THE - Richmond Tweed Family History Societyrtfhs.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Cedar-Log-March-2016.pdf · The Goulburn to Sydney road race is a one-day classic ... the next Olympic

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ISSN 0817-0185 • Free to Members • Issue No. 127 • MARCH 2016

The Goulburn to Sydney road race is a one-day classic with a long and proud history. It is older than the Tour de France.

And like many of the iconic events in Australia’s cycling history, the Goulburn classic has rich connections to people and places.

Photograph ‘Finish at Enfield’ circa 1930: © Sam Hood Collection courtesy of State Library of New South Wales

Journal of the Richmond-Tweed Family History Society Inc.Ballina NSW Australia

THE

www.rtfhs.org.au March 2016, THE CEDAR LOG 3

EditorialPresident’s Message by Robyn Hilan

“Spring is sprung. The plaque is hung.” This email from member Eldon Wright (our Mr Fix-it) brought quite a smile. Behind it was the simple fact that Eldon had been asked by the Committee to hang a plaque in the Marie Hart Library that displays the names of the nine Members who had been given Honorary Fellowships by the Society. On reflection I had directly benefited, either as a researcher or a member, from the contribution each ‘fellow’ has made this past 32 years. Marie Hart made the comment there was room on the plaque for many more names. Whilst on one hand it is true the honour is not handed out ‘willy-nilly’, on the other it must be said that we could not continue as a successfully functioning Society without the work each committee member and volunteer puts into the organisation every year.Before retirement I had a middle management position in financial administration and faced an avalanche of paper work with insufficient help to deal with it as efficiently as it deserved. In an effort to alert my superiors to this dire situation I had about seven ‘in’ trays on the desk – all suitably labelled. There was ‘in’, ‘in deeper’, ‘in hope’, ‘in despair’, ‘in faith’, ‘in trouble’ and one slightly bulging over labelled ‘intestate’. Having to put research on hold for an indefinite period I recently realised my family history was more or less filed the same way.My New Year resolution was to tackle the ‘intestate’ file: the one which had died without a will! Perhaps you are more familiar with the term ‘too hard basket’. I am once more on the trail of an elusive German ancestor William Wagner. Already I have barked up one wrong tree and have a credit card scar to prove it. But with help from member Leonie and seasoned German research specialist Eric Kopittke some online Church Books await which may be the key to unravelling this man’s story.The thing about Family History research is that you can pick it up and have another go at it from time to time, and as more information becomes available there is real potential to solve long time mysteries. There are many resources in our own Library which remind us of the hard work put in by our honoured ‘fellows’ and many new things finding their way online to our homes. Perhaps there is no better time than now to dust off the old files and check out those ancestors who proved so frustrating earlier in your research days.

ContentsEditorial – President’s Message 1 • The Rider 2 •

Margaret Smith 6 • Look What I Have Discovered 10 •Battle of Central Station 14 •

Christmas Lunch 16 • Diary of a War 18 •Not Just Trove! 20 • All in the Family 22 •

Seminar 2016 Saturday 21 May 24 • In the Loop 25 •You Too Can Write Your Story 29 • Monthly Speakers 31 •

FRONT COVER PHOTOGRAPH: Finish Line of Goulburn to Sydney Classic Cycle Race circa 1930

THIS PAGE PHOTOGRAPH: Goulburn Start to Sydney Classic Cycle Race circa 1934

Location: Marie Hart Library, 6 Regatta Avenue, Ballina NSW AustraliaWebsite: www.rtfhs.org.au

All Correspondence, Enquiries & Research Requests to be forwarded to: Secretary,Richmond-Tweed Family History Society Inc., PO Box 817, Ballina NSW Australia 2478

or email: [email protected]

Patron: Martyn Killion, BA, Grad. Dip App. Science (Information), Dip FHS.

Honorary Fellowships: Marie Hart; Audrey Chappell; Nola Rodey; Suzanne Warmerdam; Esme Smith; Jean Cummins; Frank Harvey

President: Robyn Hilan – 0408 271 946 (email: [email protected])Vice-President: Leonie Oliver – 6686 3389

Secretary: Kerrie Alexander – 6628 1663Treasurer: Bonnie Bennett – 6681 5242

Computer Coordinator: Carol BrownCurator and Publicity Officer: Allan Ridgewell

Public Officer and Membership Secretary: Nola RodeyResearch Officer: Don Howell – 6687 4279 (email: [email protected])

Committee Members:Carol Brown, Jackie Chalmers, Gwen Clark, Don Howell, Nola Rodey

Journal Editor: Carol Donaghey 6618 9458 (email: [email protected]) Assistant to Editor/Production: Jackie Chalmers 6625 1898

Assistant to Editor: Dawn Lotty 6687 2442

Societies Exchanging e-Journals: email to [email protected]

The Marie Hart Library: Opening hours Monday & Wednesday 10.00 am to 4.00 pm; the first Saturday of the month from 10.00 am to 12 noon; & other Saturdays from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Closed on all public holidays. For more information about MH Library and our research facilities see inside back cover.

Richmond-Tweed Family History Society Inc.(Incorporated in New South Wales)

4 THE CEDAR LOG, March 2016 www.rtfhs.org.au www.rtfhs.org.au March 2016, THE CEDAR LOG 5

The RiderBy Yvonne Hammond

Pedalling under extreme pressure, the rider, with tenacious determination that victory over physical agony and mental stress was a more desirable requirement than actually winning the race, finally, after a gruelling 131 miles of tough primitive conditions made a desperate dash across the finish line. Inaugurated in 1902 this classic race was abandoned in 1992. Many changes had taken place during those ninety years.The year was 1913. It was the first time amateur entrants were allowed to compete in the Classic Goulburn to Sydney Road Race. A Handicap Event over mountainous terrain. Considerable interest was taken in this race because it had been arranged for the express purpose of selecting long distance cyclists to compete in the next Olympic Games to be held in 1916. However, several ex-professionals did compete but had to present a declaration signed by a magistrate that they had not taken part in a professional race for six months. This was not a race for dreamers, but rather a race for heroes, who recognised the reality of the terrain to be traversed; unsealed roads, little more than bullock tracks in part, made this an arduous cycling battle against head winds, perhaps rain or swirling dust and corrugated surfaces; all of these and more were encountered at various times by the contestants in this gruelling one day race. Money prizes were awarded to those with the most ability and a little luck to cope with punctures, wind and rain, surviving falls and painful cramping muscles, which sorted the weak from the strong. The winner received a three pound open order, a sash, and a gold medal as well as a new bicycle. The runner up received five pounds five shillings (five guineas) and third place one pound one shilling (one guinea). When the Amateur Cycling Association joined the 1913 Goulburn to Sydney to see if amateurs could make the distance, seeking a representative to compete in the 1916 Olympics, many of the top riders were competing

as professionals. Some of these were then reclassified as amateurs, which left a shortage to compete in the professional section and because of that, 1913 was staged as a once only race for amateurs; the longest amateur cycle race ever run in Australia. 210 hopefuls entered, 90 started and less than half of those crossed the line in the allotted time limit. The race continued until 1992 with the exception of the WWI and WWII years. The collapse of professional racing was a sad end to this exciting and rigorous race. Sometimes bruised, bleeding and winded from falls on heavily gravelled patches, furrows of thick dust or crusted mud when skidding around sharp bends dependant on the whims of Mother Nature. The tale is one of glory, running with the sweat and tears of men who challenged the atmospheric, geographical and elemental to compete in this classic event, with all its dramas: not the least of which happened at the inaugural classic race in 1902. The two leading riders were desperately sprinting the last 60 yards to the finishing line when a dog ran in front of the speeding cycles. Both swerved violently to regain control of their bikes missing the yelping dog by a hair’s breadth, one rider was quicker to do so and won by 5 seconds. One can only speculate whether the outcome may have been different if the incident with the dog had not occurred.The carrying of drinks was unheard of in the early days and ‘feeding stations’ at intervals along the route were used to provide the entrants with food bags. Bread and hot milk was also issued to these iron men of the era.Tough and sometimes brash on the exterior, internal fortitude was an essential ingredient required to compete in this extreme competition, particularly during the first Arthur and brother cycling


years of long road races against the elements, as well as severe road conditions. These periods in a sportsman’s life, when age, enthusiasm and physical fitness peak and embrace; knowledge and opportunities blend with circumstance endowing the riders with the spirit of adventure plus a determination to succeed. Passion, prowess and persistence to commit oneself to the endurance of training was mandatory. Every action beginning in the head, as motivation and concentration are important aids to an athlete who wants to gain a high competitive advantage in sport. A body in peak condition will only take a rider over the line if accompanied by mental alertness. Hard luck stories are many; punctures, taking the wrong turn, depressions in the road from metal wheeled wagons and coaches caused falls which were a prevalent feature of the early races, creating the need for many to dismount and walk their bikes over really rough sections rather than risk a fall on the rough surface. Cycling was a popular transport of the era, but there is no comparison between the hard leather seats, back pedal brakes and heavy framed bike of yesteryear to the lightweight, geared bicycles of today.

The long hard slog up Razorback Mountain, south of Camden, when bikes often had to be shouldered part of the way as the gradient was much too steep to ride, was now behind them.Along the 131 miles, hundreds of spectators lined the route, to cheer and acknowledge the

perseverance of the riders as they passed by. This was an exciting time for me years later, in the 1930’s, as we lived beside the prescribed route the riders had to traverse. Entry into every town was marked by the usual raucous crowd of well-wishers, with volunteers running alongside contestants, holding outstretched, at arm’s length, a drink, which a rider could swipe from one’s grasp in passing.

Ouch! Somewhere on Razorback

The run through Campbelltown had them spread out, not many bunched up, sitting on the wheel in front of them; the hardest part of the race ahead, without a pacemaker, more often than not, and energy dwindling fast, they had to rely totally on abnormal grit, courage and determination to propel them across the line. Watching the parade of riders in their brightly coloured jerseys, sweeping past, carrying liquid and other nourishment in bottles attached to the framework of their bicycles, sporting a rubber tube for ease of drinking, was vastly different to the race of two decades earlier, when my father raced in this classic.

The rider, in this case my father, Arthur Burgin Holdsworth, an amateur entrant in 1913 was awarded a medal for his meritorious effort of completing the ride in eight hours and four minutes, two days after his nineteenth birthday. He enjoyed the daunting journey with his younger brother Walter in the true Australian Spirit of Competition. In the words of Mark Twain:

All men are either, uncommon, remarkable, or lunatics.Do we assume then that the riders, who subject themselves to this extreme pressure of sport, are......?

Remarkably uncommon lunatics!

References: 1. The Goulburn Evening Penny Post2. Jack Hepher: The Penny Farthing Man

At the Finish Line


Margaret Smith

by Dawn LottyMy family moved to the Sydney suburb of Guilford in 1954 and it was the first time I had met my aunt Margaret. Born in 1898 she was the second child of my maternal grandmother’s twelve children.Margaret looked exactly like the photos I had seen of Queen Victoria. Same hairstyle, round face and perfectly groomed in black – she made an imposing sight.Margaret’s world was different to anything I had ever seen growing up in Temora and Wagga, NSW. Margaret lived in the Sydney suburb of Liverpool about 200 metres from the Liverpool railway station in the largest house, or more correctly mansion, that I had ever seen and from that residence she ran a men’s boarding house that could accommodate up to 14 men.The house, in the Victorian Italianate style took my breath away, from its colourful lead light bay windows, intricate iron lace balcony panels, tessellated tiled verandah and hallway floor to its 12 foot high ceilings and cedar joinery and it was furnished in a complementary fashion.There were seven bedrooms upstairs, all could be let to two men per room, and two large bathrooms. Downstairs on one side of the hall were Margaret’s living quarters of a large sitting room, bedroom and a bathroom which held something I had never seen before – a shower recess.The other side of the hall was given over to the boarders, a parlour with comfortable arm chairs covered in Genoa velvet, walls lined with bookshelves full of books and a radiogram. Through the folding wooden doors was a dining room with a table that could easily hold 14 diners.Off the back of the house was a very large kitchen and an equally large laundry and finally another toilet with yet another shower recess.Margaret employed a housekeeper, cook and a maintenance man, with two women who came in each Monday to do the washing and take away

the ironing. All this was run in a style that would make a general green with envy. Throughout the house typed, framed rules and regulations were prominently displayed, presided over by an uncompromising Margaret.

It soon became obvious that Margaret was widely read and she would happily discuss anything and everything from the breeding of the race horses that she bet her sixpences on to the machinations of all levels of politics and then there were her regular trips to the city – often treating one of her sisters – who well knew the course of the day’s events. First sandwiches and tea at a Tea Room, a matinee for the latest live play or ballet, a Pimm’s upstairs at Adams Hotel and then home. Margaret would have loved to be able to rule the world in the manner she ruled her house but her sisters, brothers and even the in-laws would have none of it. No matter how many times she took them to task about their fashions, make up and frivolous behaviour they would shrug their shoulders and continue on their way. As for my generation, our music, movies and lack of moral standards was leading to the end of the civilised world. Somehow my father escaped the criticism and the only time I ever saw her upset was when he died in 1957.While her family saw her as a successful business woman Margaret’s dominant personality was often discussed by her boarders – out of Margaret’s hearing of course. In their eyes it was all because she had never married – she needed a man and they would go to great lengths to explain how this mythical man would bring about the required personality change. However there did not seem to be a volunteer.

The Boarding House


When I was about 17 Margaret had an operation and while she convalesced her six sisters, who all lived in surrounding suburbs, took over the running of the house.

Although a roster was drawn up it was soon evident, especially at the weekends when not all the staff worked, that more hands were needed and I was drawn in to help.

My mother, Aunt Lily and I were sitting in the kitchen having a well earned cup of tea before starting on our next round of duties when my two youngest uncles came to the door with another man.

There was much excitement from my mother and Aunt Lily towards this man and I was introduced to ‘Jim’. They had just dropped in to say hello and were off to town for the match of the day.

At home that night I asked who he was and after a long silence my mother said ‘I know you can keep a secret, he’s Margaret’s son’. I was stunned – I had been to countless family get togethers and never seen or heard of this man – and so the story finally came out.

In 1915 Margaret had obtained a clerical job with a family at Campbelltown who owned a number of businesses. An affair started with one of the married sons and Margaret fell pregnant in 1916.

The expected child’s two grandfathers worked out an arrangement that would avoid a scandal.

The arrangement, or story, was that Margaret had met a young soldier by the name of ‘Henry Smith’, conveniently the same surname as Margaret. This Henry apparently was off to war and as they were so in love they had been given permission to marry. Margaret was now pregnant and coming home to have the baby and in due course Henry Smith would ‘die’ in France.

The real father’s family would give Margaret a substantial amount of money on the understanding no further claims would be made and the name of the real father would not occur on the birth certificate.

After the child was born Margaret stayed at home for just a short period of time and then went to Liverpool to live with her brother Thomas and find work. My grandmother brought the child up as one of her own, comfortably slotting James, as he was called, in between her 10th and 11th child.

In about 1920 on seeing the large Victorian house up for sale Margaret embarked on the idea of a boarding house. Using the money she had received from the family of her child and with the help of Thomas and my father her idea was soon a reality.

My father had returned from the First World War in 1919 and soon after opened his bakery business at Liverpool. In the early days of Margaret’s boarding house he allowed her to run an account and often supplemented her food bill with unsold bread and cakes. As a businessman and a member of all sorts of organisations he was able to help her find the support she needed with tradesmen and suppliers.

His first wife was not amused.

It wasn’t until James signed up to fight in WW11 that my grandmother told him that Margaret was his true mother, not as he had been led to believe, his older sister.

After the war he returned and went to live and work in the country for a stock and station agent and the family rarely saw him. Strangely, everyone involved maintained the relationship between James and Margaret as one of brother and sister.

The boarding house was sold to developers in about 1968 and demolished to build a row of shops. Margaret went to live with her sister Christina and died in 1970.

In researching my mother’s family history I obtained Margaret’s death certificate and it asks:

If deceased was married

-- Place of marriage ...........Camden NSW

-- at what age ......................19 years

-- to whom ......................... Henry Smith

-- status of deceased ..........Widow

-- issue in order of birth ....James Smith

I wondered how Christina felt when it came to providing this information. Was she tempted to tell the truth as she knew it or perhaps in the end she believed ‘it’s best to let sleeping dogs lie’.


Look What I have Discovered!

by Carol Donaghey

Some members may recall from my previous talks that I never knew my father, Allan Vassie. Consequently I have never met his siblings or in fact any of his direct family. However, research is a boon to family history sleuths and over the years I have obtained several birth, death and marriage transcriptions for his parents and grandparents and from them have pieced together a kind of picture of the Vassie family.Trove trawling revealed engagement and wedding notices and the Ryerson Index gave the date of death of Allan’s brother, Ron, eight years ago but nothing on his sister Sybil, who I was told I resemble. Trove also provided a great deal of information on George Vassie, my great-grandfather, who migrated to Australia with his family in 1880 on the Northumberland.

George was a professor of music, conducting bands in Hyde Park, Sydney and at weddings and hand made many of his own instruments. He set up a music shop in George Street in the city. The Sydney Morning Heralds of the time were full of advertisements for his concerts and musical activities.Marilyn Rowan, the transcription agent, emailed me about five years ago to say another person was researching the Vassie family and would I like to be put in contact. Would I! Thus I met Kitty, a second cousin who has become a dear friend. Kitty generously emailed photographs of George and his wife Emily and Great-grandfather George Vassie

their family, but as she is on a different line she had no photographs of my father’s side of the family. I only had a few that my mother had kept. I knew that he married when I was four but beyond that I knew no more.

For over 50 years I was not interested in finding my father but in 2010 I had a change of heart and thought it would be nice to see him at least once. I knew he and his wife lived at Guildford (Google and White Pages are so helpful in checking whereabouts) and took the plunge and wrote to him. I wrote in a simple card not saying who I was in relation to him but asking if he remembered my mother in the 1940s. I enclosed a stamped, self-addressed envelope and said if I had the wrong person or if he preferred not to have contact with me to just return the envelope and I would leave him in peace.

I didn’t hear from him and thought maybe he didn’t want to know me; his wife may not know about me; his wife read the note and threw it away; he had dementia and it didn’t ring any bells – so many possibilities. I was disappointed but thought that was the end of it.

In 2011, Kitty, kind person that she is, suggested she write to him and to Sybil as a member of the family and see if they would respond to her. Nothing! We decided we had to give up on this elusive man.In 2014 Andrew and I moved house (twice) and with all the unpacking and rearranging I didn’t go onto the Ryerson for some months. In August last year Andrew checked it and found Allan’s death notice in the SMH. He died in May 2014 and while I didn’t exactly grieve for him I did feel a bit sad that I hadn’t had the opportunity of meeting him.Fast forward to January 2015 when I arrived home to find a message on my phone from Kitty urging me to open my emails. She had emailed a letter she had received that same day from Sue, Sybil’s daughter. Sue said her mother, Sybil, was now 92 and frail. She also has a house full of papers and ‘stuff’ that she has collected and Sue is trying to sort it all out. While she was going through some of these papers she found Kitty’s letter with the SAE still enclosed. Sue is interested in her family history and that same day wrote to Kitty.Kitty rang Sue and told her I was the one she really needed to speak to and she was emailing Sue’s letter to me. I called Sue and we spoke for an hour. We were both so excited to have found each other as apparently there was a rift in the family and Sue, an only child, grew up without knowing her cousins or even meeting her two uncles, Ron and Allan.


I emailed Sue some photos of Allan and my mother Pearl and she has sent me photos of Allan’s mother – something I never thought I would have. She also sent me photographs of my father who I’m happy to say was quite good looking.

I recently received an excited email from Sue who had found a document amongst her mother’s papers relating to our great grandfather George Vassie, the musician. It is an original manuscript, a proposal to George offering an engagement for him to play the clarinet in a series of six concerts and twelve rehearsals at the Royal Albert Hall in London for the Wagner Festival in May 1877 – the conductor was the German composer himself, Richard Wagner. George was offered the sum of ten guineas for these performances.

Even though I had read about George’s proficiency in his profession I was overwhelmed when I received this information. I immediately Googled Wagner and discovered he was indeed in London in May 1877. He was the star attraction of a month long festival at the Royal Albert Hall.

So, my ancestor had his moments of fame and some of his ability has filtered down to two of my grandchildren, Nicholas (21) who plays trumpet and was regularly recruited for the Dawn Service in Penrith in Western Sydney each year; and Micah (18) who played saxophone in her high school band.

I am eternally grateful for my newly acquired first cousin, Sue, who is a lovely person and has become a good friend. She keeps me informed of her latest ‘finds’ and we share our family stories and photos.

Wagner himself conducted the first half of each of the eight concerts of the grand Wagner Festival

I am grateful to my father, Allan, too. I may not have known him but I feel he left me a legacy – of a family – that at the beginning of my 8th decade I am now discovering!

Wagner Festival engagement offer


The Battle of Central Stationas suggested by Frank Harvey

In February 1916, while our men in the Australian Imperial Forces were fighting on the Western Front in France the lesser known ‘Battle of Central Station’ was being played out in Sydney, Australia. Also known as The Liverpool Riot of 1916, this was an event in which a large group of Australian soldiers rioted through the streets of Sydney and surrounding areas.At 9.00am on 14 February 1916, at Casula Camp in Liverpool in Sydney’s south west, it was announced to the recruits that the current training session would be extended into the evening, meaning a 27 hour stretch for some of the recruits. Five thousand recruits refused to accept extra duty and went on strike to protest about the poor conditions at the camp. The soldiers left the camp and marched towards the centre of Liverpool, where they were joined by other recruits from camps around the area. The number of protesters reached 15,000. They invaded a number of local hotels, drinking the bars dry, refusing to pay and causing general mayhem.The soldiers then gained control of Liverpool train station, overpowered the engineers and commandeered trains heading towards Sydney, where they began rampaging through the streets. Police reinforcements were called in and began battling the soldiers.At Sydney’s Central Railway Station, the group was confronted by armed military guards who demanded they surrender. A shot was fired by a rioting soldier over the guards’ heads and in response the guards returned fire, killing one young soldier and seriously injuring eight others. This incident had a sobering effect on the men and many began surrendering to police and military guards.Following the riot, described as the ‘most disgraceful episode in our military history’, around a thousand soldiers were court-martialled and either gaoled or discharged from the army. However, Australia was desperate for recruits to fight the war so many soldiers escaped punishment and were sent overseas while the government tried to keep the whole matter quiet.

Although the battle began as a dispute over working conditions it gave the anti-alcohol lobby, which had been gathering support for many years, a compelling argument to convince the people of New South Wales to vote in June 1916 for the six o’clock closing of all hotels. If the events of Valentine’s Day 1916 are remembered at all it is as the trigger for six o’clock closing – a policy that remained law in the state until 1955.

Editor’s note: This little known story was suggested by member Frank Harvey. Many of the details are described in Wikipedia and other websites. The incident was reported in The Bulletin, The Daily Telegraph and the Sydney Morning Herald.

Battle of Central Station, 14 February 1916


by Carol Donaghey

Gwen Clark’s organisation skills shone when 27 members attended a Christmas lunch at Summerland House in December.

Because we were so many the staff placed us in a more private area with tables arranged so that we were able to converse with each other easily.

Anna Wutte and Jackie Chalmers donned Santa hats and surprised each of us with a colourfully wrapped bag of sweets adding to the fun.

It was a very entertaining day and so enjoyable the last of us didn’t leave until 3pm.

Come and join the fun next time Gwen is arranging another get-together. Many thanks, Gwen!

Christmas Lunch

Four Amigos - Yvonne Randle, EsmeSmith, Jane Baldwin, Faith Smith

Jackie Chalmers and Anna Wutte

Nola RodeyFrank and Eunice Harvey

Merry Makers, Margaret, Marie, Rosemary and Andrew

Don and Colleen Howell

Leonie Oliver Looking Wistful!

Rosemary PlayfordChristmas Sprite, Anna Wutte

Gwen and Eric ClarkJacqui Brock

with President RobynMarie Hart

Jackie Chalmers, Don Howell and Jacqui Brock

Kerrie Alexander Leigh Wilson

Carol Brown, Jan Ousby and Jenny Craddock


By early 1916, recruiting in Australia had raised sufficient troops to replace the ANZAC losses. The AIF in Egypt was expanded to four divisions before being transferred to the Western Front (the name the Germans gave to a series of trenches that ran 700 kilometres from the Belgian coast to the Swiss border).

The AIF experienced periods of sharp fighting, shelling, and some heavy raids and by the end of June over 600 men had been killed. Only a few days earlier, Private William Jackson became the first man of the AIF to win the Victoria Cross in France. He rescued wounded members of his raiding party from no man’s land until his arm was blown off by a shell.

The winter of 1916 was one of the worst on record. Living in the trenches was to cause nearly as many casualties as the fighting. The ANZACs had only two blankets each and had to sleep as close as possible to one another just to survive.

The Australian forces spent two winters in the trenches on the Western Front, 1916–1917 and 1917–1918.

Each seemed an eternity. Unaccustomed to the iciness and length of Continental winters the men suffered terribly. During the winter of 1916–17 more than 20,000 Australians were evacuated with exhaustion, frostbite or trench feet.

Diary of a WarTimeline of important events

during the First World War

In the Trenches

This Quarter’s World War 1 Diary: 1916April – The Germans attack again at Verdun, in France, along a 20 mile-wide front but the attack only yielded partial gains in the face of stiff French resistance. US President Woodrow Wilson threatens to sever diplomatic ties between the United States and Germany following the sinking of the passenger ferry Sussex by a U-Boat in the English Channel. In the Middle East, the five-month siege at Kut-al-Amara in Mesopotamia ends as 13,000 British and Indian soldiers, now on the verge of starvation, surrender to the Turks. May – At Verdun, the Germans begin another attack on the west bank of the Meuse, this time gaining the advantage. The era of the all-volunteer British Army ends as universal conscription takes effect requiring all eligible British men between the ages of 19 and 40 to report, excluding men working in agriculture, mining or the railroads. The main German and British naval fleets clash in the Battle of Jutland in the North Sea, with both sides claiming victory. Although the Germans sink 14 of the 151 British ships while losing 11 of 99 ships, the British Navy retains its dominance of the North Sea and the naval blockade of Germany will remain intact for the war’s duration. June – Germans at Verdun continue their offensive success along the Meuse River and attack the French on the east bank, the French suffering heavy casualties. The Germans push onward but the entire nation of France now rallies behind their troops in the defence of Verdun as French generals vow it will not be taken. Four Russian armies on the Eastern Front, under their innovative new commander, General Alexei Brusilov, begin a general offensive in the southwest along a 300-mile front. Thinly stretched Austro-Hungarian troops defending this portion of the Front are taken by surprise. The Germans send over 20 more divisions and merge the surviving Austro-Hungarian troops into the Germany Army. The Allies begin a week-long artillery bombardment of German defensive positions on the Somme River in northern France, in preparation for a major British-led offensive.

Anzacs in France 1916 – on the march


It’s not just Trove!

by Leonie Oliver

While most of us are addicted to the National Library’s Trove website, it pays to look further afield as well. Some of my favourite newspaper sites for chasing up family members in other parts of the world include:

1. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast Papers Past contains more than three million pages of digitised New Zealand newspapers and periodicals. The collection covers the years 1839 to 1945 and includes 92 publications from all regions of New Zealand.

2. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/Search America’s historic newspaper pages from 1836–1922 or use the U.S. Newspaper Directory to find information about American newspapers published between 1690 – present.

3. https://www.elephind.com/The goal of Elephind.com is to make it possible to search all the world’s online historic newspapers from one place. More newspapers are being added every day. You can add your name to their mailing list, and they will email you when a new collection is added.

4. http://news.google.com/newspapers

With your Library Card from Home1. Richmond-Tweed Regional Library www.rtrl.nsw.gov.au Go to – research and learning Then – research and study databases Then – The Times Digital Archive (last one) Sign in with your library card number

2. State Library – if you don’t already have one, apply for one online today!

www.sl.nsw.gov.au Go to – Eresources Then – Browse databases Then – Browse Then – Tick newspapers Then – Access type Then – Gale newsvault

3. National Library of Australia www.nla.gov.auSimilar to the State Library-apply for a card, and check it out!

At the Family History Library, Goonellabah (Latter Day Saints)Log on to familysearch portal, and then to Premium websites – these are only accessible at the FHL, but are free to use.Some of the collections are: 1. 19th Century British Library Newspaper Digital Archive 2. Access Newspaper Archive 3. World Vital Records – Newspaper Archive Collection.

Findmypast – British Newspapers (at the MHL) Log on to FMP and search in the British Newspaper Collection.

Other websites that guide you where to look 1. http://www.xooxleanswers.com/free-newspaper-archives/ 2. http://en.wikipedia.org Search for List of online newspaper archives

(This article is the printed version of Leonie’s talk in March 2015)


All in the FamilyNews From Within the Society

by Marie HartIt’s time again to sit down with a cup of tea to enjoy another issue of The Cedar Log – don’t just put it on the mantelpiece or behind the clock to read later, for it contains heaps of new information to help you return to your research in a brand new 2016, which I hope will be a happy and successful one for you.As tradition now demands, Alf Clark led us in singing We Wish You a Merry Christmas during the lavish afternoon tea to conclude our final 2015 meeting. This had included Leigh Wilson’s tales of recent adventures in China and Tibet and also our infamous Christmas quiz, which seems to have been won by a number of people who’d had their eyes on the chocolate prizes! However, the annual Christmas raffle for $100 was won by a deserving Carol Brown, who very quietly does so much for the Society. At our earlier festive luncheon at Summerland House Farm, that cheeky pair Jackie and Anna had donned Santa hats as they distributed colourful lolly bags for all to take home like excited kids after a birthday party!There are always sad events in the life of our Society too and I have to report that I attended the funeral of John Stretch, a former member who used to audit our books and who died on 12 November; and Nola Rodey was present at the funeral of Beatrice Flood who died 19 December. Both had been in poor health for a considerable time and thus unable to be active in the Society. Some members may remember Pam Yates and will regret hearing of her death on October 10 (Footsteps November 2015). We hope Judy Parker and Judy Riley are both recovering well from illnesses and also a very early member, Dorothy Crawford, now in her late 90s, who fractured her hip at the end of last year.I enjoyed seeing Liz Marshall singing with the St Carthage’s Cathedral and St Andrew’s Church choirs in a magnificent Christmas programme of Lessons and Carols in Ballina’s St Mary’s Church. Esme Smith and Betty Cox were pictured in the The Northern Star on 12 December at the Lismore & District Embroiderers Guild luncheon where Esme shared first prize in the Margaret Oppen competition. Leonie Oliver hosted eight ladies from the Tibouchina Chicks Club in the Marie Hart Library to

introduce them to the wonders of research and Jenny Craddock donated a computer on which clever Carol Brown performed open heart surgery to get it running efficiently. Carol and Secretary, Kerrie Alexander have undertaken a tedious stocktake of our holdings. Publicity Officer and Curator Alan Ridgewell has culled old journals, the energetic team of Jackie Chalmers, Gwen Clark and Don Howell is digitising journals – another daunting task, while Don Howell is also printing Geaghan’s Burial Books from 1853 to 1988 to provide easier access. At year’s end our membership totalled 148 with 117 single, 24 couple and 7 honorary memberships. We now send ejournals to 32 Australian Societies, 11 overseas and 13 to our members. Port Stephens FHS is now sending ejournals to us. Colin Summers recently travelled to Sydney and Western NSW to search cemeteries and visit relatives for information on his family. I contacted the Wyalong District FHG about an article in their Mallee Stump and received a courteous reply from Pam Butcher (an old friend of Colin’s) who is making further investigations for me. Jacqui Brock can give you exciting information on the Diploma of Family History available from the University of Tasmania in 2016 – an innovative opportunity for dedicated researchers. It’s always good to talk to you in The Cedar Log, but better still if we chat personally in the MHL or at our monthly meetings where so many ideas can be explored and information exchanged. For a family history with a difference do read Richard Glover’s book Flesh Wounds which guarantees a good laugh and we’ll look forward to reading your book one day, or even an account of your findings up till now.

New Membership a warm welcome from Membership Secretary, Nola Rodey

We are pleased to welcome the following new members who have joined our Society within the past few weeks:961 Mr Robin Walsh 21 McKinnon Street, East Ballina NSW 2478 962 Mrs Karen Eaton 21 Killarney Crescent, Skennars Head NSW 2478963 Mr/s Brian & Cheryl Fergus l13/6-14 John Sharpe Street, East Ballina NSW 2478964 Ms Alison Stewart PO Box 7193, East Ballina NSW 2478965 Mrs Susan Eaton 1 Andrew Place, Lennox Head NSW 2478966 Mr Les Hale 73/1 Riverbend Drive, Ballina NSW 2478967 Mrs Janet Galloway 1/143 Cherry Street, Ballina NSW 2478968 Mrs Jane Griffin 2 Ida Place, Goonellabah NSW 2480


In the LoopFrom the Media…

by Marie HartFor instant inspiration, may I suggest you read Dr Russell Strong’s address to guests at the dinner held recently to celebrate the town of Alstonville’s 150th Anniversary. It is recorded in The Alstonville Plateau Historical Society’s journal The Pioneer. I am certain you will be impressed.Congratulations are in order for The Genealogical Society of Victoria on winning the Nick Vine Hall Award for 2015 and also for their 75th Anniversary to be celebrated on 17 March 2016. In The South Australian Genealogy & Heraldry Society’s The South Australian Genealogist is a splendid article by Doreen B Kosak on Writing a Eulogy. Perhaps you are looking forward to the next conference of the NSW and ACT Association of Family History Society which will be held at the Camden Civic Centre from 9 to 11 September 2016 with a theme of Cowpastures and Beyond. See [email protected] (Kith & Kin December 2015).On 3 September our Society will host a full day seminar on Land Records with Carol Liston, Associate Professor in History at the University of Western Sydney, so watch for future details. A visit by members of Burwood & District FHG to the Female Orphan School at Rydalmere is well described in Ances-tree of November 2015. The first three storey brick building in Australia, its foundation stone was laid by Governor Macquarie in 1813.I recently had the pleasure of reading a woman’s recollection of her childhood on a Northern Rivers NSW dairy farm in the 1930s. She attended a one teacher school (and became a teacher herself), washing was done in copper and tubs, cooking on a fuel stove, milking was a twice daily chore, and there were no luxuries for the family of six children, but they lived wholesome and contented lives and became successful adults. If you don’t feel able to write about more distant ancestors, do give a thought to describing your own childhood, schooling, home and social life which will be warmly received by your descendants in the future.In the Australian Institute of Genealogical Studies The Genealogist for December, The Cedar Log was warmly praised which pleased our

Seminar 2016 Saturday 21 May

by Carol DonagheyPlease note this date in your calendar for our Seminar with Helen Smith, noted researcher, author and speaker. Helen was such a success at our 2015 Seminar that she has been invited back again and this time will address members on Bringing Your Ancestors to Life (adding details to the plain facts of BDMs); Fishing for Cousins – Blogs; Wringing the Most Out of Your Documents; and Digitising and Organising Your Family History.You may not know much about blogs or have even heard of them. Blog is a short form of the word Weblog and a Blogger is a person who keeps a Blog. If you don’t know anything further then come to the Seminar and learn why blogs are of value to family historians, how you start one and what to put in one.Seminar 2016 will be held on Saturday 21 May 2016 from 9.00am to 3.30pm. Venue: St Mary’s Church, Cnr Burnet and Norton Streets, Ballina. Cost: $30 and includes morning tea and a light lunch. Registrations open at 9.00am.Helen Smith is a witty and entertaining speaker. We look forward to seeing you there. The Seminar is open to anyone who would like to come along so bring your friends.

Helen Smith in action at RTFHS Seminar May 2015


Editorial team and it also contained an excellent account of the recent reinterment of King Richard III of England.In the Shropshire FHS December journal the 1939 National Register was described as the most comprehensive survey ever taken of the population of England and Wales when 41 million individuals were recorded; it is now available on Findmypast. If you are still daunted by Irish research I do hope you consult our subscription to Irish Roots for many fine articles and helpful tips. Central Scotland FHS journals are now coming to us as ejournals.A quotation in Dorset FHS journal for December 2015 stated that ‘nothing is so soothing to our self esteem as to find our bad traits in our forebears. It seems to absolve us.’ And in the interests of trivia (and recorded in Country Life 22 July 2015) I thought you would be pleased to know that the Royal Mail has pledged to preserve the character and heritage of its 115,300 letter boxes in the United Kingdom!

Journal GleaningsAustralianResearching Switzerland Family History Family Ties, Dec 15Weblog Your Family Tree Illawarra Branches, Dec 15Ballarat Benevolent Society Inmates 1860–72 Kith & Kin, Dec 15Writing a Eulogy Sth Aust Genealogist, Dec 15The WARMAN Brothers Sth Aust Genealogist, Dec 15Lost Cousins Website The Genealogist, Dec 15Reinterment of King Richard III The Genealogist, Dec 15Queensland Distressed Cotton Operatives Immigration The Ryde Recorder, Nov 15OverseasTracing Scottish Family History Aberdeen & NE Scot FHS, Nov 2015In the Family Way (Illegitimacy) Bedfordshire FHS, Sep 2015Scottish Land Records 17 pages Central Scotland FHS , Sep 15Channel Island Migration Dorset FHS, Dec 15George PATERSON Lord Raglan 1858 to Fremantle WA Gallius (Glasgow), Oct 15Schooling in Victorian Times Origins, Dec 15Why Can’t I Find Stuff – good tips Origins, Dec 15Scanning Oxfordshire Registers from 1812 Origins, Dec 15Tracing Your Surname The Manchester Geneal No4, Dec 15NZ Tunnelling Company WWI The NZ Genealogist , Dec 15

Irish Workhouses to Web WDYTYA, Jul 15Lunatic Asylum Records WDYTYA. Jul 15Fairbridge Child Emigration Society Woolwich & Dist FHS, Dec 15

eJournalsby Jackie Chalmers

The following eJournals may be read on the computer in the Marie Hart Library.. AustralianPugin Church, a Berrima treasure compiled by Phillip Morton Berrima District Historical & FHS, Newsletter, Nov 15Stories and Consequences by Lisa Cowling Cairns & District FHS, Origins, Nov 15William RUTTER – The Saltmaker by Lorraine Gowing Central Coast FHS, e-Muster, Dec 15Italian Nicknames by Susan Scarcella (reprint from Descent Dec 1986) Coffs Harbour District FHS, Genie Allergy, Dec 15The Last Convict Standing – Part One Selina LANGLEY by Colette McAlpine Descendants of Convicts Group, The Mail, Nov–Dec 15Murraweeja – Connections & Associations by Carol Korn Dubbo & District FHS, Newsletter, Nov–Dec 15Unveiling the Plaque at an early Moira Shepherd’s Hut by Helen Coulson Echuca/Moama FHG, Bridges and Branches, Dec 15Extracts from the Diary of Bruce WEBSTER, ‘Backspear’, for 1906 Gwydir FHS, Insearch, Dec 15Queensland Rail Employees who enlisted in the Great War 1914–1918 Ipswich GS Inc., Bremer Echoes, Nov 15Norman Vincent FOLPP by Sue Folpp Lake Macquarie FHG, The Chronicle, Nov 15Honouring the 1912 First Crossing of Australia from West to East by an Automobile by Marilyn Dietiker Lake Macquarie FHG, The Chronicle, Nov 15A Walk along Macquarie Street Sydney by Robyn Wickham Maitland and District GS, Bulletin, Nov 15Manning Wallamba Family History Society Turns 30 by Sue Robinson Manning Wallamba FHS, The Figtree, Nov 15The Forgotten Surveyors, Architects and Builders of Western Australia by Diane Oldman Rockingham FHS, Between the Lines, Dec 15Text Queensland (website collection of full text digitised sources on Qld colonial and state history) by Helen Smith Southern Suburbs Branch of the GS of Qld Inc., Southern Suburbs Scroll, Dec 15Over the Sea to South Warrnambool – Clan DONALD by Maryanne McDonald Wyong FHG, Tree of Life, Nov 15


OverseasNurse Gertrude TAYLOR by Sheila Smailes Barnsley FHS, Domus Historiae, Oct 15Hangings and Punishment by Brian Smailes Chesterfield & District FHS, Magazine, Dec 15Windows 10 – A Personal View by Richard Todd FH Society of Cheshire, Cheshire Ancestor, Dec 15Happy Families? Part 7 – The Chops (written around an old pack of cards) by Jenny Mundy Hillingdon FHS, Journal, Dec 15Fire at Scarisbrick Hall by Dr Andrew Scarisbrick Ormskirk & District FHS, Historian, Nov 15The Killing of John DAWSON 21 April 1850 by Jean Maston Wharfedale FHS, Newsletter, Dec 15

Recent accessions into the Marie Hart LibraryAllan Ridgewell

Tracing your Family History: Anthony Adolph (G–154)Research your Surname and your Family Tree: Dr Graeme Davis (G–158)Down and Out in Scotland: Chris Paton (G–159) Irish Family History Resources Online: Chris Paton (G–160) Scotland’s People: Rosemary Kopittke (G–161)Nurses & Midwives in Australian History: Noelene J Kyle, R. Lynette Russell & Jennifer Blundell (U–9)Dunoon 2480: Dennis Matthews (Hz–121)Northies Memories: Compiled by Nea Knapman for the North Lismore Reunion Committee (Hz–122) Wyalong, From the Goldfields to the Mallee Men: West Wyalong Rugby League Football Club (Hnsw–288)Casino and District Pioneers Register Pre 1900: Casino and District Family History Group Inc. (I–50y(L) Pioneer Register of New England from 1st Settlement to Federation: Armidale Family History Group Inc. (I–64(L) St Catherine’s House Districts: Ray Wiggins (I–186y) Land Research for Family Historians in Australia and New Zealand: Carole Riley (L–12)

You Too Can Write Your Story

by Carol DonagheyWe all have a wealth of fascinating stories to tell, so be a good ancestor and write down those interesting, strange or unusual events that one of your descendants will be eager to discover.

Some current and former members of the RTFHS Writing Group have been busy over the years using their experiences to write their own family history stories.

Congratulations to RTFHS member Jan Gracie Mulcahy on the recent publication of her new book Running in Stilettos with a Double Bass. An autobiography, Jan tells of her childhood and her 25 year professional music career playing double bass in orchestras in Sydney and London.

Jan has previously published Other Than English, about her Loten and Mudford ancestors. She won first prize in the Northern Rivers Writing Centre’s 2014 Christmas short story competition for her story Mango Magic. Jan is also an active member of Dangerously Poetic Press, a Bangalow based community group and teaches creative writing at U3A Ballina.

A long-term member of the RTFHS Writing Group, Jan had for some years facilitated the group, imparting her vast knowledge to its members.

The Writing Group was initiated by Dr Noeline Kyle, a former local resident and member of RTFHS and has been operating for over 12 years. Noeline is a well-known author of many books on family history writing and researching, as well as two biographies and her own memoir, Ghost Child. Anyone who

An Autobiography – Jan Gracie Mulcahy


wishes to read more about her books and activities see her website at http://www.writingfamilyhistory.com.au

The Group has been most successful in encouraging and inspiring its members. Under the leadership of Noeline, in 2005 the ten members contributed to and published the book Remembering Mothers: an inspiring anthology of short stories, letters and poetry. Currently the facilitator is Joan Fraser who has herself had several short stories published in competitions, and has won prizes for her work.

Several members are now local authors like Jan Mulcahy; Yvonne Hammond who in 2014 wrote The Challenging Journey about caring for her husband with dementia; and former member Hazel Holmes who wrote and self-published Pioneers of Ballina and District.

Anyone can learn to write and joining a writers’ group can only add to your knowledge, enjoyment and fun. Members write stories on a different topic each month so by year’s end you have twelve stories – a good basis to start your autobiography or family history. Every topic can be related back to family memories.

Inside each of us is a story yearning to come out. Let us read yours!

The RTFHS Writers’ Group meets at 1.00pm on the first Tuesday of the month at the Marie Hart Library.

Come along. Bring a friend.

Enquiries: Joan Fraser 6686 9664---- ∞ ----

The Challenging Journey – Yvonne Hammond

For those members who were unable to attend meetings over the last three months this is a summary of the topics presented by our guest speakers.

DecemberOur last meeting for 2015 was followed by a scrumptious afternoon tea with members providing Christmas cake and slices together with other goodies as well as Anna Wutte’s delicious cupcakes. The Christmas raffle prize of $100 was won by Carol Brown (a worthy recipient).Leonie entertained us with a truly fun trivia quiz based on family history (showing us what we know and definitely what some of us didn’t know). Leigh Wilson held the attention of members as he gave a very educational talk on his recent trip to China and Tibet. This was Bev and Leigh’s third trip to these countries (the last in 2000) and they observed a vast change from the earlier regime

to today’s, particularly in China. They visited a school where class sizes are heading towards 60, which must be very difficult for the teachers. At Hangzhou they attended an outdoor event involving 300 performers working on a huge stage set slightly beneath the surface of the lake, so that to the audience on

the shore the performers seemed to walk - or glide - across the water’s surface. Very sophisticated and imaginative.

Monthly Speakersby editor Carol Donaghey

Terry Marshall - enjoying the

Christmas Meeting

Yvonne Randle, Speaker Leigh Wilson, Tanya Binning and Joan Fraser

34 THE CEDAR LOG, March 2016 www.rtfhs.org.au

The Richmond-Tweed Family History Society Inc. was established in 1983 to serve the family history needs of researchers initially with a special interest in Northern New South Wales, Australia in the area bounded by the Richmond and Tweed Rivers, often referred to as the Northern Rivers.

The Marie Hart Library holds numerous local records including the Local Schools Admission Registers, Cemetery Records, Burial Records and Honour and Memorial Rolls from many locations within the Northern Rivers.

Over the years the library has expanded and now holds a wealth of information from across Australia including historical and pioneer records, war records, shipping lists, probate records, landholder returns, Colonial Secretary papers,cemetery books etc. and journals including those from other English speaking countries. Access to Microfiche, CDs and a computer connected to the genealogical website Findmypast is also available. Contact Carol Brown on 02 6687 8443 if you need assistance.

The Society is able to do small family history searches for a fee of $10 per hour. Please include a 22 x 11 cm SAE and research fees where applicable.

Leigh and Bev had photos taken with two older men who looked very pleased and thanked them cheerfully despite lacking a mutual language. There are still many Chinese who have never seen a European and who are sure that virtually every European is a Hollywood star. By now, Bev’s photo may be hanging in a small hutong-like room somewhere in country China.JanuaryNo meeting this month so we missed out on the fun and socialising but it was only four weeks until the next one.FebruaryPresident Robyn turned the magic age of 70 and Anna Wutte made a

birthday cake that was something to behold. Robyn gave an excellent presentation on 11 tips to Reboot Your Research – full of encouraging and bright ideas to get your thoughts flowing – and of course those memorable cartoons.Leonie Oliver’s presentation on Finding and Using Directories was so engrossing the Editor forgot to take a photo. Leonie told members about directories we hadn’t thought of. Business; Professional and Occupations; Ordinance Survey Maps; City; Religious; Organisations and so many others are all Directories that give so much information about your ancestor. A very interesting one was Fold3 –

a US paid site that is well worth a look.Leonie’s tips: Directories list occupants (not necessarily owners); others at the same address may be boarders; look for your ancestor in all types of Directories – you may pick up extra information. Google Directories Online for all the directories available.

Happy Bithday, Robyn!

Mystery photographer captured this image of Leonie emphasising her points!

Journal of the Richmond-Tweed Family History Society Inc.Published March, June, September & December

The Editor, Carol Donaghey, would be pleased to accept articles for inclusion in this journal. Ideally they should be sent by email to Carol at [email protected] but typed hard copy is also welcomed. The format preferred is Times New Roman font; 12 point; single spacing.

Please add your contact details as the Editor may need to discuss with you any editing, abridgement or deferral to a future date of any material submitted for publication. It is your responsibility to ensure that your article does not infringe copyright. Items remain the copyright of the Richmond-Tweed Family History Society and the author.

Your input is important and makes for interesting and diverse reading for our members as well as to the other readers of our journal throughout Australia and overseas. We would love to hear about how you broke down those brick walls or any interesting information you have found out about an ancestor, so get those fingers typing.

The society does not accept responsibility for opinions and statements published by individual contributors. Original material in this journal may be reproduced with written permission from the society.

THECedar Log

The Society meets at the Players Theatre, 24 Swift Street, Ballina – unless otherwise advised. Society meetings are held every month except January. The Society meets at 2.00 pm on the first Saturday of each month except July when it is held on the second Saturday.

SoCIETY EvEnTS

Tuesday 1 March 2016: The RTFHS Writers’ Group meets on the first TUESDAY of each month – at 1.00 pm – at the Marie Hart Library. Phone Group Leader Joan Fraser (6686 9664) for further details.Saturday 5 March: Subject: ‘Early European Settlers of the Plateau’. Guest Speaker: Kevin Olivieri.Easter Weekend: Good Friday 25 March to Easter Monday 28 March.Saturday 2 April: Subject: ‘WW1: A to D’. Contributing Members: Frank Harvey, Robyn Hilan, Jenny Maley and Jackie Chalmers. Coordinated by Robyn Hilan.Saturday 7 May: Subject: ‘Local History With a Twist’. Guest Speaker: John Sim.Saturday 21 May: SEMINAR: Helen Smith. Topics include: Bringing Your Ancestors to Life; Fishing for Cousins – Blogs as Bait; Wringing the Most Out of Your Documents; Digitising and Organising Your Family History. Venue: St Mary’s Church, Cnr Burnet and Norton Streets, Ballina from 9.00am to 3.30pm. Saturday 4 June: Subject: ‘How can a map help?’. Members to contribute. Coordinated by Robyn Hilan.Saturday 9 July: Subject: ‘My favourite photo’. Contributing Members: tba. Coordinated by Robyn Hilan.Saturday 6 August: AGM Presentation: ‘tba’ from RTFHS member Leigh Wilson.Saturday 3 September: SEMINAR: Carol Liston. Subject: ‘Using Land records’.Saturday 1 October: tbaSaturday 5 November: Subject: ‘Here Comes the Tax Man’. Members to contribute. Coordinated by Robyn Hilan.Saturday 3 December: Christmas social meeting at Summerland House.

MEMBERSHIPMembership fees for the year 1 January 2016 to 31 December 2016 are $35 Individual/$45 Joint Membership. Journals will be sent to financial members only.

DATES TO REMEMBER