Gresford News April 2022

resford News G

The

April 2022

News of the communities of the Paterson and Allyn River Valleys

L-R. Emily Holz and Taylor McKenzie.

The Show Must Go On! Floods and rain couldn’t stop the 90th Gresford Show from going on. Then came Saturday, what an amazingly perfect day! The sun was shining and the people came to support the Gresford Show. During the evening the announcement of our 2022 Rural Young Woman (formerly Showgirl) was made with the delightful Taylor McKenzie being successful and runner up being the charming Emily Holz.

See story on page 10...

The Gresford News is a Gresford District Community Group project. Circulation 800 – Donations appreciated and most welcome. Thank you!

G resford News • April 2022

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Gresford News Notices Upper Allyn Fungi Foray – FREE Sun 10 April You are invited to join the annual guided walk to explore and survey the Fungi at the Upper Allyn River. Fungi are at their best in Autumn. Recent rains and warm weather promise to make this an ideal time to see and learn about them.This will be the fourth Fungi Foray in the area.

A follow-up survey is important to document variations. There will be experienced and knowledgeable guides very familiar with the area. Suitable for people of all ages and abilities. Organised

by National Parks Assoc (Hunter Branch) in association with the Paterson Allyn Williams Science & Ideas Hub. Booking for the walk is essential contact Martin Fallding on T 6571 1208 E info@calli.com.au

Gresford & District Community Group April meeting 6pm Mon 4 April, Hotel Beatty

Georgie Winchester 10 April, 4-6pm, Royal Hotel Dungog Originally from Mt Rivers, Georgie is a great singer & song-writer. You might hear a mix of genres ranging from country to folk, to protest, to rock, to punk as Georgie throws together a mix of interests and past experiences.

Tickets: dungogroyalhotel.com.au/events

Paterson Allyn Garden Group monthly meetings 3rd Tuesday of the month. E pagardengroup@gmail.com

CWA happenings Guest Speaker: 19th April at 2pm,

Tocal Field Days Friday 29 April – Sunday 1 May For people on the land who are looking for the latest innovations, hobby farmers and enthusiasts. See the latest farming techniques and technologies from solar energy to fencing construction.

Lynette Garrett-Preston will talk about Malaysia where she lived at one time.

2 bus trips: SCONE RACE DAY: Mon 4 April. 100th celebration of CWA NSW Royal Randwick Racecourse, 5 May. Contact Julie Fitzgerald 0457 859 744 cwadct@gmail.com to book your seat.

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The Gresford News is a great way to reach out to our community. Our content is created by members of the community – people just like you. If you have something to say please send in your contribution Contact: • gresfordnews@iinet.net.au • Brian Doherty 0412 372 687 • Jane Richens 0425 339 856 • PO Box 73 East Gresford 2311 Deadline for stories & ads 20th of the month.

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ANZAC DAY 2022

GDCG

proceeding to the Paterson Cenotaph for the Dawn Service. Following the service the Veterans and all attendees are invited to the Paterson Tavern for a Anzac Day Commemorations of 2020 traditional mince on toast breakfast and 2021 were cancelled due to Covid (Gold Coin donation). In 2019 the restrictions. The Gresford RSL Sub Branch Dawn Service was very well attended by will this year conduct a Dawn Service at the general community and Paterson Paterson and a Commemoration Service School with record numbers. Relatives at Gresford, planned to proceed as of deceased Veterans are encouraged to normal. We invite all residents to march wearing their medals on the participate in the march and service, right breast. providing an opportunity to remember The Gresford Veterans March will their family members and friends who have served their country in times of war commence at Gresford Garage & Rural at 10.30 am proceeding down Park Street and those who did not return. The to the Gresford Cenotaph for the Paterson Rotary Club will again assist in preparation of the Paterson Cenotaph for Commemoration Service. The 2022 Anzac Day Service will again be the Dawn Service and will provide supported by the local schools and the assistance on the day as they have done wider communities of Gresford, for many years. The Anzac Day March and Commemoration Service has always Paterson, Vacy and Martins Creek. been very well supported by the Gresford Relatives of deceased Veterans are encouraged to march wearing their Community Group, the Rural Fire medals on the right breast.

Brigade, and the local Police. The RAAF Williamtown will provide a Catafalque Following the Anzac Day activities the Party for both the Dawn Service and RSL Sub Branch members will retire to Gresford Commemoration ceremonies. the Hotel Beatty for refreshments and a The Dawn Service will commence with traditional Two-up game. the Veterans March from Stockers & John Casey, Gresford RSL Sub Branch Partridge Garage, Paterson at 5.30 am

The March meeting of the Gresford and District Community Group was cancelled thanks to all the rain, I am not sure when enough is enough but maybe for this period we have had enough!

Here is a summary of the GDCG's current program.

Gresford RSL Sub Branch – An invitation to the Community to Commemorate Anzac Day

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1. Gresford Community Park Gazebo Over the next few months, you will notice the commencement of building the Gazebo. So far the pad has been roughed out along with the area for the BBQ shelter and now awaits the cement pad to be laid once the ground dries.

The timber has been ordered and Smiths fabrications is working on the steel poles which were delivered recently.

2. Junior Soccer Field at Gresford Community Park Fantastic progress has been made, perhaps a little hampered by the rain. As Peter Dreyer, President of the GDCG said ‘that might not be all bad as it will help the ground settle more quickly and highlight surface irregularities to be filled in later’. The turf has been put back and green shoots are starting to appear. Our special thanks to Noel, Kris Doyle, and David Crouch for their effort.

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website and should be able to present ideas at the next meeting.

5. Dungog Rural Lands Strategy Councilor Digby Rayward, in an email, has confirmed that the Rural Lands Strategy has been withdrawn from community consultation until further mapping is provided. We look forward to hearing Councilor Rayward with further updates and Junior soccer field underway. Council happenings at a future meeting.

3. Arboretum and Gardens Penny Kater reported the trees and 6. Hunter Water Grants shrubs of the arboretum are increasingly Lisa Connors has lodged an application helping to soak up excessive for a grant for a water bubbler and refill groundwater from the property in times station to be located beside the BBQ. of flood such as these. Any plants which 7. Gresford RSL Sub-Branch Anzac do not survive this wet season will be replaced. Christine Pike has advised that Day Commemoration Over many years the GDCG has the bird murals for the side of the supported the Gresford RSL Sub-Branch container should be completed in May. ANZAC Day Commemoration and this 4. Website year are again showing their support by Katherine Henry and Penny O’Meara sponsoring the cost of the programs, post service refreshments and will have rekindled interest in the Gresford

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provide some shade covering on the day.

8. Dungog Shire Cultural Plan Penny O'Meara has kindly offered to represent the GDCG on the Advisory Group. Councilor Rayward was due to attend the March meeting where the Cultural Plan could have been discussed.

Penny will no doubt provide more information in the fullness of time.

9. Therese Doyle Hall On Sunday 6 March the Therese Doyle Hall, located at the Gresford Community Park saw a gathering of friends to celebrate Penny Katers recent significant March birthday and those who had to celebrate significant birthdays during the last two years. The weather cleared long enough for everyone to admire and appreciate the Arboretum, Pennys long term project.

The GDCG hopes this will be the first of many functions to be held at Gresford Community Park. If you would like further information, please email: gcg@ gresfordnsw.com.au The GDCG generally meets the first Monday of the month at 6pm at the Beatty Hotel.

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Dr. David GILLESPIE MP FEDERAL MEMBER FOR LYNE

CLEAN STRIKE FOR GRESFORD BOWLO

I’m delighted to be announcing Federal funding for Gresford Bowling Club to upgrade their Clubhouse for greater accessibility.

The Club has been successful in securing funding under the Stronger Communities Program Round 7. Club spokesman Michael Beaumont said the funds would be used to install automatic doors out the back near the bowling green, an access ramp for the elderly and an improved front entrance for easier access for patrons.

It was great to catch up with everyone at the recent Gresford Show.

Congratulations to the Show organisers on such a big turnout. The Nationals in Government are strongly supporting local agricultural show societies and field days with a dedicated funding program to help cover recent losses because of lockdowns and cancelled events. Successful applicants will be announced shortly.

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• April 2022, p 7

March meeting – Dungog Common Gresford District Landcare had its March meeting at the Dungog Common. We were privileged to have Alan Shrimpton lead us on the Rifle Range Walk. Alan has been vital in the protection of the Common as a resource for the community. He is very knowledgeable on the history. The earliest mention on a rifle range on the Common was 1846.

The Common was used extensively for grazing until relatively recently, 1974.

The revegetation has been managed by nature and volunteers. We were also privileged to have Harry Rose explain to us the vegetation of the common and the issues associated with the revegetation, both human and natural.

The soils are relatively shallow which meant the loss of old growth trees in the last drought. With the trees being young, there are not the hollows for nesting.

There is not much biodiversity in the trees, mainly Forest Red Gum and Spotted Gum. The biodiversity is in the understory with 355 species identified.

The best conservation area is identified on Hungry Hill. The main weeds are Lantana and Giant Parramatta Grass.

Due to the efforts of Alan & Harry and others in the community there is a fabulous resource where the public can ride bikes, walk, sit, dream. The world class mountain bike trails have been a great tourist drawcard for Dungog.

The next meeting of the Gresford District Landcare Group will be Saturday 9th April at 10am. Further information please contact Dave: dhyde@bigpond.net.au Julia Wokes, President

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Paterson Allyn Garden Group PAGG is now 11 years old, still thriving with almost 100 members and each month over 50 gardeners meet in a garden somewhere in our valley. We are still finding new gardens to wander and our first visit for this year was just that.

A magnificently designed garden filled with spectacular trees, sculptures and water features, all nestled into a valley near Lake St. Claire and within sight, a beautiful backdrop of Mt. Olive. The stunning African Tulip tree, Firewheel, Blueberry Ash, Ginkgo, Custard Apple, Black and White Sapote, to name a few, studded the landscape above and below the homestead. Beautifully designed teak seats were strategically positioned so that you could sit and absorb the many peaceful views.

out of the leaves. Control with a good quality horticultural oil.

Whilst we have reached our restricted membership number, visitors are always welcome. Please contact PAGG via our email pagardengroup@gmail.com.

We are actively involved in fund raising activities and are currently funding an Oxygen carry pack for Dungog Palliative care to the value of $5000.

Our chat soon turned to the weather and our very wet summer. We lamented the demise of many plants including Grevilleas, Rosemary, Lavenders.

Saturated soil results in all air pockets filling with water and this leads to plants drowning. Mildew on plant leaves can be fixed with a mix of milk and water at a ratio of 30/70. Repeat every 10 days to control. Black sooty mould grows on the sticky fluid when scale insects suck sap

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G resford News

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The Lostock to Glennies Creek dam Pipeline Further to my comments last month the Gresford and District Community Group received a copy of the summary of the December meeting with Hunter Water and Water Infrastructure NSW: it makes interesting reading and the only comment I have relates to the Benefits and Impact section.

We have been informed the supposed purpose of the pipeline is to provide additional water security. The unanswered question is for whom does the pipeline provide additional security?

The Lostock dam has proven sufficient in times of severe drought for users in the Paterson Valley. Put another way the Paterson Valley has water security so why spend hundreds of millions of dollars providing for something which already exists.

Building a pipeline from Lostock to Glennies Creek does not make sense for residents of the Paterson Valley. It only makes sense for other communities if, in conjunction with this pipeline a further pipeline is built taking water from the Paterson river elsewhere. Hopefully Water Infrastructure NSW will come to this conclusion and this is reflected in the business case they are preparing (and likely to cost $20 million). In this event Paterson river residents need assurance that costs of any infrastructure are not ultimately borne by Paterson river residents and the present water security of these residents is not impinged.

The Government have yet to address these concerns. We have also requested the meeting summary is changed to incorporate the above comments but have yet to receive acknowledgement that this will be actioned.

In addition, we mentioned that another government department is endeavouring to introduce a cease to pump rule to limit farmers irrigating on the Paterson river below Gostwyck bridge near Vacy.

This would have disastrous effects for the farmers since in times of future dry periods they will not be able to irrigate as they are presently able. For example, in four of the last five summers, had the cease to pump rule been in place, farmers would not have been able to irrigate for weeks at a time. This is one of the reasons why I look forward to seeing the preliminary model as mentioned in the summary.

The next meeting with Hunter Water and Water Infrastructure NSW has been deferred and will now take place in May. Chris Wokes

Lostock Dam to Glennies Creek Dam pipeline project – information session Meeting Summary – Gresford District Community Group 9.12.2021 Meeting agenda Summary of meeting discussion Topic

What we heard

What we said

Operational rules

Concerns were raised regarding operating rules specifically around the frequency of return transfers to Lostock dam and when this would occur. Participants were concerned water would not be transferred back to Lostock Dam during times of drought.

Preliminary modelling suggests water would be transferred back to Glennies Creek Dam at a rate of 50MG/d. Transfer/operational rules for transfer would be developed during FBC would be aligned with Water Sharing Plans to provide irrigators water security and confidence water can be delivered when required, noting WSP is protected by legislation.

There were also concerns around the water quality that would be pumped back from Glennies Creek Dam into Lostock Dam. It was articulated the water sharing plan would need to address operating rules to ensure security of water within Lostock Dam. Changes in demand

New modelling undertaken by the DPIE Regional Water Questions were raised regarding maintaining resilience in the valley and how the project would consider growth and future water Strategies team will account for climate change projections and ‘worst case scenarios’. Additionally, the demands within Gresford and Vacy. project team is undertaking market research was to determine likely future water demands within the valley.

An assessment of sectors including mining, housing and agriculture would be included as part of the research.

Lostock Dam to Glennies Creek Dam pipeline project – information session Environmental There was concern regarding Algal blooms and its effect on water Environmental impacts will be assessed through the impacts

quality, particularly to Gresford. How will this be monitored?

Environmental Impact Study process. This is required as part of the Final Business Case.

Meeting Summary – Gresford District Community Group 9.12.2021 Meeting agenda Benefits and impacts

Concerns of salinity impacts, particularly during dry years. There is Preliminary model suggests no detectible impact to a strong desire to have environmental flows maintained to ensure salinity however, additional studies will be conducted as part of the Final Business Case to fully understand river health and water quality. potential impacts and benefits of the proposed project.

Additional concerns were raised regarding flows within the Paterson River and how these would be maintained.

Environmental water delivery will continue in the

NSWPaterson.

Department of Planning, Industry and Environment | |1

Raising of Lostock Dam wall

Why has Lostock Dam wall raising not been considered?

The raising of the Dam wall does not provide benefits to transfer across to different valley/water users. The proposed pipeline offers broader benefits for the community and allows the transfer of water when and if required.

Length of the pipeline

Participants were eager to understand the length of the pipeline and footprint of the pipeline route.

WINSW confirmed there are currently 3 potential pipeline routes that would require further investigation. The pipeline length will be dependent on the pipeline route, it is estimated the pipeline will be between 22-30km in length.

Pricing impacts

There was strong concern building and maintenance costs of the

WINSW advised future operating costs would be

would be passed onto water users.pipeline Participants felt they assessed Lostock Dampipeline to Glennies Creek Dam project – as part of the Final Business Case. Funding would be required to pay more for water with less security than source is yet to be determined, but a recommendation will information session what is currently available if the pipeline is approved. be developed during FBC. The project team confirmed

information would be made available as soon as possible, noting the FBC will take 2 years to develop.

Meeting Summary – Gresford District Community Group 9.12.2021 Meeting agenda Hyrdo Pump

Key concerns regarding the hydro pump and its impact on reducing costs. If the pump is privatised how will it affect pricing?

The pumps that will be constructed as part of the proposed project will not be privatised. It is unable to be run separately for grid use.

NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment | |2

Recreational and agricultural impacts

What are the impacts to fishing, recreation and species within the river?

Additional concerns were raised concerning agriculture and the increasing cost to maintain agriculture within the valley.

Paterson River offtake

Key concerns around potential land impacts that may arise from the Gostwyck offtake.

The final business case will consider social, economic, agricultural, cultural heritage and environmental impacts and address these as necessary over the course of the business case once appropriate investigations have been conducted.

WINSW are seeking to formally include the Paterson River offtake in the Final Business Case.

The offtake route is still to be determined. More information will be communicated as this is identified.

The offtake will not be considered if the pipeline does not proceed.

Distrust of government

There is a general distrust of government, participants felt the project would lessen water security and therefore impact on agriculture.

The purpose of the project is to deliver water security for the Hunter Valley. We are not attempting to lessen water availability or water security.

Additional information

Lostock Dam toPlan Glennies Creek Dam pipeline project The Draft Hunter Regional 2041 is currently on public exhibition, closing early March. The–Draft Plan sets the strategic land use framework for continued economic transformation in one of Australia’s most diverse and liveable regions. It discusses future land use information session possibilities for the Central Hunter (Singleton, Muswellbrook and surrounds) as well as the Dungog Shire and surrounds (referred to as Barrington in the Plan). Table 1 on page 80 may be of particular interest

Meeting Summary – Gresford District Community Group 9.12.2021 Meeting agenda  Website - https://pp.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/draft-hunter-regional-plan-2041 

Draft Plan - https://shared-drupal-s3fs.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/mastertest/fapub_pdf/Draft+Hunter+Regional+Plan+2041.pdf NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment | |3

Action items Action

Responsible

Meeting summary and slide deck to be circulated

WINSW

WINSW to seek permission to release strategic business case

WINSW

WINSW to clarify comments regarding Hydro pump (raised at August online session)

WINSW

WINSW to communicate how projects are funded

WINSW

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The Show must go on!

Floods and rain couldn’t stop the Gresford Show from going on. With all the rain causing the rings to be too wet for any activities the Gresford Show executive, plus a few key personnel, made the gutsy decision not to cancel the Gresford Show. Instead they planned to have a one day show on the Saturday with a free gate entry. What followed were many changes to the program etc to provide a day’s entertainment for the patrons. The Pavilions were to go ahead and once again did not fail with a magnificent display of cooking, fancywork, art, flowers, fruit and vegies.

Some of the watermelons were outrageously large!

people came to support the Gresford Show. We had a good crowd who were entertained by a Tug-o-War competition between the Gresford Beatty Hotel (all dressed in team shirts) and the Vacy Farmers Hotel. Both teams were very The Art Preview evening was changed to zealous in their desire and efforts to win, Friday night as a forerunner of the Show but there can only be one winner being and was well attended considering many the Hotel Beatty. They earned bragging were cut off by water. During the rights until next time! The children were evening the announcement of our 2022 really caught up in the action and got in Rural Young Woman (formerly Showgirl) on the act with their own Gresford was made with the delightful Taylor versus Vacy Tug-o-War, once again McKenzie being successful and runner Gresford came up trumps. Meanwhile up being the charming Emily Holz. Both President, Mick Kealy, was walking girls looked beautiful and the interviews around very chuffed that he had come were very engaging. first in the coveted Beer Bread class in Then came Saturday, what an amazingly the Men’s cooking. His first attempt at perfect day! The sun was shining and the cooking apparently!

Graeme Ferguson

Delma Lawrence, Margot Capp and Marion Jordan

During the afternoon the official opening took place and to celebrate our 90th Gresford Show it was carried out by 3 charming ladies all over 90 years old, Delma Lawrence, Marion Jordan and Margot Capp. They were interviewed about their memories of the Gresford Show in their younger years as well as why they had continued to be involved with the show for so many years. It was totally enchanting to listen to their stories.

There were other attractions to keep the patrons amused such as the rides, Pavilions, Pet Parade, animal petting nursery and a Kids Disco. The Ag bikes proved popular with the wet conditions making the bikes slide and spin keeping everyone on their toes in anticipation of

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• April 2022, p 11

arrrs as the fireworks exploded into giant balls of brightly coloured lights.

We must mention the hard work of many that helped create a wonderful Gresford Show – the volunteers that spend many hours setting up and organizing entertainment for the audiences as well as those that work in the pavilions for days prior to the show.

Although you shouldn’t single out one individual, Penny Evans was thrown in the deep end when our usual public announcer was unable to attend the show and she took on the mic with great style and ease, as if born to it. She moved fluidly between announcer and Junior Rural Young Woman organiser of an amazing 12 contestants. Penny did an absolutely awesome job of both tasks.

The winner of the Junior Rural Young Woman for 2022 was Isabella Grainger with runner up Eva Doyle. the competitors being able to finish. The Steer ride for both the seniors and juniors provided thrills and spills by the competitors creating great interest and enjoyment by the onlookers. The night would not have been complete without the fantastic fireworks display which filled the grounds with lots of Ooos and

donated to the flood relief in the Lismore area. A whopping $3,000 total!

Once again Gresford Show has exhibited it’s interminable spirit with a wonderful one day show. The generosity and support of many people helped to make it a fantastic day for everyone. And as was said many times during the day and at the Art preview evening – it’s what makes Gresford Show the best little country show in the state, no Australia!

Perhaps the high light of the day was the auction of vegies, jams, cakes and plants donated by competitors. The auction generated feverish bidding amongst the crowd with absorbed onlookers. Kev Kealy got so excited he paid $500 for a magnificent sponge cake!

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G resford News • April 2022

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Letters from 1826, land grants and bi-centenaries

Recently the Historical society was given a folder of letters dating from 1826.

These letters were written by George Townshend and Charles Boydell and were addressed to the Colonial Secretary.

Most readers would know that these two men were the first white (European) owners of the land on which Gresford now stands.

Taken together these letters are the earliest correspondence concerning the area that would eventually become Gresford and provide conclusive evidence of first white (European) settlement from 1826.

The Colonial Secretary in 1826 was in fact the government of NSW, (which at that time was essentially all of Australia) and was answerable only to the governor. As you may expect the letters concern land and as land was the means to wealth, (and still largely is), early settlers wanted more and especially so since at the time it was free!

Townshend, Boydell and Parke (Lewinsbrook) had arrived together in March 1826, no doubt encouraged by the Bigge Commission of Enquiry which had recommended the British

acres which became Lewinsbrook and Government endorse a policy of allowing settlers with sufficient capital to Boydell who was by now just 18 years old gained 640 acres which became take up land grants. known as Camyr Allyn and included Land however was only available within present day East Gresford. the 19 counties with the Manning River as the Northern boundary, the Lachlan to the These grants weren’t totally free. Firstly, you had to prove the capital to develop West and the Moruya River to the South. it and report annually on progress.

Many simply ignored this administrative limit and simply seized, (squatted on) large Secondly to prevent land speculation you were obliged to hold for at least 5 tracts of land outside the boundaries. This years before selling. Lastly, you were created quite a headache for the required to take on a specified number administration and by 1836 the squatters of convicts. were gradually reined in.

Parke, Townshend and Boydell wasted little time in setting out the assets they had available for developing their land.

They had some difficulty with the administration who discounted some of their assets such as a library and shotguns as, “not being immediately available for agricultural purposes”. The letters reveal that they had to sell some of these items with Townshend selling among other things his set of Encylopaedia Britannica for £40.

Much has been written about the harsh treatment meted out to these workers, but there were official checks against excess and unofficial consequences for Ultimately in October 1826 their grants were approved with Townshend gaining those who mistreated their workers.

John MacIntyre who had been granted 2560 acres which would become Trevallyn. Alexander Parke received 2560 2000 acres, (Torryburn) adjoining Parke

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This last requirement wasn’t necessarily the bonus it seemed, as for grants of 2000 acres you could be required to take up to 30 workers. Townshend took 23.

The “catch” was that these workers were totally untrained in agricultural work and the grantee took total responsibility for their health and welfare from the Government.

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and Townshend was by contemporary accounts a nasty piece of work who was notorious for his harsh treatment of local natives and workers. He simply “disappeared” never to be seen again and was presumed to have been murdered. For more on the story of his demise, the subsequent aftermath and the later Dorothea Mackellar connection with Torryburn, see the Historical Society publication, Gresford Connections Vol 2 at chapter 3.

For many convicts transportation provided opportunities unavailable in England. Those who came to the Gresford area found the area’s fertility and climate resulted in better food and health than they had previously experienced. Although they were obliged to work, the agricultural experience they gained was invaluable and some on gaining their tickets of leave were able to become tenant farmers for their former masters. In some cases they became successful enough to buy parts

• April 2022, p 13

Townshend set out for his grant in late 1826 with the letters showing him spending a huge amount of his capital on equipment, tools, provisions and livestock. The area had undergone a basic survey and would have been covered in heavy timber on the ridges and dense brush on the flats.

These early “old system” surveys were defined by description and Townshend would have had some latitude in selecting his grant. He was however limited in this by neighboring grants – McIntyre and Parke on the East, William Bucknall (Elmshall ) on the South and the natural boundaries of the Allyn and Paterson.

Later surveyors chasing precise G Townshend's Letter measurements often found these descriptions did not match the of the large estates when they were reality and they were obliged to recognize broken up and sold in the 1840s. This existing long term fencing, (dog legs and could never have happened had they all) as the boundary. remained in England.

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The letter included here, written by Townshend on 4th December 1826 wisely sets out his version of the survey, for the Colonial Secretary’s appraisal and final approval. His handwriting is much better than Boydells but I will provide a translation for those not used to cursive writing.

“I beg leave to inform you that I have selected and settled upon land for my grant between the Northern and Western branches of the Patterson’s river about 5 miles West of Mr. Adair, opposite on the former river to Mr. John McIntyre and on the latter to Mr. Gibbes, you will therefore oblige me by desiring my name to be enrolled on the final return for the approbation of His Excellency the Governor according to regulation”.

Townshend's Trevallyn

Note: The Allyn River wasn’t yet named system was open to abuse and directed that from 1831 all land in the 19 and is referred to here as the Northern counties was to be sold by public branch of the Paterson. It seems that auction. From 1861 a system of Boydell brought the name “Allyn” into conditional purchase was introduced usage. The administration initially which allowed settlers to buy on 25% Anglicised his Welsh spelling as “Allen” – but eventually Boydell prevailed. Other deposit at £1 per acre and pay off the balance of the land over an extended land owners mentioned are; Adair period of time.

(Lennoxton, Cardiness and Creebank), Gibbes (Norwood).

Charles Boydell did not initially settle on his grant and was employed as a Meanwhile the British government was supervisor at William Carter’s Piercefield becoming concerned that the grant

Estate. He kept up lively correspondence with the Colonial Secretary for an additional grant pointing out that although he wasn’t settled on his block he now had, “80 acres of timber felled and ready for burning, and was running 50 head of cattle and 700 sheep”. These were cared for by Townshend. Boydell’s persistence paid off and he was fortunate to receive an additional 640 acres to the north of Camyr Allyn before the 1831 cut off. In early 1830 he returned and took possession – he was then aged 22.

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• April 2022, p 15

officially appears, the first Post office is idea must have dawned that a late birthday party could be combined with a January 1841 and the first Church 1856.

Back to Gresford fundraiser.

Those who hunt for an elusive foundation stone are wished the best of Australia and the States didn’t always get luck as there is no archival or anecdotal it right either. The first official celebration evidence of this! of NSW’s anniversary didn’t take place till 1818 and was called variously: “First One final thought; whatever date and landing Day”, “Foundation Day” and name is used, we need to be a whole lot Anniversary Day”. Australia Day didn’t more inclusive than in 1929 when it So the question remains, why did catch on until 1935 when all States comes to recognizing the indigenous Gresford choose to hold centenary celebrated Australia Day on 26th January. people who lived in the area for celebration in 1929, when nothing of NSW, however just to be different called millennia before 1826. They have any significance happened in 1829? it “Anniversary Day”. become known as Gringai but this name There is no longer anyone with us who was the construct of a Maitland school Whatever we decide to call it and can answer this question and their teacher in the 1880s and is discredited. souvenir booklet left no clue. It may well “Anniversary Day” seems more inclusive, The native peoples are either Wonnarua be that while they definitely knew about we need to get this right so that those or Worrimi, but the tribal boundary who come after us don’t have to wonder Townshend, Boydell and Parke they did between these groups cannot now be why we are 3 years out of step with the not have access to the archives that we drawn with any certainty. The 1929 rest of Australia in celebrating first now have to discover the original souvenir booklet dismissed these native settlement. They will well ask what is documents and dates. significant about 1829, only to be told - peoples in just 2 derisory sentences!

I doubt that they weren’t aware of these “um nothing”.

Over to you to decide – 2026 will soon dates as there would have been people at the time who would know of the history Now some might say, “yes but” Gresford be upon us! could only be considered founded when Those wishing to know more about from their parents. The only reasonable explanation is that 1926 passed them by it was given an official name or acquired Townshend and Boydell’s contribution to a significant public building. Following before its significance was generally Gresford are referred to Vol 1 of Gresford this line of reasoning, (which is out of appreciated. As funds were needed in Connections at chapters 13 and 14. step with other towns) we have October 1928 to support the construction of the 1840 as the first date the name Gresford Allan Hancock new East Gresford School of Arts, the All this leads to the topic of the anniversary of the bi-centenary of first European settlement in the Gresford area. We now know conclusively that this happened in 1826 and 2026 will be the bicentenary of this. Australia and other towns throughout NSW also celebrate their founding from the date of first settlement.

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CWA NEWS The Gresford CWA meets on the first Thursday of the month in the CWA rooms, 12 Durham Road, East Gresford at 9.30am.

New members are very welcome.

Guest Speaker: 19th April at 2.00 for 2.30pm guest speaker, Lynette Garrett-Preston will have a powerpoint presentation about Malaysia. Lynette, her parents & sisters lived at the Penang Airforce Base for many years. Lynette also did her schooling in Penang.

Members of the public are invited to come for an enjoyable, bright & entertaining afternoon.

Afternoon tea will also be provided.

FRENCH CONVERSATION: The group meets on the first and third Monday of the month 10 – 11.30am. Gold coin donation. Please call Glenda Smith for further details 4938 9456.

All standards catered for and new members welcomed.

100th A.G.M. of CWA N.S.W. will take place at Royal Randwick Racecourse on May 5. A coach will be departing Dungog for a day trip so members can experience the meeting. Pick up Paterson Service Station.

Please call Julie Fitzgerald 0457 859 744 for further details.

SCONE RACE DAY: Join the coach for a fun day out at the races. Monday 4th April. The coach will leave Dungog and pick CONGRATULATIONS: to Zoe Watters, up in Paterson at the service station.

Gresford Public School student who Cost $40. CWA will have a race on the received a Phillip Education Grant from program. Entry to the race course is free the CWA of NSW sponsored by the you can lunch in the dining room with Mascot Branch. a specially designed Asian menu and BOOK CLUB: The Book Club meets on the view the race in comfort or on the track. second Saturday of the month in the CWA For further details contact Julie Fitzgerald rooms at 3pm. The book being discussed 0457 859 744 cwadct@gmail.com to in April is “Pachinko” – Min Jin Lee book your seat. All members of the (historical novel a Korean family migrates community ladies and gentlemen are to Japan). The book chosen for May is welcome to join us for the day.

“The Beekeeper of Aleppo” Christy Lepteri (the story of a Syrian refugee couple).

Robyn Thornton, Secretary

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, p 18

On the Shelves...

by Glenda Smith La Vie Parisienne

by Janelle McCulloch The subtitle of this book is Looking for Love – and the Perfect Lingerie which sums it up rather well. Paris tragics may love this book and admirers of Kathy Lette’s punny and exaggerated prose may also. While McCulloch revels in the atmosphere of Paris, and gives a good general sense of it, she seems more preoccupied with vamping her way to an exciting amour, which is hard for the reader to share in, as they are able to with her navigations around the city.

After investing in the lingerie, the shoes and the fashion, she is finally invited out to dinner at ‘one of the world’s most romantic restaurants’ with private dining rooms. Her companion is French, suave, generous – and married, as she discovers before ordering her meal. Sacre bleu! In spite of having spent many pages discussing the free and easy arts of seduction as practised by the French, and her own desire for a liaison with a sexy Frenchman, she politely leaves the restaurant and says she is after something simpler.

In many ways this is a fun read, and the writer’s love of Paris is obviously sincere. Individual readers will get more or less from the experience, depending on their own interests and attitudes.

All books reviewed are from the CWA library on a separate shelf in the library so they are easy to find plus the reviews are in a folder.

Also have a look in the street library.

Gresford Vacy Football Club The behind-the-scenes work is in full swing as Gresford Vacy Football Club prepares for its season opener on April 22 and 23.

There are only a few places left for players keen to join the Scorpions for season 2022. They are in the Under-5 (preschool), Under-14 and All-Age (Saturday) divisions.

Already the season calendar is filling up with some very important dates for your diary: • March 30 – Coaches & managers meeting at Hotel Beatty, Gresford, 6.30pm • April 2 – Gala day at Clarence Town for participating teams • April 6 – Season launch at Gresford Sporting Complex with U5s-U7s 4 – 5pm, U8s-U16s 5 – 6pm and an All-Age demonstration game at 6.30pm. A free barbecue is included and club drink bottles, sponsored by InFront Electrics, will be distributed to all registered juniors • April 16 – Working bee at Gresford Sporting Complex from 10am • April 22/23 – First round of the season The club is also keen to find a team of volunteers to run the canteen’s coffee machine at home games. The hours would be 8am to noon every second Saturday – a total of just seven mornings throughout the season. Training and ongoing support is provided. This is an excellent opportunity to indulge a love of coffee while at the same time helping your club and community.

The LifeBlood Challenge continues with club members and supporters so far making more than 30 life-saving donations of blood and plasma at the Red Cross blood banks. The challenge runs all year and the Scorpions are inviting all new and regular donors to join the club team as it pushes to be Number 1 in the Hunter.

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• April 2022, p 19

Gresford News April Crossword Anglican Parish of Gresford Paterson

Weekly Services 10.30am Sundays at St Annes COVID safe practices in place CONTACT Fr Peter Rothnie 0438 413 007, email priest@gpanglican.com.au

Gresford

Congregational Church 30 Durham Rd Gresford

Services Each Sunday 10.30am ALL WELCOME Enquiries to Pastor Roy Waters Ph 02 4938 9348

Crossword kindly provided by Russel Jessop.

St Helen’s Catholic Parish of Gresford and Sacred Heart Summer Hill Saturday Vigil Mass at St. Helen's church Sat. evening at 5:30 pm ( except 2nd Sat. of month).

Weekday Mass Thursdays at 9.30am Sunday Morning Mass at Summer Hill on the 2nd Sun. of each month at 11:30 am.

All enquiries to Fr. Derek Garner, Parish Priest, on 4992 1477.

March 2022 crossword answers

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