Sketchley Cottage At Raymond Terrace Brings History Alive

 

Mr Joel Ross, History teacher at Tomaree, and Ms Melanie Innes, PhD candidate, after reading soldier letters.
Mr Joel Ross, History teacher at Tomaree, and Ms Melanie Innes, PhD candidate, after reading soldier letters.

 

THEMED Having A Voice, the Raymond Terrace and District Historical Society’s public event was part of The National Trust’s Australian Heritage Festival, attracting several hundred people.

Nelson Bay Bowling Club
Modern Media: Advertise with News Of The Area and you get your ad in 1) in Print, 2) on the News Website (like this ad), and 3) on our Social Media news site. A much more efficient way to advertise. Reach a HUGE audience for a LOW price TODAY! Call us on 02 4983 2134. Or media@newsofthearea.com.au

Or CLICK FOR ADVERT QUOTE

Over $1000 was raised on the day to assist the Society’s activities, which features the Sketchley Cottage, a 19th century timber dwelling.

A rich program featuring people from the local area filled the day’s activities.

This included poetry by Mark Wilson, the reading of World War I soldier letters, authors John Gillam and Yvonne Fletcher telling the personal story of Arthur Keppie and his fiancé Ethel Webb, and a letter by a Turkish school student from the Two Trenches, One Letter project.

Peter Kafer and Zona Kelly were the artists in residents for the day.

Also in attendance was The Newcastle Choir who entertained the attendees with a Songs My Grandmother Sang repertoire.

The Historical Society’s member, Ms Moira Saunderson contributed by relating her experiences in researching local history.

Two local History teachers, Mr Joel Ross and Ms Melanie Innes, who is also a PhD history education candidate at the University of Newcastle; and yours truly; fulfilled the theme of Having A Voice by reading letters by World War I soldiers from the local area.

Of the experience, Ms Innes told News Of The Area, “Although I am not a stranger to public speaking, I really felt a sense of community, embracing our shared history.”

“I feel that events such as these are increasingly important, as our lives become busy and hectic, people in our community are at risk of losing the connection to local history.”

With the event being held on the weekend before ANZAC Day, Ms Innes added, “I think hearing these personal histories from figures in our local area brings a greater significance to the far-reaching impact of WWI.”

President Ken Barlow said, “It is Society members that provide events and services such as these.”

“To continue our work the society seeks new members and practical support for projects.”

By Heather SHARP

Mr Joel Ross, History teacher at Tomaree, reading a soldier’s letter to an attentive audience. (left) Local poet, Mr Mark Wilson, reading The Diggers Last Battle.(center) Ms Melanie Innes, PhD candidate, telling the experiences from a soldier’s perspective.(right)
Mr Joel Ross, History teacher at Tomaree, reading a soldier’s letter to an attentive audience. (left)
Local poet, Mr Mark Wilson, reading The Diggers Last Battle.(center)
Ms Melanie Innes, PhD candidate, telling the experiences from a soldier’s perspective.(right)

 

Leave a Reply

Top