Brick Walls and Butchers

Armed with virtual sledgehammers the members who gathered for last Saturday's Family History Group workshop helped each other knock down the brick walls they have encountered in their research. The old adage A problem shared is a problem halved was supported as members offered each other suggestions for solving their research issues.

Geoff Hammond

 The guest speaker following our afternoon General Meeting was Geoff Hammond, a member of the Hammond family who had butcheries in Chatswood, Roseville and Gordon for over 100 years. Assisted by his daughter, Jennifer Patterson, Geoff told us the story of his family and their businesses, explained the issues facing butchers in the 19th century and amused us with anecdotes about life north of the Harbour. 

Near the conclusion of his talk we heard a little about Geoff's career in the NSW Police Force which included time as the Head of the Drug Squad. 

Thank you to Family History Group Leader, Jo Harris, for organising such an entertaining guest speaker. 

Hammond Family Photos

Family History Meeting

The first Saturday of the month, the day on which our Family History Group meets,  is nearly upon us. Members and visitors are invited to attend our activities on Saturday September 1.

 The 11:00 am Forum is a “My Brick-walls” Q & A Session where attendess will offer suggestions to help others smash through their brick walls.  At 2:00 pm following the General Meeting the guest speaker, Geoff Hammond, a descendant of the North Shore's Hammond Butcher family, will present a history of family butchers in the area  "From North Shore Family Butchery to??"