July 2024 General Meeting - Saturday 20 July

                 

Guest Speaker:
Dick Whitaker

Join us in Gordon Library Meeting Room 1
at 2 pm on Saturday 20 July 2024

Note: this meeting is on the third Saturday of the month - but after this, the rest of our General Meetings for 2024 will be on the fourth Saturday of the month.

A Sydney Wild Man – The Life and Times of John Norton, 1858 -1916

KHS member Dick Whitaker returns with the story of the tumultuous life and times of Truth newspaper owner John Norton – one Australia’s first ‘media populists’. He became both a politician and a media baron, accumulating tremendous wealth and power in the process.

Cyril Pearl’s 1958 book Wild Men of Sydney was about John Norton, Patrick Crick and William Wills – crooked politicians who were heavily involved in the NSW land scandals of the 1890s and 1900s. This talk looks at the life and times of one of these – John Norton – and his rise and fall within the background of Victorian and Edwardian Sydney.

In addition to his political activities, Norton achieved notoriety and tremendous wealth through his media ownership of Truth newspaper – a weekly scandal sheet with interstate offices.

His story is a tragedy that saw him become all-powerful as one of Australia’s first media populists, followed by his descent into alcoholism and the wreckage of his family.

In this look at the life and times of John Norton, amateur historian Dick Whitaker draws from several sources including Wild Men of Sydney, plus extensive use of the writings of Norton himself, and cartoons contained in Truth at the time.

As always, please keep an eye on our website in case of any last-minute changes.

The venue is Gordon Library Meeting Room No. 1, in the Old Gordon Public School, which adjoins the Gordon Library, 799 Pacific Highway, Gordon (corner Pacific Highway and Park Avenue).

It’s just a 5-minute walk from Gordon Station.

For a map and parking information, see our Contact page. 

June 2024 General Meeting - Saturday 22 June

                

Guest Speaker:
Anne Carroll, OAM

Join us in Gordon Library Meeting Room 1
at 2 pm on Saturday 22 June 2024

Note: this is one week later than our usual meeting date, as most of our General Meetings for 2024 have now shifted to the fourth Saturday of the month.

Turning the Pages with C.E.W. Bean

Bean escorting the Queen and Duke at the opening of the War Memorial in 1954

KHS member Anne Carroll reflects on aspects of the civil life and works of her grandfather, Charles Bean, editor and writer of the official WWI histories, and champion of the Australian War Memorial.

Interspersed with personal recollections of Charles Bean, a former resident of Ku-ring-gai, Anne will talk about his formative influences, how those influences were reflected in his military and civic writings and works, in the institutions and organisations he championed, and in the collection of papers and records he left to Australia.

On display will be a selection of panels forming part of an exhibition entitled 'Charles Bean: Life and Work', held at the UNSW Canberra in 2016. The exhibition was mounted in conjunction with a forum entitled 'Charles Bean’s Legacy', to mark the centenary of Bean conceiving the idea of the Australian War Memorial. The curator of the exhibition, Professor Peter Stanley, described the overall exhibition as presenting aspects of Bean’s character and his contribution to national and historical interpretation. A selection of these same panels was on display in Gordon Library during the 2017 National Trust Heritage Festival under the banner of "Having a Voice: CEW Bean as a 'Social Missionary' (2017)".

About Anne Carroll, OAM

Anne is the granddaughter of Charles Bean. She knew her grandfather well, and has taken an active interest in his life and work. In September 2023 Anne was invited to deliver the third C.E.W. Bean Memorial Lecture at Tuggeranong Homestead in Canberra, where the writing of the Official History of World War I was commenced.

Anne has served in various voluntary positions including with the Girl Guides Association of NSW and local sporting groups, and she also co-founded and became the president of FOKE (Friends of Ku-ring-gai Environment) – a position she held for 18 years. In 2003 Anne was awarded the Centenary Medal and the Medal of the Order of Australia.

As always, please keep an eye on our website in case of any last-minute changes.

The venue is Gordon Library Meeting Room No. 1, in the Old Gordon Public School, which adjoins the Gordon Library, 799 Pacific Highway, Gordon (corner Pacific Highway and Park Avenue).

It’s just a 5-minute walk from Gordon Station.

For a map and parking information, see our Contact page. 

June 2024 German SIG Meeting - Monday 17th June

 

Join us at 1.30 pm on Monday 17th June 2024

for the next meeting of our

German Special Interest Group (SIG)

Our German SIG is a fantastic way to explore your heritage and connect with like-minded locals researching their Germanic background in friendly discussions. Share information on researching your Germanic ancestors, including resources, techniques, history and customs.

Coming up at our June meeting will be a presentation on early German settlement in South Australia, as well as a number of topics of interest to anyone with Germanic ancestors or researching their family history. Whether you’re a seasoned researcher or just starting your family tree, you’re warmly invited to attend.

Come and join us for the discussion and stay for afternoon tea and a convivial chat - guests welcome!

Date: Monday 17th June 2024

Time: 1.30pm

Location: Old Gordon Public School building, 799 Pacific Hwy (cnr Pacific Hwy & Park Ave)

Parking: Subject to time limits in Council’s Wade Lane carpark (entry via Park Ave or St Johns Ave)

Train: Our rooms are a short walk from Gordon Station.

For a map, please see our Contact page.

For more details, see our website, https://khs.org.au/german-sig

As always, please keep an eye on our website's Events page in case of any last-minute changes.

Special Event: Wednesday 29 May 2024, 6.30 pm, Gordon Library

Special Event:
Intangible Tangible Heritage:
Explore Ku-ring-gai’s Heritage
with Dr Zeny Edwards, OAM

Join us in Gordon Library on the evening of Wednesday 29 May for a special event in conjunction with Ku-ring-gai Council as we explore Ku-ring-gai’s Heritage with Dr Zeny Edwards, OAM.

Dr Edwards is an esteemed architectural historian and renowned author. Her talk, 'Intangible Tangible Heritage', will explore the significance of our cultural legacy in both tangible and intangible forms. Drawing from her rich background in community service and heritage preservation, she will provide valuable insights into how we can hold history for future generations to share.

Dr Edwards has served in pivotal roles such as president of the National Trust of Australia (NSW) and chair of UN Women Australia NSW Chapter. Her extensive contributions include advocating for gender equality, peacekeeping initiatives and social cohesion.

Don't miss this opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of heritage preservation from a distinguished expert.

Admission is free and light refreshments will be served.

Registration is required - click here to register: https://www.krg.nsw.gov.au/Things-to-do/Whats-on/Ku-ring-gais-Heritage-with-Dr-Zeny-Edwards-OAM

This special event will be held in the Gordon Library from 6.30 pm to 7.30 pm.

As always, please keep an eye on our website in case of any last-minute changes.

May 2024 General Meeting - Saturday 25 May

               

Guest Speaker:
Ron Besdansky

Join us in Gordon Library Meeting Room 1
at 2 pm on Saturday 25 May 2024

Note: this is one week later than our usual meeting date, as most of our General Meetings for 2024 have now shifted to the fourth Saturday of the month.

The Fascinating Evolution of Northbridge and its Iconic Suspension Bridge

Join us for an engaging presentation by Ron Besdansky, a passionate advocate for local heritage and history. Ron uncovers the captivating story behind the early land acquisitions and the vibrant history of the suburb’s renowned suspension bridge. From its inception to the present day, Ron will guide you through the construction marvels and the intriguing tales of rebuilding that have shaped this iconic landmark.

With a background in communications engineering and IT, Ron brings a unique perspective to the table, enriched by his lifelong passion for trams and trains. Don’t miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in the captivating narrative of Northbridge’s evolution and its celebrated architectural gem.

Please note, Ron replaces our previously advertised May speaker, Paul Storm, who is unable to attend on this date.

As always, please keep an eye on our website in case of any last-minute changes.

The venue is Gordon Library Meeting Room No. 1, in the Old Gordon Public School, which adjoins the Gordon Library, 799 Pacific Highway, Gordon (corner Pacific Highway and Park Avenue).

It’s just a 5-minute walk from Gordon Station.

For a map and parking information, see our Contact page. 

April 2024 General Meeting - Saturday 20 April

              

Guest Speaker:
Ross McMullin

Join us in Gordon Library Meeting Room 1
at 2 pm on Saturday 20 April 2024

when Ross McMullin presents...

Life So Full of Promise

Ross McMullin is an award-winning historian and biographer, an acclaimed storyteller, and an entertaining speaker. His multi-biography Farewell, Dear People was awarded the Prime Minister’s Prize for Australian History, and in his new sequel, Life So Full of Promise: further biographies of Australia’s lost generation, Ross has again combined prodigious research and narrative flair in a collection of interwoven family stories about forgotten Australians who had radiant potential.

The rich cast of characters includes a popular doctor from Wahroonga, a brilliant cricketer (Ross played first-grade District cricket in Melbourne), and an exceptionally talented barrister who was a potential prime minister.

With their families and friends also conspicuous in the narratives, Life So Full of Promise is a revealing window into this defining era for Australia. It illuminates what the war was like at home and at the sharp end. Life So Full of Promise emulates Farewell, Dear People in providing insights into the experiences of Australians before, during and after the war, whether they were combatants or civilians, or soldiers’ wives or parents. You’ll be enlightened, entertained and moved as Ross brings these extraordinary yet unknown Australians back to life.

Life So Full of Promise has been shortlisted for the Mark & Evette Moran Nib Literary Award. It will be available at the event, together with other books, all at discount prices: see https://rossmcmullin.com.au for further information.

As always, please keep an eye on our website in case of any last-minute changes.

The venue is Gordon Library Meeting Room No. 1, in the Old Gordon Public School, which adjoins the Gordon Library, 799 Pacific Highway, Gordon (corner Pacific Highway and Park Avenue).

It’s just a 5-minute walk from Gordon Station.

For a map and parking information, see our Contact page. 

April 2024 German SIG Meeting - Monday 8th April

Join us at 1.30 pm on Monday 8th April 2024

for the next meeting of our

German Special Interest Group (SIG)

Our German SIG is a fantastic way for members of Ku-ring-gai Historical Society, family members, guests or visitors to connect with fellow family history researchers, interested in their Germanic Heritage.

Coming up at our April meeting we will be discussing Internment of German-Australians during the two World Wars, and our publication 'German Ancestors of KHS Members', along with a number of topics of interest to anyone with Germanic Ancestors, or researching their family history, including ideas to promote the Group’s activities.

Please consider joining us for the discussion, and then stay for afternoon tea and a convivial chat - visitors and guests welcome!

Date: Monday 8th April 2024

Time: 1.30pm

Location: Old Gordon Public School building, 799 Pacific Hwy (cnr Pacific Hwy & Park Ave)

Parking: Subject to time limits in Council’s Wade Lane carpark (entry via Park Ave or St Johns Ave)

Train: Our rooms are a short walk from Gordon Station.

For a map, please see our Contact page.

For more details, see our website, https://khs.org.au/german-sig

As always, please keep an eye on our website's Events page in case of any last-minute changes.