Upcoming Events
The Irish Harp in Australia
Studying the harp and other musical instruments may seem to be a somewhat esoteric aspect of colonial history. Yet a study of this kind can result in a much greater understanding of the social and cultural life of the first white settlers to Victoria.
In July 2023, Dr Frances Thiele presented this paper to the Fellows & Friends of History in the School of Historical & Philosophical Studies at the University of Melbourne. Her talk and demonstration of the way the harp is played, and her performance of traditional Irish tunes, was greatly appreciated by the enthusiastic audience. We are therefore absolutely delighted that Dr Thiele will be our guest at the Historical Society’s Winter Lunch to be held on Sunday 21 July 2024.
Dr Thiele, who is a collector of nineteenth century Irish harps, will tell us the story of the harp she brings along on the day, how she found it, and how it was restored! She will explain to us the way a harp is played and then perform some well-known Irish tunes. At the end of her talk and performance, there will be time to ask questions.
Our Annual Winter Lunch will be held at the Mechanics’ Institute Annex. With our usual menu of homemade soup, sandwiches and slices, we will welcome members and guests to what we know will be a memorable musical afternoon. In short, the day will be a musical treat for us all!
Cost for the lunch and talk is $30 per head.
Book at Trybooking: https://www.trybooking.com/CSWQX
Or contact Fay Woodhouse on 0427 042 753
Open Day at Seymour Cottage
Visit historic Seymour Cottage, Romsey in autumn. Built 1855, glimpse the lifestyle of the town’s earliest settlers who lived in this pre-fabricated cottage imported from Singapore around 1850. Enjoy a photographic exhibition, refreshments and live music. This is a community event to include in your March calendar.
Graeme Davison in Lancefield
The Romsey & Lancefield Historical Society is delighted to announce that renowned historian Emeritus Professor Graeme Davison, AO, FASSA, FAHA will talk to members and friends of the Society about his latest publication, My Grand Father’s Clock: four centuries of a British-Australian family.
John Gollings and Australia's Sacred Art
One of Australia’s most acclaimed photographers, John Gollings began his career in the late 1960s and has since gained worldwide recognition for both his photography of ancient sites and his architectural photography. In this presentation on 23 April 2023, John will talk about his work documenting some of the most spectacular indigenous sites across north-west Australia.
The site featured in one of his posters is Narwarla Gabarnmang, a magnificent decorated rock shelter in remote Arnhem Land – described by some as the Sistine Chapel of rock art. The ancient rock shelter is decorated with complex x-ray figures and naturalistic animals. Narwara Gabarnmang, a cathedral like structure with rock pillars supporting a vast roof, was excavated by its Aboriginal inhabitants between 23,000 and 35,000 years ago. Gollings’ breathtaking photography continues his ongoing work to raise public awareness of and respect for the sacredness of these places for aboriginal people.
Join us for this talk and afternoon tea commencing at 1.00 pm at the Lancefield Mechanics’ Institute Hall. The cost of this event is $30.00. Contact Shirley Kishere on 0402 248 540.
CLICK THE LINK BELOW TO MAKE YOUR BOOKING: https://www.trybooking.com/CGVBN
Autumn Festival
Wil-im-ee Moor-ring (Mt William) Tour with Wurundjeri Elder Uncle Bill Nicholson Jnr.
Experience the history of Wil-im-ee Moor-ring on Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Country with Wurundjeri Elder, Uncle Bill Nicholson Jnr.
Event will include:
Coach transfer from the Old Lancefield Courthouse (departing at 9:45 am and 1:45 pm)
Guided tour, Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony led by Uncle Bill Nicholson Jnr.
A group walk to celebrate the unique natural environment of Mount William Quarry
Note – this is a free event, but places are limited. Bookings are required – see ‘Buy Tickets’ button to reserve your spot. Tickets Available from midday on Tuesday 21 March.
Make sure to bring a water bottle and suitable clothing for the weather. Sturdy shoes are required as the walk will involve some off-track and rocky sections.
History@Lancefield - Connecting Communities HistoryFest
Historical societies across the Macedon Ranges and Central Victoria will join with the Romsey & Lancefield Historical Society in a HistoryFest on Sunday 6 November to explore the ways our societies connect with our local communities.
Today historical societies find that 90% of demand comes from people searching for their family history or the heritage of their home. Family history and the homes these families lived in are one of the major aspects to writing local history.
Documenting the history of Victoria is vital. Local historical societies regularly publish local history and heritage. Two professional historians will discuss their experience of writing local history and the importance of the resources available through historical societies. Local historical societies will talk about their latest books as well as the challenges and triumphs of locating relevant research.
Join us at the Lancefield Mechanics' Institute for what promises to be an exciting day of exchanging ideas and stories. $30 for the full day and morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea will be provided.
Information: 0427 042 753
Book Launch
It’s time to celebrate the Historical Society’s two new publications - Snapshots in time: images of Lancefield, Romsey and surrounding villages - and the reprint of Benloch: a journey through time.
Our great supporters, Red Door Books, will be hosting this event on Saturday 22 October, the date of our next Farmers’ Market.
So come along at 11.00 am to acknowledge the work of our committee members Noreen Yorke, Fay Woodhouse, Beth Child and Shirley Kishere. Enjoy a glass of wine and and something nice to nibble as you linger and talk to friends!
A free event - for catering purposes - please RSVP to 0427 042 753.
FATHER'S DAY FAMILY FAIR AT SEYMOUR COTTAGE
A special Father’s Day Family Picnic will be held on Father’s Day, Sunday 4 September at Seymour Cottage, Romsey. Focusing on the spring garden, visitors will be welcomed to enjoy the ambience of the grounds and the historic cottage.
DAVID CORKE - Exploring Burke & Wills - Enigmas and Curiosities
On Tuesday 23 August 1860, Burke & Wills and their party stayed overnight in Lancefield.
On Tuesday 23 August 2022 David Corke, documentarian and historian of this journey, will talk about his findings in his book, Exploring Burke and Wills: Enigmas and Curiosities. His talk will be held at 1.00 pm at the Lancefield Mechanics’ Institute Annexe.
The cost of the event is $20.00 per person. David Corke’s book will be on sale for $35.00 per copy.
David Corke’s book does not tell the story of the Burke and Wills Expedition; instead it explores several important issues in the very well-known saga — asking questions and probing some apparent enigmas, curiosities, and misunderstandings that have always been part of that tragedy. His book will be available for purchase at the event.
This promises to be a fascinating afternoon about a much-discussed historical event, and we are sure Members and friends will enjoy it.
All enquiries and bookings to Beth Child (leave a message) on 0418 361 478.
OR go to Trybooking at: https://www.trybooking.com/CBIPN
Winter Lunch and talk by Dimity Reed
Come along to the Lancefield Mechanics’ Institute Annexe to enjoy a wholesome winter lunch – a bowl of hearty soup and savoury quiches as well as sweet slices with tea or coffee. Our Winter Lunch will begin at 12.00 noon and the cost for the lunch and talk is $15.00 per person.
We are delighted that our new President, Professor Dimity Reed, AM, will present a talk about an early miniature painting she found when looking through a box of baubles! It is a lovely miniature set in a rolled gold frame. Engraved on the rear of the locket is George Govett 1798-1888. Bookings can be made by phoning Fay Woodhouse on 0427 042 753.
What do Seymour Cottage and Tahbilk have in common? An unexpected connection
The family-owned winery celebrated 160 years of continuous winemaking in 2020. Fay Woodhouse will briefly tell the history of winemaking in Victoria, Tahbilk’s fascinating history, and the connection between Tahbilk and Seymour Cottage.
Talking History: Seymour Cottage and World Heritage Nomination with Professor Miles Lewis - SUNDAY, 28 NOVEMBER, 2021
Professor Miles Lewis is coming to Romsey to discuss the 165 year old Seymour Cottage, timber portables imported into Australia between 1840 and 1880 and the current World Heritage Nomination.
He will be joined by World Heritage Taskforce members Andrew Muir and Tony Isaacson.
The Society was recently awarded a Living Heritage Grant to investigate restoration requirements for Seymour Cottage.
This is a special event for Romsey and the entire region!
For bookings, please visit https://trybookings.com/BTTIJ.
NOVEMBER HISTORY FEST
Our first 'HISTORY FEST' will celebrate History Month. Enjoy talks and themed food: starting with Craig Sandy who will talk about Surveying through the ages.
A short break and burgers and bangers will be served before Peter Sanders talks about his Burke & Wills expedition paintings. We can also taste wines from the Burke & Wills Winery.
Finally, we will launch our new book, Discover Springfield by Brenda Sorragahn. A glass of champagne to celebrate her achievement!
For bookings, please visit https://www.trybooking.com/BTZKV
POSTPONED
On 23 August 1860 Bourke & Wills and the Victorian Expedition stayed overnight in Lancefield on William Dunsford’s land. The following night they camped at Dr Baynton’s property, Darlington Station.
The talk by architect and artist, Peter Sanders ‘Burke & Wills – the Victorian Journey’ originally planned for Sunday 20 June, has been postponed and will now be held on Sunday 25 July from 2.00 – 4.00 pm at the Mechanics’ Institute Annexe. Peter will accompany his talk with an exhibition of many of the sixteen paintings he made of the places the Expedition Party stopped on their journey through Victoria. The paintings will be for sale as will copies of prints of these paintings.
How could we resist enjoying another aspect of the Burke & Wills story? The Burke & Wills Winery, located just off the Burke & Wills Track, will be joining us for the afternoon and offering wine tastings. The naming of their wines, such as ‘Camp 5’, and the Dig Tree Pinot Gris reflect aspects of Burke & Wills’ Journey.
This combination of talk, wine and art offers everyone the opportunity to enjoy a fascinating, informative and entertaining afternoon. The cost is $25.00 per head for beer, wine and soft drinks and savouries.
For bookings phone 0427 042 753 or by emailing: lancefieldcourthouse@gmail.com ‘RSVP: 25 JULY TALKING HISTORY’
Deposit $25.00 into BSB-633 000 Account No. 136759362
Fundraising Event: Sausage Sizzle at Lancefield Farmers Market
Come along to our Sausage Sizzle at the Farmers Market on the Plantation at Lancefield on Saturday 24 July and support your Historical Society!
General Meeting with speaker Peter Scanlon
This talk is the Society’s second in our bi-monthly General Meeting with Speaker series for 2021. A short meeting will be held prior to our speaker, when the President and Secretary will present short reports. It is part of the Society’s program of free Member events.
Peter Scanlon’s forebears, Thomas Scanlon and his wife Mary, arrived in Australia from Limerick in Ireland in 1854. After working in Bendigo, the family settled in Springfield around 1864 where six more children were born in the hamlet. From this time, Scanlon’s have lived in Springfield where they have now farmed ‘Waterford Park’ for generations.
Come along to the Courthouse at 1.00 pm on Tuesday 25 May to be kept up-to-date with news of the Society, and to hear this interesting talk. Afternoon tea will be served after the talk.
THIS IS A FREE EVENT FOR MEMBERS, NON-MEMBERS AND FRIENDS
To RSVP email: lancefieldcourthouse@gmail.com ‘RSVP GENERAL MEETING 25 MAY’
History Tea at Seymour Cottage
On Sunday 18 April, the grounds of Seymour Cottage, Romsey were opened by the Society as part of the Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival! More than 150 visitors enjoyed a traditional Afternoon Tea of sandwiches, scones, jam & cream and tea or coffee, a photographic exhibition of Seymour Cottage which included evidence of termite damage to the Cottage, and the sounds of Caitlin Williams’ quartet playing a range of music, classical and modern. The Society’s latest publication, Seymour Cottage Romsey: 165 years of History and Heritage, as well as other popular books, were on sale. In addition, Mr Hiro, an enthusiastic landscape painter, travelled from Melbourne to paint the Cottage.
Architects Tony Isaacson and Andrew Muir, members of the Portable Buildings World Heritage Nomination Task Force were enthusiastic visitors to the Cottage. Only 104 portable buildings remain in Australia, and if the campaign is successful, Seymour Cottage would be added to the World Heritage list, emphasising the Cottage’s significance locally, in Australia and internationally.
General Meeting with Guest Speaker followed by Supper
GENERAL MEETINGS WITH GUEST SPEAKERS
In 2021 we are once again planning a program of bi-monthly General Meetings where executive reports will be presented followed by guest speakers, supper and convivial chat. New Members and friends will be welcomed and encouraged to attend.
On Tuesday 23 March, our guest speakers will be members of the Kilmore Historical Society speaking on the topic: ‘The Running and Management of Historical Societies - Kilmore: a case study’. The Society’s new President Ali Coombe, together with Barbara Wilson and Rose King will all speak briefly about their recent experience of running their Society.
Covid-19 protocols will be followed.
RSVP: Monday 22 March 2021 - Phone our Secretary Shirley Kishere: 0402 248 540
Annual General Meeting
Due to Covid-19 restrictions in place in November 2020, the Romsey & Lancefield Districts Historical Society were unable to hold their 2019-20 Annual General Meeting. With the agreement of Consumer Affairs Victoria the meeting was therefore postponed until March 2021. We have decided to try something new this year and to hold our Annual General Meeting on a Sunday afternoon instead of a Tuesday evening as we have done for many years. We are inviting Members, and especially NEW MEMBERS, to come and visit the Courthouse, have a tour of the Courthouse and Lockup and see a display of some of our Archives and Artefacts. The format for 14 March 2021 will be:
2.00 pm Arrive and enjoy a tour of the Courthouse and Lock-up; Afternoon Tea and socialising;
3.00 pm Annual General Meeting
The President, Noreen Yorke will report on our 2020 activities; the Secretary, Shirley Kishere will report on Courthouse matters, and the Acting Treasurer will report on the Society’s finances. Nominations for Executive and Committee positions have been called and these elections will take place at the AGM on 14 March. Refreshments will be served.
For catering and seating purposes, please advise Shirley Kishere by email (lancefieldcourthouse@gmail.com) or phone (0402 248 540) by Friday 12 March of your intention to attend our Annual General Meeting and Tour.
BOOK LAUNCH
On Friday 29 January, Jenny Stillman, President of the Romsey Region Business and Tourism Association together with Mary-Anne Thomas, Member for Macedon, launched the latest history published by the Romsey & Lancefield Districts Historical Society - Romsey an Historical Guide. This event was well patronised by Members and friends who enjoyed refreshments and talking to the author and other visitors. Copies of the book and other Historical Society publications were purchased.