The History Sector in NSW

The Society has received notification via email of results of a recent survey.

"In April 2013 the History Council of NSW (HCNSW) conducted an online survey of the history sector in NSW. The purpose of the HCNSW History Sector State of Play Survey was to take a snapshot of the history sector today in order to better understand who it involves, how it is functioning and inform planning for how to make improvements and address key issues. We had an overwhelming response to the survey and are pleased to announce the results are now published on our website. Please follow the link below to access the results."

 

http://historycouncilnsw.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Executive-Summary_State-of-Play-Survey.pdf

Trove Tuesday - Release of Golden Carp

One of our WWI researchers emailed an article they came across while 'troving away for information' on Private George Campbell of Turramurra.

The George Campbell the researcher was looking for enlisted with the 1st Light Horse Regiment in Sydney on 18 October 1914, earning himself the enviably low service number of 43.  Private Campbell departed from Australia two days after enlisting aboard the HMAT Star of Victoria.   
He served in the Middle East and eventually returned to Australia in December 1918 having attained the rank of Lieutenant.  Born in Cowra, NSW, in 1890, Campbell was the son of John Gavin Campbell, a local pastoralist.  
George was named for his grandfather, the first Mayor of Cowra, a former MLA and MLC, who had held extensive squatting runs in the area.  

Post-war the younger George changed his occupations and moved frequently, though maintaining links with the family property at Cowra.  

He resided in various regions of Sydney’s North Shore from about 1937 to 1963, including 51 Bobbin Head Road, Turramurra in 1949.

The George Campbell of Duntroon mentioned in the 1876 article has no apparent familial link to Lt Campbell but he did provide us with an amusing diversion.

I wonder if this George Campbell ever envisaged what a scourge of our river systems this fish would become!

World War 1 Project Writers' Workshop

Around twenty members of our World War 1 Project Writers' Group gathered at the Society rooms for a workshop with Cassie Mercer the Editor of Inside History Magazine last Saturday.

Cassie delivered a general talk about writing for magazines and newspapers then, after a break for a cuppa and a chat, gave us tips for writing up the biographies for the men and women from the Ku-ring-gai area who served in the conflict. It was pleasing to get feedback from Cassie on the work samples that writers had submitted to her before the talk. Cassie commended our writers on the research that had been done and the quality of the biographies submitted. Those who were present went away inspired to continue with their writing tasks.

Thank you, Cassie, for taking time out of your busy schedule and for the door prizes. Your passion and enthusiasm for family history and writing are infectious.

If you would like to join our group of researchers and writers for this project please contact Kathie Rieth, frithie@netdata.com.au.

Following are a few happy snaps from the event.

Cassie Mercer

Inside History Magazine 

A New Cousin

Exciting news for my co-blogger here at KHS, Jackie van Bergen. Jackie tells the story on her personal blog, Jax Trax, of how she found a new cousin through Facebook.

You can read the story here.

Have you had any similar successes?

Men at work

Family History is often thought of as a female pursuit. This morning when I looked around at the people who were working on the Society computers I noted that they were mostly male. I dived into my handbag and took a couple of snaps of them beavering away. Most of the chaps were completing their homework assignments for the Family History Course that is being conducted at the Society by Jo Harris.

Men at work at KHS today

50th Anniversary Dinner

INVITATION

Members and friends are invited to join us for our 50th anniversary celebration dinner at 6.30 pm on Thursday 7 November 2013 at the Roseville Golf Club, 4 Links Avenue, Roseville.

Enjoy a complimentary drink on arrival as canapes are served.  This will be followed by a two-course meal.  Drinks will be available at bar prices.  Please advise any dietary restrictions when you book.
Our guest speaker is Dr Anne-Maree Whitaker, President of the Royal Australian Historical Society. We will be launching our latest publication Ku-ring-gai Historical Society – the first 50 years 1963-2013.
Tickets are $50 per person and bookings are now open.

Bookings can only be made in the Rooms with payment to a room volunteer (see the specially labelled folder in the Rooms). Cash or cheques are acceptable.  If you wish to pay by EFT, please contact our Treasurer, Peter Stehn in the KHS Rooms on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday between 10.00 am and 2.00 pm on 9499 4568, or email him at khsinc@tpg.com.au. Enquiries to Don Nicholson at dinner@khs.org.au or 9144 6948.

You may book as an individual, a couple, or a group of people.  You may ask to be seated with other people or you may book a whole table (8 or 10).  Numbers are limited to 150, so book early to ensure that you don’t miss out.

Bookings close on Thursday 10 October and your booking will only be confirmed once you have paid.

Let us know if you will have trouble getting to the dinner and we will arrange transport for you.

Inside History Editor coming to Ku-ring-gai

Cassie Mercer

Ku-ring-gai Historical Society's writers are excited about next Saturday's activity.

Cassie Mercer, Editor of Inside History Magazine, will be conducting a workshop for those who are writing for our World War 1 Project; additional places for the workshop have already been filled. Cassie will be giving us a talk and then workshopping samples of writing we have prepared for the books we will be publishing to commemorate those from the Ku-ring-gai area who served in World War 1

Cassie has worked in publishing since 1999 after completing a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature at the University of Queensland. Companies she has worked for include UNSW Press, Pacific Magazines and ACP Magazines in Sydney, and Edward Elgar, IPC Media and the National Magazine Company in London.

We look forward to welcoming Cassie to Ku-ring-gai Historical Society.