EXPLORE
Heritage Holiday with Mum BY SALLY AND JESSIE BODOR, MOTHER AND DAUGHTER
For National Trust (NSW) Relationship Manager Jessie Bodor, Mother’s Day provides the perfect excuse to explore the heritage, culture and natural wonders of the State with her mum, Sally. In celebration of that special day in May, mother and daughter share their love of the richly diverse Southern Highlands — its historic villages, buildings and gardens, and the pleasure of discovering something new with every visit.
SALLY My parents were long standing country members of the National Trust in Victoria and Trust publications were always sighted on the coffee table. My father, a forester and environmentalist, was instrumental in the preservation of historic trees, gardens and their surrounding environment. We often discussed natural conservation issues and those times contributed to my existing interest in antique objects, old buildings and early country towns. It was particularly pleasing to see Jessie’s eyes open to a world of the past when she was a child and for that interest to continue into adulthood. Living and travelling in Europe, along with being involved in the antiquarian book world, augmented my understanding of history. I frequented busy London auction houses, which consolidated my appreciation for antique furniture, fine objects and paintings from around the world. Provenance was always key, offered intrigue and helped set the value of an item. My first questions were important to establish an item's history, its creators, past owners and uses. Those judgements I carry with me today, especially when exploring rooms in heritage places. Seeking places of historical interest in the Southern Highlands is something Jess and I have particularly enjoyed over the years. Scenic roads winding through the hills promise adventures for the two of us. Dropping into little cafes, galleries or a National Trust property is always a highlight. Both Retford 12
Park at Bowral and Harper’s Mansion at Berrima have lovely, old established gardens with considered plantings of trees, shrubs and borders. As a National Trust member, I can enjoy their delights at any time of the year. Approaching these buildings rewards us with an opportunity to travel back in time and stepping inside them permits us to enter the past. The mere opportunity for such a journey is a privilege I cherish. I particularly enjoy the unchanged historic village of Berrima, with its quaint streets, old gaol, courthouse and former inns sitting alongside today’s galleries, shops and cafes. Golden sandstone buildings, weatherboard cottages and wooded laneways surround the Wingecarribee River. We discuss, occasionally dispute, yet always enjoy analysing the architectural features of the buildings we encountered and the preserved streetscapes. Jess strides at a cracking pace, just like her grandfather, and though I scurry to keep up with her, we park at one end of Berrima specifically to walk through the village, past significant historic buildings and up the hill to Harper's Mansion. Surprisingly, her pace slows as we enter through the gate to be welcomed by the dreamy garden. As we approach the house, the anticipation of more delights invigorates discussion about the detailing and the Georgian windows. Every visit offers something new and adds to my appreciation of the role of the National Trust and all the work the volunteers do to keep these homes open to the public.
National Trust (NSW)
