The Dural District Historical Society has had a busy run through spring, starting with an August lecture that proved to be one of the more affecting evenings on its calendar.
The June Roughley Memorial Lecture, named for the woman who founded the Society forty-two years ago, featured Dr Michael Griffith reading and discussing the work of poet Francis Webb, who once lived with his sister Claudia Snell on Thomas Rd, Galston.
Several members in Saturday’s audience said afterwards that they hadn’t expected to be so struck by verses about their own district — the arrival of “the crested ones,” black cockatoos; the spring harrows moving between orange trees; Mavis Black in the coach. Familiar things, seen differently.
Next up, on the 12th of September, DDHS member and archaeologist Elyssa Freame will give a talk on the Convict Trail Project. The Society has already put considerable research into the history of the Great North Road, and Elyssa’s talk will cover the work underway to record and preserve it. Anyone with a relative who worked in the convict gangs on that road may want to attend — the research is available to look through.
History Cottage will hold an open afternoon on the 27th of September, running from 1.00 pm to 4.00 pm, with members on hand to show visitors what’s held there and to assist with research enquiries. The Society’s Annual General Meeting follows on the 10th of October, an occasion members tend to enjoy because it gives everyone a chance to bring along an item that matters to them and share its story.
Regular meetings are held at the Galston Uniting Church, School Road, on the second Saturday of each month at 2.00 pm. Entry is free, and a gold coin donation is welcome for afternoon tea. For enquiries, contact Michael Bell on 02 9653 1365.
