Up Coming Events
ALL EXCURSIONS HAVE BEEN CANCELLED UNTIL JUNE 2020
We will be meeting at Sutherland at 9:00am to make our way to Bowral, it is approx 1 1/2 drive . Entrance to Retford Park is $18.00 incl house and garden. You can bring your own morning tea and lunch. Retford Park opens at 10:00am and we intend to be at the ticket box by approx. 10:30. Retford Park is a place of great heritage significance; its European history extends back to grants of land promised to Edward Riley senior by Governor Macquarie in 1821. The house was built in 1887 by Samuel Hordern (1849-1909) merchant and stockbreeder, and his wife Jane nee Booth. The house at Retford Park (designed by Albert Bond) is set on a low rise, a grand rendered brick Italianate style residence. It was in 1964 that James Fairfax bought the property and started to turn it from an agricultural property to a gentleman’s residence. Having been in the caring hands of Mr Fairfax for over 50 years, the garden is a delight to wander through. As you venture up the driveway the grand Victorian Italianate homestead appears from a towering arboretum of a magnificent collection of evergreen and deciduous trees, some very rare and unique. Surrounding the eastern side of the homestead is a patchwork of hedged gardens showcasing everything from a detailed knot garden, exquisite swimming pool and pavilion, sculptures demanding centre stage and even a friendly family of five emus. Contact C Moore 0425226405
The Nursing Museum is free (but they have a donation box) and opens at 10 am so we would leave Sutherland at 9.15 am (car pooling) and go there first. La Perouse Museum is also free. Bare Island Guided Tour is $15 for adults and $13 for concessions. We have to book and pay in advance for the Tour. The tours are 1.15 till 2.15 and 2.15 to 3.15. I intend to book the earlier tour. I need to know numbers and whether concession or full price and will need pre payment – preferably at February meeting. There are some cafes near both places but they are not cheap so I suggest bringing lunch. If raining the Nursing Museum has a covered verandah for eating lunch. My contact details – 8519 4711 or cmedney@gmail.com.au Christine Edney |
Up Coming General MeetingsMembers , guests and non members welcome
Dear members and friends, The Sutherland Shire Historical Society is concerned for the health and safety of our members, visitors, and volunteers . We have been keeping up to date on developments relating to coronavirus and in particular information provided by the Australian Department of Health. In response to the emerging developments with the COVID-19 virus, SSHS has decided to postpone all meetings and events until at least June 2020. If you have any queries please contact us at shirehistory@gmail.com or ring 0405493187. Please note there is no meeting at the Stapleton Centre in April. Heritage Festival has been cancelled
The story of James Cooks first voyage to the South Pacific Ocean aboard HM Bark Endeavour from 1768 to 1771 is well known but what was the fate of Endeavour after Cook’s successful voyage? Archaeologists from Australia’s National Maritime Museum, together with American Colleges, have been searching the cold waters of Newport Rhode Island attempting to answer this question. This presentation looks at Endeavour’s history after 1771 and the search for her final resting place, a search that is still ongoing but seems to be nearing a successful conclusion. Your speakers, Pam Forbes and Greg Jackson are long term contributors to the Sutherland Shire Historical Society Bulletin. They joined the ANMM as volunteer guides in 2010 and their careers in engineering, teaching and archaeology provide them with a good foundation in maritime heritage. They have participated in excavations and surveys of maritime sites such as shipwrecks, colonial boatyards, watermills, and convict workstations.
The History of Sylvania in Photos will be presented by Carol McDonald at this month's meeting. Carol is the SSHS Archivist and Research Officer and will explaining the significant history of Sylvania in the Shire using our vast resources of photos. |