotunda, some changes have been made to the Plan. George Town Council now offers a chance to let them know your preference for the siting of the Rotunda: PLEASE ACCESS THE GTC WEBSITE and submit your response to: [email protected] OR by post to: George Town Council, Regent Square Band Rotunda Consultation 14-18 Anne Street, George Town by close of business 5.00 pm on 22nd February. There is also a PETITION circulating asking GT Council to: "... keep the Rotunda / Bandstand where it is on Regent Square. We have no objection to also having a Sound Shell on Regent Square." WATCH OUT FOR IT AND SIGN IT IF YOU WISH THE ROTUNDA TO REMAIN WHERE IT IS NOW! https://georgetown.tas.gov.au//community-consultation-reg/

07.01.2022 It's "open day" at two local community club meetings TODAY! The GT SENIOR CITIZENS invite you to join in their activities from 10am - 3pm - in the York Cove Centre, Sorell St. AND The GT GARDEN CLUB meeting starts at 10 am at the Bass & Flinders Bowls Club and will be visiting some members' gardens after the meeting - 11am - 3.30.... Bring your own lunch to have along the way. And IF you decide to become a member, you might like to go on the garden trip to Ringarooma tomorrow - FRIDAY. Lots of gardens to visit, stalls, etc as it's a fundraiser for the Ringarooma School. Details of departure (car pooling) at today's meeting.

07.01.2022 Here is the 'mystery artifact' featured in the previous post - just to make it easier for you.

07.01.2022 DID YOU KNOW from the very early days of European settlement and for more than a hundred years, GEORGE TOWN WAS A MAJOR HOLIDAY RESORT? In the late 1820s, it became a resort for government officials and free settlers due to its location by the sea where it was cooler than Launceston and the sea air was reputed to be therapeutic and there was good fishing and cheap housing available! You can read all about it in the first of two instalments written by Peter Cox in the Novemb...er issue of the Tamar Valley News either in hard copy or in digital form. You'll have to wait till the December issue is published to read how things developed in the 1900s. Peter presented a paper on this topic to the Tasmanian Historical Research Association in Hobart some years ago.

07.01.2022 Historian Reg Watson delivers an interesting ANZAC message that concludes with the Last Post. LEST WE FORGET.

06.01.2022 It is 208 years TODAY since 1811 when the Govr of NSW, Lachlan Macquarie selected the site where the first Europeans landed and camped for their first weeks, as the site for the new Chief Settlement of Northern Van Diemen's Land. He planned a grid of streets around Outer Cove, stretching from North St to South St, with the main buildings around a large public square on the northern side of the Cove. He named it GEORGE TOWN in honour of the current King George III and re-name...d the cove as York Cove after the Duke of York. It was the end of 1815 before the workforce of convicts moved down from Launceston to start building, but by 1819 the town was built and the 'administration' moved in. In 1821, Govr Macquarie returned to see his town built and to name the streets and Regent Square. Enjoy your Macquarie Day!

06.01.2022 Thanks to noted historian/genealogist, Maree Ring who shared this interesting post on the AUS-Tas Mailing List: An auspicious day in the history of Tasmania / Van Diemen's Land - 9th SEPTEMBER 1803 . . . On this day, 9th September 1803, the Lady Nelson arrived in Van Diemen’s Land, now Tasmania, in preparation for the first British settlement.... After the arrival of the First Fleet in 1788, Captain Arthur Phillip claimed the entire eastern coast for the British Empire, including Van Diemen’s Land, though it was not yet known to be separate from the mainland. Tasman believed Van Diemen’s Land to be part of New Holland, and it was not until 1798-99 that Matthew Flinders and George Bass proved Van Diemen’s Land to be an island. In order to offset continuing French interests in southern parts of Australia, Lieutenant John Gordon Bowen was sent to establish the first British settlement in Van Diemen's Land. The ship Lady Nelson arrived at Risdon Cove on 9 September 1803, and Bowen arrived on The Albion three days later to establish a settlement on the Derwent River. There were 49 people in the initial settlement party. Lieutenant-Governor David Collins, who had abandoned the new settlement at Sorrento on Port Phillip Bay due to lack of freshwater, arrived at Risdon Cove [a month later]* see Maree's correction below. Unimpressed with the site chosen by Bowen, Collins moved the settlement to Sullivan's Cove on [the western side of] the Derwent River in 1804. This settlement was later renamed Hobart Town. [* the original post has this, but Collins, settlers including Free settlers, marines and convicts arrived at Port Phillip October 1803 - a month after Bowen had settled at Risdon. Collins departed Port Phillip with settlers and convicts for Van Diemen's Land 30 January, 1804. Collins arrived in southern Van Diemen's Land February 1804 [A total of 433 new people, including 281 convicts, arrived in the River Derwent in the 'Lady Nelson' and the 'Ocean']. Pictured: Print from an engraving by Samuel John Neele appearing in James Grant's "The Narrative of a Voyage of Discovery, performed in His Majesty's vessel the'Lady Nelson', of 60 tons burthen, with sliding keels, in the years 1800, 1801, and 1802, to New South Wales, published July 1803, by T. Egerton, Whitehall, London. Courtesy: Wikimedia.

06.01.2022 This is the second in a series of videos of the TEER education campaign, featuring our very own Peter Cox, billed as "Launceston Geography and Geomorphology expert" and explains the natural history of the kanamaluka/Tamar estuary. Peter was to present an expanded talk on this topic at our May meeting, but it will probably be given at the first general meeting when we're able to re-convene ... possibly not until September. Each week TEER will present a new discovery topic. You can catch up any time at www.nrmnorth.org.au/water/education

06.01.2022 You can now listen to THRA's monthly talk in your our time in your own surroundings without having to travel to Hobart. And if you visit the THRA website you can listen to podcasts of many of the previous meetings. Enjoy!

05.01.2022 The next meeting will be the Annual General Meeting NEXT MONDAY 19 October starting 7.30 pm at The Grove (cnr Elizabeth & Cimitiere Sts). Memberships will be due, and may be paid on the night and at the committee meeting this week it was decided to recommend that membership remains at $15 per single adult; $25 for a couple and $10 for students. After the usual reports, election of officers, etc Debbie Rainbow will give a presentation on "The Gee Family presence in the Piper...s River area" from the very early days. All members should have received a reminder of the meeting and a request to book your place by phoning 63 82 4412 (leave a message if no answer) or emailing [email protected]. Social distancing will apply due to COVID, but that did not present any problems at last month's meeting when John Watts was the guest speaker.

05.01.2022 WE'RE BACK at THE GROVE - our first general meeting since March! MONDAY, 21 September 7.30 pm - at The Grove John Watts will be speaking on the Lancaster ND385F The Crew & Missions commemorating the 75th Anniversary RAAF & The Battle of Britain. ... The crew of six Australians and one Englishman conducted 36 missions with Bomber Command in the period October 1944 until March 1945. John's father, Max Watts from Deloraine was the Wireless Operator. The crew was trained in both Australia and England in various aircraft. Several members of the original crew experienced aircraft crashes, but all seven members survived and returned home to try and fit back into civilian life. As numbers are limited due to COVID, please EMAIL [email protected] OR PHONE 63 82 4412 to book your place! Please leave a message if there’s no answer. Social distancing will also apply.

05.01.2022 This mini exhibition themed "Destination George Town" is part of George Town's 2019 FOUNDERS FESTIVAL . It will be on show in the Hub for all of November, so check it out when you visit - along with the slide show of "SPRING IS SPRUNG" images, also from the Photography Group!

05.01.2022 The annual John West Lecture is on again soon!

04.01.2022 Jude Simpson has asked what colonial features are in Regent Square and the answer is - NONE. However, the diagonal paths with the bandstand in the centre are 'references' to the formal nature of town squares that were planned in an earlier period as more decorative parks, principally for the elite. Presumably when Comalco made its generous offer, the Council of the day decided the style of the Rotunda was appropriate to commemorate our Bicentenary in 2004 and to highlight Ge...orge Town's heritage, as well as the 50 years of Aluminium production. The town squares planned in 1811 by Govr Lachlan Macquarie as the central feature in the grid of streets for George Town and New Norfolk in VDL, were planned as public open space for the people who lived there, just as he had planned the four NSW towns in 1810. Most were used for military exercises, to graze animals and as sports grounds at some time, but were also the local gathering place for all sorts of activities and celebrations as Regent Square has been. Regent Square's diagonal paths were seen from the 1930s and probably were a result of those living around the perimeter finding the most efficient route to reach Macquarie St for the shops, hotels and the jetty. They were not there when the football ground was on the Square of course, but were formalised after its removal in early 1970s. The diagonal pathways still provide the most efficient way to cross Regent Square and if taken away there will probably be a well-worn path across the grass unless it's too wet! The NW axis was only renewed in 2015 and the NE brick patterned one not that long before. A well-worn 'short-cut' in City Park resulted in an extra path being added fairly recently. There's another example of a short-cut at the end of Sorell St leading to York Cove.

03.01.2022 TODAY is MACQUARIE DAY! It's 209 years since Governor Lachlan Macquarie named and planned the town of GEORGE TOWN as the future "Chief Settlement" or Capital of Northern Van Diemen's Land on Wednesday, 18 December 1811. It was a few years more before he had approval from London and his plans were implemented, but that's when it started! By 1819 it had happened. It was a very busy day if you read what Macquarie wrote in his Journal that day:...Continue reading

02.01.2022 THE COMMUNITY GARDEN is open from 10 am till 12 noon TODAY (Thursday). There will be seedlings for sale and a sausage sizzle. There will be an announcement about the changing direction of the Community Garden about 11 am. ... RSVPs were required for catering purpose, but there should be no problem in turning up to buy some seedling and hearing the announcement. Call Neighborhood House on 6312 3019 for more information.

02.01.2022 Today is Constitution Day, marking the anniversary of Queen Victoria’s approval of the Royal Commission of Assent which brought the Commonwealth of Australia in... to being. This year our conservators installed it in our brand new Voices gallery, dedicated to the history of the Constitution and Constitutional change. It will be available to view on selected dates from August. See more

02.01.2022 More rare local history has been uncovered!

01.01.2022 Marion Sargent's article on the Spanish 'Flu that swept the world in 918-19 is very topical as very, very few of us have experienced anything like the present Corona Virus pandemic before.

01.01.2022 This Examiner article from 1930 tells us that BEECHFORD at the mouth of Currie's river was touted as "the newest Seaside Resort" in northern Tasmania. This was the time that people started using beaches for surfing and sunbaking, rather than for more sedate bathing in bath houses, paddling and taking a stroll along the beach to take in the sea air! That's when Low Head with its surf beaches became more attractive to holidaymakers than George Town's York Cove and the river b...eaches. Now that Soldier Settlement Rd has been sealed, Beechford can expect more visitation and new settlers and visitors are able to take an alternative route back to the Flinders Highway / Bridport Rd visiting Beechford and Lefroy along the way. It was quite a while before "The Currie" was generally referred to as "Beechford" - and some of the oldies still call it that! http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article51665607

01.01.2022 "MANNALARGENNA DAY" is celebrated on the first Saturday in December in recognition of the revered Aboriginal clan-leader, warrior and spirit man from Tebrakunna Country in the north east of the island. Festivities at the Cape Portland Tebrakunna Visitor Centre run from 10am - 10pm EVERYONE IS WELCOME. BYO Picnic. The George Town Council is providing a FREE BUS to transport members of this community to Cape Portland Tebrakunna Visitor Centre to join the celebrations. ... The bus leaves the Council Carpark in Anne St at 7 am and returns from Cape Portland at 4 pm CONTACT COUNCIL TO BOOK YOUR SEAT (Ph 6382 8800) as soon as possible, as numbers are limited. On arrival a donation (monetary) is recommended to be made at the gate for the event. All events are FREE. The Governor Honourable Kate Warner AC will officially open the day at 10.30. The following activities are on offer: - Snake display - Cultural areas - Dances workshops for children - Singing - 3 different raffles - Silent auctions - Spear throwing - Two forums: Fire Management Artists There will be traditional food available (taster plate) and tea/coffee available throughout the day. It is recommended that those attending bring their own water and to ensure if a warm day to bring a hat and sunscreen. Council will be providing limited picnic baskets. Note: there will be evening activities for those who wish to stay and make their own way back (8.00 pm yarning around a firepit)

01.01.2022 We look forward to seeing the Community supporting ANZAC Day events on the weekend. On Sunday 25th The Dawn Service will commence at 5:50AM at the Cenotaph, M...acquarie Street. This will be followed by Gunfire Breakfast and Two Up in the Memorial Hall. Due to restrictions Limited Tickets for Gunfire Breakfast can be purchased at the Sub Branch for $10 per person prior to ANZAC Day. The 11AM service will begin with a March, starting at 10:30 outside the Memorial Hall with the service to begin at Max Harris Memorial Reserve at 10:50 AM. As in the past we encourage community organisations and schools to participate in the March. RSL Sub Branch is in partnership with the George Town football Club for the ANZAC ROUND on Saturday 24th at approx 1:50 PM. Veterans will participate in a pre game commemorative Service prior to the match between George Town and Bracknell. Lest We Forget