Brisbane Water Historical Society present ‘Names Upon a Stone’ an exhibition that explores the epic life of Henry Kendall and how he found true friendship. Guest speaker is 2015 Prime Minister’s Literary Awards winner; Michael Wilding, Emeritus Professor of English and Australian Literature, University of Sydney, who will be talking about his book ‘Wild Bleak […]

Our Open Day on 10 September to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the Historical Museum was a great success. A sunny day, fascinating speakers, interesting slide shows and music clips ensured the audience had a memorable experience. Special Guest Speaker, Donnie Sutherland OAM, entertained us with anecdotes from his professional and personal life. Many thanks to our […]

On Tuesday, August 27th we were visited by some lovely people from Gosford’s Sister Cities at Edogawa, Japan, and Nitra, Slovakia. They received a short talk and with their interpreters toured HK Cottage, the Museum and Grounds. Edith, Shirley, Trish and Bob were on duty and we each received a gift of a beautiful fan […]

As advised in our last Newsletter in April 2014 we will be celebrating the 175th Anniversary of the birth of Henry Kendall and also the anniversary of the erection by Peter Fagan of our lovely old stone cottage. Peter Fagan was an early pioneer of the Brisbane Water District who climbed from humble beginnings to […]

A Ship and a Ferry At our recent AGM, I (S. Rider, BWHS President) mentioned to Gosford City Council’s Mayor, Mr Laurie Maher, who was acting as Scrutineer at the election of our Committee, about a recent visit Bob and I had made to the Lady Denman Museum at Huskinsson on the South Coast. I […]

Our Annual General Meeting was held on March 15th 2011. Gosford City Council’s Mayor, Mr. Laurie Maher, graciously consented to act as our Scrutineer and a new Committee was elected for the forthcoming year. President – Shirley Rider Senior Vice-President – Margaret Pearce Vice-Presidents (2) – Bob Rider, Ingrid Rode Secretary – Edith Campbell Treasurer […]

I have pleasure in presenting my report for the calendar year of 2010. FUNCTIONS Our major event this year was our 60th Birthday/ Christmas party at the Yellow Piano at Wyoming. Over 40 members and friends attended this function but we would have liked a few more. Nevertheless, everyone seemed to enjoy the meal and […]

When next you are in the museum take notice of the painting on the left wall. It is of the Acme a wooden topsail schooner, built by Edward Davis. This painting was donated to BWHS by Beryl Nixon a few years ago. Edward Davis was born at Wollongong on 10 January 1837, and was one […]

This was held at The Yellow Piano at Wyoming and all appeared to have an enjoyable time. Thanks go to Ingrid Rode and Elaine Fry for their organisational work and also to Kelvin Fry for his contribution of the attractive table decorations. We had some nice food and the entertainment was great so thanks go […]

Our front entrance has had a bit of a facelift. The “Maitland” Bell has been erected, along with two of the “Maitland” portholes, on a strong stand made by Clark Equipment at Hornsby. This stand enables the Bell to be presented hanging, as a Bell should be – and it has a lovely sound when […]

Since recently receiving a Grant from Gosford City Council for an inspection by a Heritage Architect, we received a subsequent Grant for the essential work to be carried out. This entailed treating the ‘spalling’ or rising damp on the front wall of the Cottage and this has now been successfully completed. It also covered the […]

Brian McCafferty’s report at the General Meeting: On 12 October, Brian McCafferty and his wife attended the dedication ceremony for the Lone Pine Tree in the grounds of Allison Homestead. Brian reported that it was rather moving and was well organised. About 120 to 150 were in attendance including the Mayor, Local Member of Parliament, […]

The Cottage Fence The committee has resolved to remove the decaying picket fence, between the Cottage and museum. The yellow rose bush may be re-located to one corner of the Bullock Wagon cover – so it can ramble freely along the lattice or other structure. Newspaper clippings Member, Brian McCafferty is currently sorting and assembling […]