President’s Report – September 2024
President’s Report – September 2024
A number of exciting activities have been held over the last few months, some of which have been partnerships with other groups. The Yarra Plenty Library provided the venue for a Family History Month slideshow afternoon which attracted 33 members and guests. YPRL will again assist WHS in providing an activity for Local History Month in October, a presentation of “Gone but not Forgotten”, about the lost buildings and places around the City of Whittlesea, with reference to the Victorian Heritage Register.
A memorable event on the 16th of June was held at Carome Homestead, in the old Wollert church, an enjoyable afternoon of displaying kitchen memorabilia and sharing memories about the kitchen. Thanks to our presenter Ross Mugavin, and to Carome Homestead for providing the venue. On the 10th of July, a visit was organised to the Royal Historical Society of Victoria, located in A’Beckett St in the city. Thanks to Judy Clements for organising a great day out, and to the RHSV staff. Reports on both of these events follow.
Our August meeting was held at Ziebell’s Farmhouse in Thomastown, thanks to Lyndel Wischer, the new museum manager. The guest speaker was Rob Wuchatsch, who is most knowledgeable about the Westgarthtown precinct, and he was able to talk about his personal experiences and the people that he knew. We were lucky to be able to experience a tour of the cemetery and the Lutheran church, and then to hear Rob speak about the history, past and present, of the area. We also heard from Rose Storer, who is a volunteer with a great interest in history, and now working at Ziebell’s.
Coming up, WHS has a trip to the State Library of Victoria planned for the 25th of September, with a tour of the Newspaper and Family Reading Room, and also the Heritage Collections Reading Room. Our member, Daniel Giddens, has organised this tour for us. Bookings are limited, so get in fast! Guests are welcome. Details on the website.
In November, it is hoped to organise a visit to Braemore Homestead. Since this home is privately owned, we are lucky to have gained an invitation. We will see the impressive historical bluestone homestead built for John Sherwin, which has been restored to a high level by the current owners. We hope to fit in visiting some other historical buildings and locations along the way.
WHS will again be involved with a Whittlesea Show display this year, on the 2nd and 3rd of November. We would be grateful for volunteers to man the display and fly the flag for WHS. Entry tickets to the Show will be made available for volunteers. Our information boards are getting a make-over, and we are excited to present information in a new format about many interesting places and buildings in the City of Whittlesea.
Please be reminded that our AGM will be held in October, the date this year being Sunday the 27th of October. The AGM will be held at the Bowls Club, starting at 1.30 pm. Lunch beforehand will be in the bistro at 12 noon, with bookings necessary.
A big welcome to all new WHS members! Our membership currently stands at 64. We look forward to informing you about our great activities, and welcoming you to some of our events.
Barbara Miller, WHS President
