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News From History Cottage

If we don’t learn from history we are doomed to repeat it. An often heard phrase and one that returned as a theme in the talk given to members at the meeting on the 14th June. An additional question also asked: Who will come forward to point out the history?

Rod Best used the story of his ancestor, George Best, making his submission to the Bigge Commission investigating the administration of the New South Wales colony under Governor Macquarie in 1819.

Best was brave enough to stand against those who considered themselves better than he. To achieve this he presented himself in a way that, while partly true, rather overstated his achievements. He was against others who were in authority; from a different social strata and not against using these to their advantage.

George Best, in 1819, represented those who could not come forward; those who were marginalised through a lack of education; those who were former convicts struggling to build a life and were too afraid of losing what they had achieved if they challenged those in authority.

And here the speaker drew attention to our modern society. Who, in 2025, is coming forward to speak for those in similar situations and take the risk? For the refugees; the homeless; those struggling to build a life for their families; the laws that govern society and the allocation of finance. The audience was given much to consider after this most interesting talk.

At our recent Society meeting on the 12th of July, local Galston resident Carolyn Broadhead shared her discovery of two French Connections. One was the story of a First World War soldier, a local boy, who fell in love and wanted to stay in France after the war. The other was Carolyn’s family connection with lacemakers who migrated here in early colonial times. This Society meeting started at 2:00 pm in the Galston Uniting Church, School Road, Galston.

The test opening of History Cottage, beside the Galston Cenotaph, was most successful. It will now be a regular feature on the 4th Sunday of each month between 1.00pm and 4.00pm. The next opening will be on the Sunday 27th July. All are welcome. Picture shows researchers in the cottage.

Enquiries to Michael Bell ph 02 9653 1365