~ 8th December 2004 ~  

MEETING DATES 2004/2005

Every 2nd Wednesday commencing at 10am, Tebbutt Room, Windsor Central Library, Dight Street, Windsor.

SEASONS GREETINGS

Wishing you all a safe and happy Christmas. Remember the Group does not meet again until the 9th February 2005. There is no meeting in January.

INFORMATION

There will be a range of activities taking place during March 2005 to celebrate Women's History Month. The theme for 2005 is "Notorious Women", but this can also be interpreted as "Meritorious Women". The them for the meeting on Wednesday, 9 March 2005 will be "Notorious or Meritorious Women in our family history" and I would like volunteers to give a 5 minute presentation on a woman that has had impact on their lives...it could be great grandmother or a local pioneer. Can you please let me know if you are interested in participating by phone 4560-4466, mail PO Box 146, Windsor 2756 or email mnichols@hawkesbury.nsw.gov.au by the 9th February 2005. See at the end of the news for information about the WRITING COMPETITION.

GILL FAMILY OF UPPER COLO

A group has been established for the descendants of Laurence Gill, born Dublin abt 1797/1801 and Emily Amelia Thornton aka Emma Truman born England 1810. The couple were married in 1828 at Sackville Reach NSW and both were convicts. The family lived most of their lives in the Upper Colo District. If any descendants of Laurence & Emily are interested in joining the group the site is http://groups.yahoo.com/group/terrygill or they can contact Terry Gill on email terrygill@dodo.com.au 

HAWKESBURY CALENDAR 2005 - FOR SALE

In time for Christmas, the Hawkesbury Calendar 2005 is now available for purchase.The Calendar features a fascinating selection of historical images providing a glimpse of the Hawkesbury's past, gleaned from various sources including the Hawkesbury City Council Library's Photograph Collection and local private collections.It sells for $10 and is available at various outlets throughout the Hawkesbury district, including Windsor and Richmond libraries, Council offices and local newsagencies. The Calendar makes a great gift idea with Christmas just around the corner, and is regarded as a collector's item. The photographs feature local Hawkesbury scenes, including famous buildings, the Hawkesbury River and family businesses and activities, taken in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century. Calendars can be posted anywhere in Australia for free. For more information or to place your order, phone 4560 4460 or email library@hawkesbury.nsw.gov.au Wholesale purchase is also available for 10 or more copies, attracting a 20% discount making them $8 each, and including free delivery. Order form

NAMING OF COMMUNITY FACILITIES

The deadline for nominations for names of various facilities within Hawkesbury's new Cultural Precinct in Windsor is rapidly approaching. Hawkesbury City Mayor, Clr Bart Bassett, said this is a once in a lifetime opportunity for interested residents to suggest names for a number of the Complex's different elements, including: 

1. Former Hospital Building.
2. Library/Gallery/commercial complex (The complex will be used by commercial tenants and as a cultural facility,
   so will require a general name.)
3. Library - Study Room 1
4. Library - Study Room 2
5. Library - Tutorial Room
6. Community Studio
7. Seminar Room
8. Meeting Room
9. Hawkesbury Regional Museum - Main Pavilion

"Submissions close on 31 December, 2004 and I would strongly urge anyone who is interested to get a nomination form and submit their suggestion as soon as possible so as not to miss such a golden opportunity," Clr Bassett said."People may look to historical or contemporary individuals, families or places who they believe have played a significant role in the history of arts and culture in the Hawkesbury to find some inspiration." While the names of some of the elements of the new Cultural Precinct have already been determined in a generic way, such as the Hawkesbury Central Library, Hawkesbury Regional Gallery and Hawkesbury Regional Museum, others have been given more specifically appropriate names." Forms are available at :
http://www.hawkesbury.nsw.gov.au/news/pages/12295.html 

@ YOUR LIBRARY CAMPAIGN FOR THE HAWKESBURY

Hawkesbury City Council Library Service invites members of the group to the launch of the @ YOUR LIBRARY CAMPAIGN FOR THE HAWKESBURY which will take place on Wednesday 15 December at 2pm. Afternoon tea will be served by FOHL members.

The Mayor, Councillor Bassett will launch the program. Michelle Nichols, Local Studies Librarian will talk about her recently published book Hawkesbury: a pictorial history. Copies will be available for signing. Other library events will be outlined and special recognition will be made of the Library's volunteers. Look forward to seeing you at the launch and please RSVP by Friday 9/12/2004 on 4560-4460

ST GREGORY'S CATHOLIC CHURCH, KURRAJONG - OPEN DAYS

St. Gregory's Catholic Church at Kurrajong will be open for inspection on Wednesday 8 December from 1pm to 3pm and on Thursday 9th December from 10am to 12noon. Centenary Mass on Saturday 11 December 2004 at the church followed by a picnic at Kurrajong Public School. Everyone very welcome.

WRITING COMPETITION

See attached form

MESSAGES

Thank you very much to all the members of the Hawkesbury Family History Group for your well wishes for my recent marriage to Jonathan Auld. We both appreciated the group's kindness. You may also be aware that I lost my father a week or so after the wedding, again I thank the members of the group for sending cards and appreciate your thoughts at this time.

Cathy McHardy has asked to be remembered to the group and extends her Christmas greetings to all the HFHG members. Rita Crane, the speaker from last month wrote to say how much she enjoyed attending the meeting.

REUNIONS

McCOOEY REUNION

Descendants of James & Sarah McCooey are invited to attend a Family Reunion at Penrith on the 15th & 16th January 2005. James arrived per Isabella in 1822 & Sarah with 3 children arrived per Thomas in 1826. They settled at Mulgoa Forest near Penrith. For more information contact Ms Patricia McCooey 'Penzance' 11 Sorrell Place, Queanbeyan 2620 (20) 62975265 email ausheritage@ozemail.com.au

NEW LOCAL STUDIES ITEMS

New Local Studies items now available to consult in the Local Studies Collection at Windsor Central Library. To check the Library catalogue online go to http://catalogue.hawkesbury.nsw.gov.au/amlibweb/

Sources for Chinese Local History and Heritage in NSW / YOUNG RL305.8951 YOU

Victims of Tyranny : story of the Fitzgerald Convict brothers / WHITING RL994.02 WHI

My hidden treasure : Stannix Park / HATHERLEY RL728.099442 HAT

The Riverstone Meatworks / PHILLIS RL994.41 PHI

SURFING THE INTERNET……. SITES FOR FAMILY HISTORIANS

Members with internet access should check out the following interesting sites. The Library has free access to the internet, contact 4560 4460 for bookings. Richmond also has access, for bookings phone 4578 2002.

Women of vision : Ordinary women - extraordinary lives. Index & history of nuns & sisters of the Catholic Church in Australia 1838 - 1918 ~ www.stbedes.melb.catholic.edu.au/home/br/

UK Maps Online ~ http://www.yourmapsonline.org.uk/

Wodonga Family History Society Inc ~ www.wodongafamilyhistory.org

Criminals Transported to Australia 1836-1853 from County Roscommon ~ www.rootsweb.com/~irlros/Criminal/transported.htm

~ Let us know of sites, that you have tried with (or without) success ~

HAWKESBURY WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH - STORY WRITING COMPETITION

Theme - Notorious Women
Write a story about a notorious woman in Hawkesbury history. The winning entries will be those that succeed in engaging the judges with the subject and best illustrating the theme. Check the meaning of notorious (think notable or well-known), go to the library and research women in the local area or talk to your grandparents, parents, aunts and uncles for stories from your own family. Entries are free but are restricted to residents of the Hawkesbury area. 3 Categories: Adult / High School / Primary School. Prizes: 1st - $50 book voucher / 2nd - Hawkesbury Pictorial’ by Michelle Nichols / Highly commended - certificates will be awarded.

Please read the following carefully: Conditions:

Adults: maximum 1,000 words (approximately 6 typed pages)
High School: maximum 750 (approximately 4 ¼ typed pages)
Primary School: maximum 500 (approximately 3 typed pages)

All entries to be typed on white paper, double spaced with margins, font: Times New Roman or similar, 12pt or larger. No tiny fonts. No script fonts. Send three copies of manuscript. Do not send your original as manuscripts will not be returned unless an A4 envelope and sufficient postage is included. Enclose a cover sheet with entry stating: Title of story, category, author’s name, address, telephone number. The manuscripts must show only the title and page numbers. Do not put your name on the story manuscript, only on the cover sheet. Send entries to:

Carol Roberts
Administration Officer - Cultural Services
Hawkesbury City Council
PO Box 146, WINDSOR NSW 2756

Entries must be received by Friday, 4 February 2005. Late entries will not be included. All decisions are final. Copyright remains with the author. Winners will be notified by mail. Prizes will be awarded at a special function to be held at 7.00pm on Friday, 18 March 2005 at Richmond School of Arts, cnr West Market & March Streets, Richmond.