A well-attended September meeting of the local history society heard from one of its own, archaeologist Elyssa Freame, who walked members through the Convict Trail Project’s work on the Great North Road.
Volunteers run the project, with assistance from Council, and aim to record and preserve a road built between 1826 and 1836.
The road exists because settlers in the upper Hunter Valley pushed for a decent route to Sydney. It passed through the community that the society calls home, which is why its story still carries so much local weight. The builders achieved real feats of engineering, including world heritage constructions.
Their time of use was short, though. By 1836, coastal steamers had made the road redundant, and the railway that followed finished the job. The road fell into disrepair. Elyssa’s report left members with much more to know about this part of their local history.
Next on the calendar is the Annual General Meeting on 10th October, which the society describes as a happy, supportive highlight of the year. After a few formalities, members and friends who have brought along an object that matters to them will say a few words about why. The society invites the wider community to come and hear about some intriguing interests at this Show and Tell.
The society has also been asked to help “Warrah”, in Harris Road, off Quarry Rd, Dural, to archive its records. “Warrah” was a leader in setting up an organisation to help people who need special assistance with their lives. Its work has been nationally significant, and the society suspects the local community may not fully understand that. For that reason, it is pleased to help.
History Cottage, beside the Galston Cenotaph, will hold its next open afternoon on Sunday 25th October between 1.00 and 4.00pm. On , David Jehan will speak on the Hudsons and Clyde Engineering. All meetings are held at the Galston Uniting Church, School Rd, Galston, starting at 2.00pm. For enquiries, contact Michael on 02 9653 1365.
