Author: Heather A.

This is a summary of some of the articles taken from the newsletters and other correspondence sent to the Secretary from SEHA Groups and Societies, October 2022. Compiled by Heather Arnold.

Balnarring & District Historical Society

The August 2022 Snippets has an article on the small community of Tulum, thirteen families who lived permanently on the Balnarring Beach in the 1940s – the names were supplied by Bryan Francis. It also has an article on the Western Port Yacht Club Younger Set and the Gardens at Coolart homestead.

Bass Valley Historical Society

The guest speaker at the Bass Valley Historical Society meeting held on September 4, 2022 was Ron Payne from Active Images who has been in the photo restoration business for over 40 years. The town of Grantville has turned 150 and held celebrations on October 1, when a new book on the history of the town was launched.

Berwick-Pakenham Historical Society https://bphs.com.au/

The Society launched the book Pakenham: Then and Now by Audrey Dodson on August 21 at the Cardinia Cultural Centre

Brighton Cemetorians      http://www.brightoncemetorians.org.au/

The Cemetorian has many interesting articles on the people buried at the Brighton Cemetery. The September 2022 issue includes George Hudson (1852-1926) Chairman of the Tariff Board; Percy Seyffarth (1880-1947), cricketer, baseballer and WW1 soldier; Gwendoline Gray (1894-1926) who tragically died at Mt Buffalo when she fell into a gorge and Mary Dean McAlpine (1885-1946), a teacher who was in charge of dressmaking at Echuca Technical School from 1925 until 1944. A Cemetery walk will be held on November 6 looking at the lives of eight service people.  

Chelsea and District Historical Society

The August newsletter reports that the Society has moved to The Hub, Showers Avenue, Chelsea, where they can be visited on a Tuesday.  They have a new email address – chelseadistricthistorical@gmail.com The August newsletter reports on the plaque installed to commemorate the centenary of the Chelsea Railway Station. It also has a history of the various picture theatres in Chelsea – the Fox Theatre, Mason’s Theatre and the Unity; and some memories of visits to the ‘flicks’

Cranbourne Shire Historical Society

Barry Freeman gave a talk on September 29 about his uncle, WW2 veteran Bill Graham. Bill served for 5 years with the Australian Army in Egypt, Greece, Crete, Palestine, Syria and New Guinea. He recorded his experiences on camera including photos of Horrie the Wog Dog.

Dromana & District Historical Society

Flyer re a talk on October 24, by Jamie Gregory showcasing his father’s photographs of the Dromana to Sorrento area from the 1940s to the 1980s. His father, Fred Gregory, had a pharmacy at Rosebud.

Friends of Cheltenham & Regional Cemeteries   https://www.focrc.org/

Raves from the Graves September 2022 – the feature article is the Murder of Patrick Duff. Duff was shot by 17 year-old Ernie Dowling in 1921; apparently Ernie’s mother and Patrick Duff engaged in improper relations. Ernie was found guilty of manslaughter and sentenced to twelve months in gaol and later to be detained in a Reformatory. The newsletter also includes more memories of by Mr W Bruton from his booklet – Carrum to Cheltenham. The foreword of this fascinating collection of memories reads as follows: “Recollections of places, and of those long ago passed away, and of incidents by-gone of Carrum, Mordialloc, Mentone, Spring-grove and Cheltenham, from the early fifties [1850s] to this century, by Mr. W. Bruton, whose life of 75 years has been spent in the district (practically blind during the last six of them) and whose relatives were first comers to the district.

Hastings Western Port Historical Society  https://www.hwphs.org.au/

The September newsletter has an article by Linda Tredwell on Lennie Gwyther, the Leongatha lad who rode to Sydney to see the opening of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The Society is making plans to celebrate their 50^th anniversary in 2023.  There is also this report – On a very wet and cold Friday – 10 June, 2022, a group of us gathered at the Hastings Foreshore, just a few metres south of the Cenotaph, to witness the re-planting of a Commemorative Tree. A tree was originally planted in 2011 but had been damaged and then removed.  The tree was planted to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the gazetting of the Tyabb Township, now called Hastings.

Koo Wee Rup Swamp Historical Society

The July newsletter has an article on Charles and Ellen (nee O’Shea) Rossiter, who held the Hawkesdale property at Yallock from 1873; the August newsletter has a history of the Grosby Shoe Factory which operated at Koo Wee Rup from 1947 until 1952. In the September newsletter there was a history of the Koo Wee Rup Brass Band, formed in 1919 and a report of a visit to the town of two Circus Groups in October 1952 – Bullen Bros & Hagens on Friday, October 3 and Wirth’s on Saturday, October 4. The October newsletter has letters written by local children to Aunt Connie, the editor of the Children’s pages in the Weekly Times. All the articles were written by Heather Arnold.

Lang Lang & District Historical Society    http://www.langlang.net/historical.html

The Lang Lang AGM was held on October 18, 2022.

Mordialloc College Alumni Association (MCAA) http://mordialloccollegealumni.org/

The July 2022 Ventured features stories on past pupils. This issue looks at Lois Collings (nee Wood), she grew up in Aspendale with six siblings who all attended Edithvale Primary and Mordialloc High.  Lois, who was at the school from 1945 to 1948, actually started High School at the age of 10½. Her four children also attended the School. There is also an interview with Lorraine Huddy, who attended the school from 1968 until 1973, and has had a stellar career, obtaining her PHD and becoming a Professor at a university in the United States.

Mornington & District Historical Society  https://morningtondistricthistory.org.au/

The August 2022 newsletter notes the donation of items to the Society by Mrs Pat Wallis (nee Pelling) whose father had a bicycle shop in Mornington from the 1920s. There is also the continuation of a story by J.V. Simpson about their life in England during WW2. A tour of the Mornington Cemetery will be held on October 29 at 1.15pm.

Mornington Peninsula Family History Society https://www.mpfhs.org/

The August 2022 Past Times has a report on the talk which Patrick Ferry, Victorian manager of the National Archives, gave to the Society on defence records at the NAA. There is also an interesting story about the death of a swagman, Alexander Shepherd, found dead in Mornington around the vicinity of modern-day Stones Lane; his body was discovered by 12 year-old Leslie Stone. The day before the Stone family had provided the swagman with a billy of tea.

Narre Warren & District Family History Group    http://nwfhg.org.au/

The August 2022 Spreading Branches has a report of the recent AGM; a book review of the three volume Vision & Realisation: a Centenary History of State Education and what you can find in it to help with your family and local history research. This was written by Eileen Durdin. Jane Rivett-Carnac has written an article, Mothercraft Nurses and the Beaconsfield Babies Home. It operated from 1914 until 1946 and was an off-shoot of the Berry Street Babies Home in East Melbourne.

Phillip Island & District Genealogical Society http://piadgs.org.au

In Reflections August 2022 the feature article is by Pamela Rothfield on the naming of Forrest Caves on Phillip Island. Brothers, Matthew and Thomas Forrest, had purchased land on Phillip Island in February 1869

Phillip Island & District Historical Society  https://pidhs.org.au/

• The July newsletter has a report on Maureen Matthews talk on the botanical illustrator, Euphemia Henderson. The August newsletter, has an article by Pamela Rothfield on the origin of the name Rose Avenue in Cowes. Phillip Rose and his daughters Lucy (1858-1940), Margaret and Laura lived in a large house on the Cowes foreshore and as Pamela writes about the naming of the street  – I would like to think that, more specifically, [it was named] after Lucy Rose, a very special member of that family. Lucy lived on Phillip Island for some 20 years. She was the organist and a great benefactor for St. Philips Anglican Church as well as being a devoted worker for the Church and the local community and is remembered as a kind and loving soul…… Lucy Rose continued to reside in her family home in Cowes and work for the local community through her church. Before she left Australia to return to her sisters in England, she donated a large stained-glass window to the St. Philip Parish Church in Cowes in memory of her father and two brothers, which was installed in 1912. This window exists today in the western wall of St. Philips Church. Aside from the beautiful stained-glass window she donated, Lucy also donated her Rose family home on the foreshore in Cowes (now known as Stradbroke Avenue), to the Anglican Diocese of Melbourne, fully furnished.
• The September newsletter has a report of the talk by Elly Berryman on her family – early settlers, George and Catherin Smith, and their daughter (her great-grandmother), Lottie Smith, who was the housekeeper to the Anderson family of Netherwood at San Remo.

Rye Historical Society      https://ryehistoricalsociety.au/

Whitecliffs July-September 2022 has a very comprehensive article by Noel and Ann Erbs on the Fertilizer Works at Tootgarook, established in 1924. Whitecliffs October-December 2022 includes an article by John Hazledine about his great, great-aunt, Sarah Ann Cain, who as a small child went missing from the family farm at Rye in the 1840s. Noel Erbs continues his history of Tootgarook, this time looking at the period from the 1920s until 1951.

Somerville Tyabb & District Historical Society http://home.vicnet.net.au/~stdhs/

The August 2022 newsletter has an article Thomas Ward White (1868-1947) and his family. Thomas’ parents settled in Somerville in the late 1870s; which was close to his uncle, William Ward, a fisherman living in Hastings. Thomas was a Frankston and Hastings Shire Councillor. There are also photos of ‘The Fernery’ at Frankston, a popular venue for weddings from the 1910s to the 1960s.

Wonthaggi and District Historical Society http://www.wonthaggihistoricalsociety.org.au/

• The June Plod essay is by Frank Coldabella, Frank’s Summer Job or Frank Learns Life’s Lessons. The July Plod continues with Franks memories, his essay The Coast Dwellers, looks at life on the beaches south of Wonthaggi in the 1970s. The August Plod essay is by Carol Cox on the Wonthaggi’s Leek Club, which started in 1927 and ran until World War Two. Carol writes – The Club was a Geordie institution devoted initially to the growing of huge leeks, a custom that had its beginning in the north-east mining towns of England, where most members of the Wonthaggi Leek Club had originated. In theSeptember Plod the essay, again by Carol Cox, is about the Dad’s Association which provided assistance to returned soldiers. The October Plod essay looks at some of Noel Counihnan’s linocuts of and inspired by Wonthaggi Miners.
• Annual Memorial Dinner is on Friday November 25, 2022 at 6.00pm at the Wonthaggi Workmens Club, 75 Graham Street, Wonthaggi. Theme: Celebrating 100 Years of Wonthaggi Miners Friendly Societies’ Dispensary. Guest Speakers will present a brief history of Committee, Pharmacists, Shop Assistants and Change; Open Microphone one minute shared stories Details here https://seha.org.au/event/wonthaggi-district-historical-society-annual-memorial-dinner

This is a summary of some of the articles taken from the newsletters sent to the Secretary from SEHA Groups and Societies, June 2022. Compiled by Heather Arnold.

Balnarring & District Historical Society

The May 2022 Snippets has a number of interesting articles. One by Anna Buchhorn is on General Sir Stanley George Savige (1890-1954). He served in WW1 and in 1923 established Legacy, the organisation to help war veterans and their families. He established the Legacy Camp at Balnarring East to provide holidays for boys. Other articles are about the Haselgrove family who visited Balnarring from 1925 for holidays; activities at the Lord Somers Camp at Coolart and Bill Jackman, owner of the Balnarring Store in the 1960s.

Bass Valley Historical Society

The guest speaker at the Bass Valley Historical Society meeting held on June  5, 2022 was Rob Parsons the author of four books all published in January 2022 – The History of Woodleigh, The History of Kernot; The History of Almurta and the History of Glen Forbes. Lots of information about families, organisations and businesses and lots of photographs. They are available from the author and the Kernot Store https://www.kernotstore.com.au/

Brighton Cemetorians http://www.brightoncemetorians.org.au/

The Cemetorian has many interesting articles on the people buried at the Brighton Cemetery. The June 2022 issue includes brothers William Carroll (1880-1916) and  Arthur Septimus Carroll (1887-1921), both born in Ballarat, the sons of John and Sarah (nee Keast) Carroll; John Delbridge (1845-1918), an engineer and former Mayor of Bendigo and Sister Clara Broad (1849-1925), Assistant matron of the Homeopathic Hospital (later called Prince Henrys.)

There is also a tribute to Lois Comeadow, the indefatigable treasurer of the Brighton Cemetorians and editor of their newsletter, who was given a Volunteer Recognition Award from Glen Eira Council in May this year

Chelsea and District Historical Society

The May newsletter includes Alan Bredin’s memories of Chelsea from the 1920s onward; they were written by Alan in the 1960s. The June newsletter has the story of William and Elizabeth Griffiths who came to Aspendale in 1911, where William was an Estate Agent.

City of Greater Dandenong

Benga House, Heritage Hill, 66 McCrae Street, Dandenong presents the exhibition – A Floral Muse. Open Tuesday to Friday, 10.00am to 4.00pm. Details are here https://www.greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/greater-dandenong-council/events/floral-muse-exhibition

A talk with the curator, Rhonda Diffey, will be held  on July 13, at 1.30pm. Free, but bookings essential https://www.greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/greater-dandenong-council/events/floral-muse-exhibition-talk-curator  Afternoon tea will follow.

Dandenong & District Historical Society http://ddhs.com.au/

Annual Luncheon will be held on Saturday, August 27 2022 at the Dandenong Club. More details to follow, I will update the entry, here, on our website when there is new information.

Friends of Cheltenham & Regional Cemeteries https://www.focrc.org/

Raves from the Graves April 2022 – the feature article is on John Henry Weeks (1864-1935) the owner of the Sandringham Cafe in Melrose Street, Sandringham. The newsletter also includes more memories of by Mr W Bruton from his booklet – Carrum to Cheltenham. The foreword of this fascinating collection of memories reads as follows: “Recollections of places, and of those long ago passed away, and of incidents by-gone of Carrum, Mordialloc, Mentone, Spring-grove and Cheltenham, from the early fifties [1850s] to this century, by Mr. W. Bruton, whose life of 75 years has been spent in the district (practically blind during the last six of them) and whose relatives were first comers to the district.

The newsletter has a tribute to recently retired Sue Beazley, the tour guide, Secretary and researcher of the Friends Group. Sue has made a tremendous contribution to the Group over the years, is  a wealth of information  and she will be missed.

Hastings Western Port Historical Society  https://www.hwphs.org.au/

The March newsletter has an article by Lance Hodgins on the Tyabb Combination and Comedy Company which operated for a few years from around 1900.  The June newsletter reports thatfoundation and life member of Hastings-Western Port Historical Society, Valda Cole, O.A.M, is one of the 50 women in the Kaleidoscope Exhibition at the Royal Historical Society of Victoria. The exhibition highlights  women who have helped shape and nurture community history in Victoria through the RHSV.  A well deserved honour for Mrs Cole. More details of the Exhibition here, https://www.historyvictoria.org.au/event/kaleidoscope/

Koo Wee Rup Swamp Historical Society

The March 2022 newsletter has a short history of Tooradin; the April newsletter looks at the life of Frederick Bayles (1884-1915) the namesake of the town of Bayles and the May newsletter has a history of the Koo Wee Rup to Strzelecki railway line – officially opened 100 years ago on June 29, 1922. All the articles by Heather Arnold. The June newsletter includes a report on the successful annual luncheon, where Claudia Barker, O.A.M and former Director of Music at Koo Wee Rup Secondary College was the amazing guest speaker.

Lang Lang & District Historical Society http://www.langlang.net/historical.html

A plaque has been unveiled in the town to honour the work of Gordon Sampson, O.A.M, who was connected to many Lang Lang organisations. The grand-daughter of Dr Niel Gunson, the author of The Good Country: Cranbourne Shire has donated photographs of the Gunson /Nelson families to the Society. Niel Gunson’s grandfather, the Reverend Daniel Gunson, conducted the first regular church services in the Lang Lang area in the 1880.

Mordialloc College Alumni Association (MCAA) http://mordialloccollegealumni.org/

The April 2022 Ventured features stories on past pupils. This issue looks at Marjorie Brooking who joined the school in Form 3 in 1928, have previously been at Glenhuntly State School. 1928 was the year the new school building opened. Marjorie did two years at the School then worked at Robertson and Mullens, the booksellers and stationers. Bill Kupsch attended the school from 1952 to 1956 and was very sporty, very academic, a prefect and a house captain. He later became a teacher.

Mornington & District Historical Society  https://morningtondistricthistory.org.au/

The May newsletter has an article by J.V. Simpson about their life in England during WW2.  At the start of the War they were in the infants class at Stanburn School in Stanmore. The school was less than two miles from the HQ for RAF Fighter Command. The family was later evacuated to Staffordshire. The Society have two Morning Coffee meetings coming up:  July12  – guest speaker is Ruth Quinn, who was a makeup artist at the BBC (more details here); August 9 – Julia Young –  the curator at Melbourne University who is collating the material of Dr Cunningham Dax, pioneer in mental health treatment (more details here). Start time is 10.30am, venue is Mornington RSL. Cost is $5.00

Mornington Peninsula Family History Society https://www.mpfhs.org/

The May 2022 Past Times has various family stories from members, and an extensive list of new additions to Ancestry and Find My Past

Narre Warren & District Family History Group    http://nwfhg.org.au/

The May 2022 Spreading Branches has an article by Lynne Bradley about  a case of infanticide at Syke in 1894. Nineteen year old unmarried Margaret Chrozier, the birth mother and  her two sisters – Janet and 13 year old Jane – and her own mother also called Janet, were all charged with the murder of the baby. The three older women were acquitted and Jane (who had been instructed to kill and bury the baby) was found not guilty. The father of the child was said to have been Margaret’s brother-in-law and the crime was only discovered when a doctor needed to be called for Margaret a few days after the birth as she was gravely ill. A tragic story all round.

Their guest speaker at the June meeting was Darren Arnott, the author of No Regard for the Truth: Friendship and kindness, Tragedy and Injustice, Rowville’s Italian prisoners of war. It was a great talk and it is a really interesting book – buy it here https://darrenarnott.com/

Phillip Island & District Genealogical Society http://piadgs.org.au

The Reflections May 2022 has, amongst other things, a short article by Jan Andrews on the value of ‘googling’ when researching family or local history.  You don’t know what  gems of information you might find.

Phillip Island & District Historical Society  https://pidhs.org.au/

The April newsletter has an article by Pamela Rothfield on Thomas Cameron Hull (1851-1904) The article starts with A beautifully illustrated copy of a Certificate of Appreciation dated June 27, 1896 came to the surface in the Society’s collection during the pack up and relocation of the Society’s historic collection. This certificate was honouring Thomas Cameron Hull, Esq. acknowledging him as a firm friend and, in a word, a true man in every sense. The wording on the certificate describes Mr Hull as a good neighbour and states that during his nine years of residence on Phillip Island, his esteem and regard had been ‘deservedly won’. The May newsletter has an article on The Speke, wrecked off Phillip Island in 1906.

Their guest speaker at the June meeting was Maureen Matthews, and her subject was Euphemia Henderson, botanical artist, and who was at one time engaged to Ferdinand Von Mueller, the director of the Royal Botanic Gardens (RBG).  Euphemia’s sister, Georgiana, was married to John McHaffie, one of the original European settlers on Phillip Island.  The RBG have produced a line of items featuring the work of Euphemia Henderson, see it here https://www.maxwellandwilliams.com.au/collections/royal-botanic-gardens-victoria/euphemia-henderson It was an interesting talk.

Rye Historical Society http://ryehistoricalsociety.weebly.com/

Whitecliffs April-June  2022 has an article by Noel Erbs on Tootgarook Swamp prior to the Fertilizer Works, established towards the end of WW1. There is also an article on James Purves who took over the Tootgarook Pastoral Run in the late 1850.

Somerville Tyabb & District Historical Society http://home.vicnet.net.au/~stdhs/

The March 2022 newsletter has an article on the Peninsula Motor show of November 1927. There is also an article on Tyabb man, Horace Thurlow Russell, who was taken prisoner at the Battle of Fromelles. Horace returned to Tyabb after the War, but sadly died at the age of 38, his war service contributing to his early death.

Wonthaggi and District Historical Society http://www.wonthaggihistoricalsociety.org.au/

The March Plod essay tells the story of the foreshore kiosk at Cape Paterson. It was opened by Bruno and Mary Storti in the mid 1950s. In the late 1950s it was taken over by Attilio and Irma Storti and Irma’s brother Livio Coldabella. The kiosk was demolished in 1966. The April essay looks at the life of William Hamilton Ferguson (1861-1957) – geologist and fossil discoverer. The May 2022 essay is by John Bordignon on what it was like working underground in Wonthaggi’s Coal mine.  

News from the Newsletters February 2022

This is a summary of some of the articles taken from the newsletters sent to the Secretary from SEHA Groups and Societies, February 2022. Compiled by Heather Arnold.

Balnarring & District Historical Society

The November 2021 Snippets has an article on Harry Cavenagh, Ranger at the Balnarring Beach Camping ground from c. 1952 to 1963 – this is a great description of Mr Cav, as he was known, up – Mr Cav was always dressed in a brown suit – which we would now call a business suit – with a flannel, three-button shirt beneath his scruffy brown suit coat. In more recent days this style of shirt would be called a ‘grandpa shirt’. Two layers, at least, of very much-worn, wool clothing. Note book and pencil were stored in the top suit pocket and would be taken out, pages ruffled through, pencil given a good lick and any necessary notes therein stored away. We liked his company and he seemed to warm to our family also. He always had the news of the entire campground at his fingertips and usually had a small, slender, hand-rolled cigarette in the corner of his mouth. There is also an article on the Somers Camp Vampire jet and shark fishing off Balnarring Beach.

Brighton Cemetorians http://www.brightoncemetorians.org.au/

The Cemetorian has many interesting articles on the people buried at the Brighton Cemetery. The December 2021 issue includes William Seabrook (1881-1914), Captain in the Victorian Scottish Regiment who drowned off Point Lonsdale on January 3, 1914; Olga Hopgood (1883-1965), who was blind for 40 years due to her ‘nerves collapsing’ and then she miraculously regained sight in her right eye in 1960 so she could see her four children, 12 grandchildren and some of her 14 great Grandchildren; and Rowland ‘Rowley’ Ambrose Banks (1885-1928) professional golfer. His brother Dick Banks was also a professional golfer.

The March 2022 Cemetorian has a feature on the Highett Rail Disaster of March 23, 1925 when 8 people were killed including four member s of the McDonnell family – Michael J. McDonnell, aged 59, market gardener, Clarence McDonnell, 32, electrician, of Park Street, South Melbourne (son of J. McDonnell), Pearl McDonnell, 30, wife of Clarence McDonnell, Raymond McDonnell, aged 4 months, son of Mr. and Mrs. Clarence McDonnell. Walter Guy (1894-1932) who died at the Caulfield Military Hospital. He had enlisted in the AIF on September 9, 1914.

Chelsea and District Historical Society

The November-December newsletter reported that In July 1926 – Mr. Frederick Frewin, of Chelsea, Victoria, who recently arrived in England, presented on behalf of the Chelsea State School, Victoria, an Australian flag to the Chelsea Central School, London… Mr. Frewin, in handing over the flag, which was contained in a casket of Victorian timbers with wattle blossoms and leaves calved on the cover, conveyed to the children of old Chelsea  greetings from the boys and girls of the Chelsea under the Southern Cross. The January 2022 newsletter has an article on Henry Robert Woodward who moved to Chelsea in 1904 and established a piggery and later opened butcher shops in Edithvale, Chelsea and Rosebud.

Friends of Cheltenham & Regional Cemeteries https://www.focrc.org/

Raves from the Graves December 2021 has an article by Rosemary Reddick on golfing professional, Richard (Dick) Shaw Banks (1876-1930) the brother of Rowley Banks. There were nine children in the family including Margaret (Madge) Hilda Banks, who become an entertainer – One of her earliest appearances on stage was at the age of six, and her brother, Will, was part of the Ettie Williams Troupe at this same performance. Soon after this performance Madge joined Pollards Lilliputian Opera Company and headed off on a world tour at the age of six!  Another brother, William was also an entertainer, under the name of Curly Banks and sometimes Billy Williams. Great article. The newsletter also includes some memories of by Mr W Bruton from his booklet – Carrum to Cheltenham. The foreword of this fascinating collection of memories reads as follows: “Recollections of places, and of those long ago passed away, and of incidents by-gone of Carrum, Mordialloc, Mentone, Spring-grove and Cheltenham, from the early fifties [1850s] to this century, by Mr. W. Bruton, whose life of 75 years has been spent in the district (practically blind during the last six of them) and whose relatives were first comers to the district. This will be a regular feature. Another article by Rosemary Reddick is on the Circus and the Perry family.

Hastings Western Port Historical Society  https://www.hwphs.org.au/

The December 2021 newsletter has an obituary of Harry Cole – Harry passed away on 23 September aged 94 years.  He was a Life Member of our Society – as is his wife, Valda, OAM.  They were very happily married for 68 years and had three sons – Peter (dec.), David and Andrew and seven grandchildren.  Harry was a highly respected local citizen – a descendant of a pioneering Western Port family who were involved in nurseries in Melbourne and then our area.  Harry worked diligently in this industry until it slowed when Britain entered the European Common Market.  He then worked just as hard raising poultry.  At high school he joined the Air Training Corps and at 18, in 1945, he joined the RAAF.  When Air Crew Training was cancelled Harry transferred to the RAN and was engaged in doing dangerous work disposing of old, unstable ammunition.  One of Harry’s interests was flying and he gained his pilot’s licence after the War and was a member of the Royal Victorian Flying Club.  Harry was involved with the formation of the Tyabb Fire Brigade and was a radio communicator for the Service.  He was also highly involved with the Anglican Church in Tyabb and Hastings.  Harry was a much loved family man and will be greatly missed by all of them and the community We offer our condolences to Valda, as well as the family and friends of Harry.

Koo Wee Rup Swamp Historical Society

The February newsletter has a look back 100 years – ‘What happened in Koo Wee Rup in 1922’ by Heather Arnold. This is my favourite – From Koo Wee Rup Sun of April 27, 1922 – We are pleased to be able to state that Mr. A.W. Giles is now restored to health and is back at his home, Mank’s road, Koo Wee Rup. His homecoming caused a surprise to his family, as they were not acquainted that he was returning. It appears that a bed was required for a patient, and Mr Giles said he was well enough to leave. He took the train to Pakenham, and from there walked home. The distance is about 15kms.

Mordialloc College Alumni Association (MCAA) http://mordialloccollegealumni.org/

The December 2021 Ventured has a report of a reunion of 1940s students and a story on past student Colonel John Wertheimer, AM RFD who was at the school from 1950-1953 and then completed his schooling at Melbourne High. He served with postings in Vietnam, Malaysia, North Borneo, New Guinea, Papua and in Australia and retired with the rank of Colonel. He served as the Queen’s Representative Colonel Commandant for the Royal Australian Engineers. Ventured also looks at Donald Meckiff, who passed away last year, who was at the School 1944-1948, and was the Head Prefect.

Mornington & District Historical Society  https://morningtondistricthistory.org.au/

The December 2021 newsletter has a history of Beleura Private Hospital, which opened in 1969 and was owned by Irene Richardson who was also the Matron. The original hospital had 25 bed and the patients shared 1 bath, 2 showers and 4 toilets!  The February 2022 newsletter has part 2 of Edna Lowe’s reminisce of Life in the Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace. Edna’s father was a Groomsman for the Royal Household.

Mornington Peninsula Family History Society https://www.mpfhs.org/

The November 2021 Past Times has a report on Rob Hamilton who talked about Freemason records at their meeting last year. I have heard him speak and he is very good, full of lots of useful information. There is also an article by Peter Beckett on the ‘In from the Cold’ project – ‘In from the Cold’ is run by Terry Denham in England. This project’s aim is to find as many casualties of the First and Second World Wars who have been missed by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. To date the IFTC project has processed over five thousand cases of men and women whose sacrifice has been forgotten or overlooked. If you are interested in the project and its many volunteers see: http://www.infromthecold.org/

The February 2022 newsletter has an article by Merrin Perry on Victorian Cemetery Records and a report of a recent guest speaker, Leonie Marshall, on ‘Lies, Outrageous Lies and Ancestors.’ Leonie’s talk was reported as very entertaining and interesting and most of the members attending could relate to lies, exaggerated stories and untruths within their own family research.

Narre Warren & District Family History Group http://nwfhg.org.au/

The November 2021 Spreading Branches has an article by Barbara Sharp on Georg Caspar von Ruti, born in Baden-Wurttemberg in Germany in 1863. She had come across his grave on a walk through Harkaway cemetery during lock-down. George had arrived in Victoria in 1886 and died of typhoid in 1893. Barbara writes – He died intestate. At the time of his death he was the manager of the Northcote Dairy Company.  Immanuel Wanke who lived in Harkaway, sent his milk to this dairy and says in the administration files that he had known Georg since he had arrived in Australia and Georg had frequently told him of his mother in Rastatt, and a married sister living in Kalsruhe .  I wonder who paid for his headstone? I didn’t know when I started the story that my great grandfather, Immanuel Wanke, would have small part in Georg von Rüti’s life. Maybe the Lutheran Church was involved or his family in Germany sent money over. There is also a story, by Marianne Rocke, on the Cormore tea-rooms in Upper Beaconsfield, started around 1919 by Harry Burton and later taken over by the Funnell family.

The February 2022 Spreading Branches has an article by Eileen Durdin on Reg and Leila Kurll. Reg was the Secretary of the 1st Narre Warren North Scout Group was formed in 1932 and the Kurlls donated six acres of their land to the Narre Warren North Scouts for a campsite, which was named the ‘Kurll’s Own Campsite.’ Eileen writes – Kurll Park was gifted to the Shire of Berwick by the Kurlls in 1970. Reg and Leila had moved to Mornington by this stage but Reg had concerns that quarrying in the Narre Warren North area would be given permission to expand and destroy the beautiful country side. Reg had expressed the wish to gift the land to the Trustee for the purposes of being set aside in perpetuity for the benefit of the public as a park and recreation area. The land was transferred to the Shire of Berwick on 6 April 1972.

Phillip Island & District Genealogical Society http://piadgs.org.au

From Reflections November 2021– there is an interesting article by Lynne Sanders – A tale of two families – she starts with in 1960 my older sister Anne Hudson married Alan Mickle. It seems the Hudson and Mickle families were destined to be linked throughout history. In the 1700s, 1800s, and 1900s, there have been marriages that have kept the two families entwined.  Lynne then talks about the history of the Mickle and Hudson families – of great interest to me as the Mickles played a large role in history of Koo Wee Rup and the Swamp and Dave Mickle, the local historian was instrumental in establishing the Koo Wee Rup Swamp Historical Society and has written about the history of the area in his Mickle Memories books.

Phillip Island & District Historical Society  https://pidhs.org.au/

The November 2021 newsletter announces that they are in a temporary new home at 56 Chapel Street Cowes, with the Philip Island & District Genealogical Society. As part of their collection they have a certificate presented to Arnie Brown, a local fisherman, from James Douglas and Robert Anderson. They had taken out a boat for some fishing, it over-turned and they clung onto it for hours. When Arnie realised they had not returned he “Taking in the situation with sailor-like promptitude, he let go his mooring lines, hoisted his sail, and, opening out his engines, sped to the rescue, accompanied by his brother in-law, Arthur Leeson, a returned soldier, of Cowes. To find an upturned boat on a dull, grey evening, in a huge expanse of water like Westernport Bay, was an undertaking requiring an intimate knowledge of local tidal conditions, as well as seamanship of a high order. But Mr Brown was equal to the occasion, and, after steaming for about a mile, Leeson descried objects in the water, toward which the rescuing boat was steered. This proved to be the crew of the over-turned craft. Their heads were just above the water, and they were standing on the submerged boat “like shags on a buoy,” as Mr. Brown afterwards described it.”

The January 2022 newsletter has an obituary, by Pam Rothfield, of Gay Cleeland (1949 – 2021). Gay attended many SEHA for Phillip Island meetings and was interesting, friendly, interested and she is a great loss to her friends and family, the Historical society and the local history community. Gay was such a lovely person. The February 2022 newsletter has an article by Pam Rothfield on James Morrison of the Waterman’s Arms Hotel, San Remo, later called the San Remo Hotel.

Rye Historical Society http://ryehistoricalsociety.weebly.com/

Whitecliffs January -March 2022 has a substantial article by Noel and Ann Erbs on the history of the name Tootgarook and of the township. It looks at references to the town in the newspapers up to 1860; the number of people whose birth and death was registered at Tootgarook from 1836-1913; local Birth and Death Registrars and much more.

Somerville Tyabb & District Historical Society http://home.vicnet.net.au/~stdhs/

The December 2021 newsletter has a short history of the Pikes family, who gave their name to Pikes Road, newspaper reports from Trove on the local history and an obituary of Harry Cole, who was born at the Somerville Hospital.

Wonthaggi and District Historical Society http://www.wonthaggihistoricalsociety.org.au/

The essay in The Plod of November 2021 is part 2 of Hotels and Licensing in Wonthaggi and District. The Plod essay for February 2022 is 137 Years of Agricultural Show History from Bass to Wonthaggi.  

This is a summary of some of the articles taken from the newsletters sent to the Secretary from SEHA Groups and Societies, November 2021. Compiled by Heather Arnold.

Balnarring & District Historical Society

The August 2021 Snippets has a comprehensive history of the property Elgee Park at Dromana and a report of the formation of the Balnarring East & Palm Beach Progress Association in 1927. There is also a report of the wedding of Emma Vansuylen and William O’Neill in 1884. Her father gifted the couple a block of land – 154 acres – at Crib Point, the land faced Hann’s Inlet.

Brighton Cemetorians       http://www.brightoncemetorians.org.au/

The Cemetorian has many interesting articles on the people buried at the Brighton Cemetery. The September 2021 issue includes Musician James Billingsley (1913-1941); Actress Miss Fanny Dango (Mrs Samuel McKay, 1878-1972); William Hay, politician and grazier (1816-1908) and Alice Devany (nee Rendell, 1891-1924), sadly found drowned in the Yarra River. There was also a report on the unveiling of a plaque on the grave of World War One nurse, Sister Leah Rosenthal QAIMNSR, MM, ARRC on May 16, 2021.

Chelsea and District Historical Society

The July newsletter profiles Committee member and Historical Society historian Margaret Diggerson, who moved to Chelsea in 1933 when her father was transferred to the Chelsea Railway Station. The August newsletter features committee member Ron Jacobs, who has lived in the area for 80 years and was a City of Chelsea councillor for 15 years. The September newsletter includes a brief history of Aspendale, and the October newsletter congratulates member, Marjory Flynn (nee Olsen) on her 100^th birthday.

Friends of Cheltenham & Regional Cemeteries     https://www.focrc.org/

Raves from the Graves June 2021 has a lovely article by Sue Beazley on Sister Esther, an Anglican Nun, who commenced working at the Mission to the Streets and Lanes in 1888. The next year the Mission purchased land at Cheltenham for a home for ‘fallen women.’ A home for neglected children was established at Brighton in 1894; St Georges Hospital in Kew in 1912, their work was never-ending. Sister Esther, born Emma Caroline Silcock in 1858, died in 1931. The newsletter also has an article on the history of Cheltenham Railway Station, also by Sue Beazley. Raves from the Graves September 2021 has the final instalment of the memories of Fairlie Taylor and her life in Cheltenham and Beaumaris from early times. There is an article on Edward Youngman Cotton (1817-1891) who arrived on the Exile ship, The Maitland in 1846. It also includes part two of Sue Beazley’s history of Cheltenham Railway Station.

Hastings Western Port Historical Society   https://www.hwphs.org.au/

The September newsletter has a history of the Tyabb Youth Hall, built in the 1880s and after years of neglect now requires major work. ‘On June 24, 2021, Shirley Davies, OAM, Past President and inaugural member of our Society, was surprised by Laurie French with the presentation of a sign ‘Shirl’s room’ for the room in the museum which she used when working at the Museum’. Congratulations Shirley. The Museum at Hastings is getting a new roof, guttering and insulation.

Koo Wee Rup Swamp Historical Society

The July newsletter has a history of Rythdale by Heather Arnold; the August newsletter takes a look at floods and fires in the area in the 1920s and 1930s; the September newsletter has a short history of Cora Lynn in the early years, also by Heather Arnold. October and November newsletters has lists of the students and teachers from 1957 to 1963 from Koo Wee Rup High School.

Lang Lang & District Historical Society http://www.langlang.net/historical.html

The Museum has a new sign acknowledging the Bunurong People.

Mordialloc College Alumni Association (MCAA) http://mordialloccollegealumni.org/

The September 2021 Ventured includes memories of past students including brothers Ray and Ian Maddocks, who were at the school in the 1940s.  The Alumni Committee is establishing an Honour Board of veterans who attended the school. This is a huge project to match students on the school roll with those on the Nominal Roll and then trying to find family members for both confirmation and more information. They have received a grant from the Department of Veterans Affairs for the project.

Mornington & District Historical Society  https://morningtondistricthistory.org.au/

The August newsletter reports that Janet Groves, a long-term member has received Life Membership. Val Wilson has a delightful story of her house in Kent Street, Mornington, built in 1925 as a State Savings Bank house.

Mornington Peninsula Family History Society https://www.mpfhs.org/

The August 2021 Past Times has an article Ilma Hackett on the Harley Motorcycle Club house at Balnarring. ‘Built between 1926 and 1928 The Club House was a centre where members could come at weekends for both social and sporting events. On the longer reliability runs it was a halfway point. It was also where the Club’s trophies and photographs were displayed’.By the 1980s the use had declined, and it was sold in the 1990s.

Narre Warren & District Family History Group     http://nwfhg.org.au/

The August 2021 Spreading Branches featured a report on the Volunteers Morning tea and award presentations which this year took place at the Koo Wee Rup Swamp Historical Society Museum. In common with all our organisations they are run entirely by volunteers, and it is interesting to see the number of different people who volunteer for the many roles in the Society. The newsletter also promoted the October Cemetery walk at the Cranbourne cemetery – sadly it was cancelled once again.

Phillip Island & District Genealogical Society http://piadgs.org.au

From Reflections August 2021 – ‘The first meeting to form the Phillip Island and District Genealogical Society was held in the Phillip Island Library in June 1991 and the group was incorporated on 14 October 1991’. Congratulations on your 30^th birthday!

Phillip Island & District Historical Society   https://pidhs.org.au/

The June 2021 newsletter has an article on Bill Richardson’s Cottage built in 1876 in Rhyll. Bill was a jetty, boat and house builder. The July 2021 newsletter reports on another historic house in Rhyll – Heath Hill, built by James and Annie McIlwraith shortly after they moved to the Island in December 1868. There is also an article on two Shire Halls, the first one was opened in 1884 and burnt down in 1933. The next hall was built in 1934 and was used until 1978. The August 2021 newsletter features Rimutara, the house built in 1887 by William and Annie McFee in Rhyll. The September 2021 newsletter reports on the AGM – Graeme Clauscen – President; Anne Davie – Vice President; Judy Gittus -Treasurer, Pamela Rothfield -Secretary. Committee – John Jansson, Julie Box, Bruce Proctor, Gaye Cleeland, Bev Forrest, Phil Dressing and Doug Waugh. The featured Rhyll house this month is Stradbroke House, built in 1902 for William and Louisa Smith.

Rye Historical Society http://ryehistoricalsociety.weebly.com/

Whitecliffs July-September 2021 has a very informative and comprehensive article by Noel Erbs on the Canterbury Jetty. Canterbury was at one time the name for an area 4km west of Rye. The jetty was built in the 1870s. The newsletter also has a history of early boat wrecks off Rye by John Hazledine. October-December 2021 Whitecliffs looks at pre-World War One farming in the Rye area.

Somerville Tyabb & District Historical Society http://home.vicnet.net.au/~stdhs/

The July 2021 newsletter has an article on John Maddox, the Frankston hermit. There is also an article on the Somerville Hotel; a photo of the students at Tyabb State School in 1962 and an article on Edward and Mary Counsel. The Counsels were amongst the first settlers in Somerville.

Wonthaggi and District Historical Society http://www.wonthaggihistoricalsociety.org.au/

The essay in The Plod of July is on the history of Mitchell House, the Wonthaggi Neighbourhood Centre, which is housed in the Station Master’s Residence.  The August Plod essay looks at Alternate Energy where prior to electricity ‘residents utilised a wide variety of energy sources to “get the job done”.’ A variety of machines are discussed including the McIlwraith Stirrup Water Pump – energy required was physical effort and the Primus Blowtorch – kerosene. The September Plod essay has a history of the Hollins Selections, Crown Allotments 31 to 34, Parish of Wonthaggi, County of Mornington, selected in 1885 by the Hollins family. The article was written by Margaret Rixon (nee Hollins). The October Plod essay is part 1 of Hotels and Licensing in the Wonthaggi district – Kilcunda, Dalyston, Archies Creek and Wonthaggi.

This is a summary of some of the articles taken from the newsletters sent to the Secretary from SEHA Groups and Societies, June 2021. Compiled by Heather Arnold.

Balnarring & District Historical Society

The May 2021 Snippets has an article on Harvey Crimp, a teacher at Balnarring State School from 1913 from 1919; he and his wife Georgina were also involved in many community activities. Other articles are on Captain John Smith, who died at his property, Wingland, Merricks in 1898; Frank Johnson, who purchased a holiday house at Merricks in 1928, based on an interview with his grandson, Phil who is a keen sailor. The other story, Polling Day at Merricks, written by Wendy Doube is a lovely story about a day at the Merricks Polling Booth in 1968 with Phyllis Cole, of Larnoo, Merricks.

Brighton Cemetorians http://www.brightoncemetorians.org.au/

The Cemetorian has many interesting articles on the people buried at the Brighton Cemetery. The June 2021 issue includes Selina Powell (1881-1964), who nursed with the Imperial Nursing Service during World War One; James Goold (1820-1883), early pioneer; Paula Barry (1928-2017) teacher, Principal and author who received an A.M. in 2016 for services to primary education; and Arthur Rice (1881-1951), considered at one time to be the strongest man in Australia.

Chelsea and District Historical Society

The May newsletter reports on their AGM, the new President is Kaye Musgrove. The Chelsea Clock, a landmark on the Nepean Highway had been dismantled, brick by brick to make way for railway construction. It will eventually be reassembled in a new location. The June newsletter announced that Dr Graham Whitehead, City of Kingston Historian since 1997 is retiring. You can read some of Dr Whitehead’s research on the Kingston Local History website https://localhistory.kingston.vic.gov.au/

Hastings Western Port Historical Society  https://www.hwphs.org.au/

The June newsletter has part two of the history of the Hastings Boy Scouts, written by Lance Hodgins. Part one was in the March issue. Interesting story and the June article includes their attendance at the 1934/35 Scout Jamboree at Frankston – over 20,000 Scouts and Guides attended, with 35,000 spectators on New Year’s Day 1935 alone.

Koo Wee Rup Swamp Historical Society

The April newsletter has part two of a visit to the Koo Wee Rup region in 1886, an interesting look at the Swamp before drainage works started in 1889. The May newsletter has an article by Heather Arnold on Koalas at Yannathan; in 1887 a newspaper report said the area was swarming with ‘bears’ as koalas were called. There is also a report from the Koo Wee Rup Sun of September 7, 1981 of the centenary celebrations of the Yannathan Primary School. The June newsletter has an article, also by Heather Arnold, about the Koo Wee Rup Electric Light and Power Company, formed in 1927 to supply electricity to the town before S.E.C power arrived in 1935.

Lang Lang & District Historical Society http://www.langlang.net/historical.html

The June newsletter reports that the Society has recently received an elegant, carved lectern. It was donated in 1919 by the Head family of Yannathan to St John’s Anglican Church in Lang Lang. The Society also received some 16mm films from the late Gordon Sampson. They have since been digitised and one is of the 1956 Lang Lang Rodeo and another on the construction of the local water scheme, also in 1956.

Mordialloc College Alumni Association (MCAA) http://mordialloccollegealumni.org/

The March 2021 Ventured includes memories of past students, including Robyn Fleming who had completed Grade 6 at Somerville, then the family moved to Parkdale and she enrolled at the school in 1957, when she was still only ten years old. The Alumni Webmaster, Mitchell Sundstrom, was named the 2020 City of Kingston’s Young Citizen of the Year.

Mornington & District Historical Society  https://morningtondistricthistory.org.au/

The June newsletter reports on the refurbishment to the Museum including internal painting and new shelving courtesy of the local Mens Shed. One of their members, Libby Gillingham, knits scarves out of teabag strings. Each scarf requires about 9,000 strings. It is a laborious procedure – staples need to be removed, the strings are then tied together and then knitted in garter stitch – the ultimate in recycling, as the heading said. The scarves are used as raffle or auction prizes to raise money for charity.

Mornington Peninsula Family History Society https://www.mpfhs.org/

The May 2021 Past Times has an article by Sheryl Opie on Carl Niehoff, born in Hanover in 1820. He and his family make their way to Victoria where they operated a hotel in Talbot. Carl and his children were talented musicians and had a family band. There are topical newspaper reports from 1919 about quarantines and lockdowns in response to the Spanish Flu.

Narre Warren & District Family History Group http://nwfhg.org.au/

The May 2021 Spreading Branches has a story by Marianne Rocke on Fred and Annie Sheard, murdered in their house in Beaconsfield in 1921. The murderer was never found. The Group is the custodian of the Max Thomson collection of photographs and this issue features some of the photos of Harkaway and Beaconsfield Schools. The accompanying article was written by Eileen Durdin.

Phillip Island & District Genealogical Society http://piadgs.org.au

Reflections May 2021 has a story by Elaine Alexander on her 7th great-grandfather, James Pride (or Pryde c. 1678-1748). He was a collier from Prestonpans and worked at the Prestongrange Coal and Salt Works. At the time workers were not much better than slaves and in 1746 James and other family members petitioned Lord Prestongrange asking for improvements in their working conditions. It is unlikely it had any effect and emancipation of miners and salters in Scotland did not occur until 1799.

Phillip Island & District Historical Society  https://pidhs.org.au/

The May 2021 newsletter has an article on Jansson Cottage in Rhyll, built in 1892 for Captain Johan August Jansson and his wife, Hannah. Pamela Rothfield records 96 year-old Lorna Collins (nee McFee) memories of the worst storm in Victoria’s history on November 29 & 30, 1934. The conditions of this storm resulted in the loss of the Coramba, off Phillip Island. None of the seventeen crew members survived. The President of the Society, Graeme Clauscen, has recently written a book on the history of the Woolamai Surf Life Saving Club, Wild About Wooli.

Rye Historical Society http://ryehistoricalsociety.weebly.com/

Whitecliffs April-June 2021 includes an obituary of and a tribute to Pauline Powell, founding member and inaugural President of the Rye Historical Society. Pauline passed away in January this year. There is an article about ‘Welcome Homes’ to Rye service personnel in 1946, including some great photos.

Somerville Tyabb & District Historical Society http://home.vicnet.net.au/~stdhs/

The March newsletter has some interesting newspaper articles looking at various aspects of the area’s history including the sale in 1914 of Samuel Peacock’s Tyabb Park Estate.

Wonthaggi and District Historical Society http://www.wonthaggihistoricalsociety.org.au/

The essay in The Plod of April 2021 is by C. Landon, Shooting at North Wonthaggi, is about an incident in 1926 when Michael Dunne was shot at close range by his hunting partner, Henry Hitchings. His death was said to be instantaneous. There is an extensive look at the Coroner’s reports and the verdict was that it was an accident. The May Plod essay is an adaption of the presentation notes of Tony Hughes from the launch of his book, Two Rivers Run: the story of Gippsland’s first pioneer-settler, Samuel Anderson on May 1st, 2021. Tony’s book is available to purchase from the Historical Society. The June Plod essay is by Mark Robertson, The Joy of the Toy, a look at toys. Local resident, Edith Dowson, still has a doll she was given ninety years ago on her first birthday.  The Society has a pre-World War Two clockwork tin toy of a monkey riding a donkey. It is Tippco make. They also have a Mamod steam-powered wagon in the original box.

This is a summary of some of the articles taken from the newsletters sent to the Secretary from SEHA Groups and Societies, March 2021. Compiled by Heather Arnold.

Balnarring & District Historical Society
• The February 2021 Snippets has an article on Torcroft, formerly Westlea, by Tim Patkin. The property is situated in Clarke Street, Balnarring and was originally part of the Coolart run and later a part of smaller subdivisions. The original house was built in the 1910s. From the 1930s it was on around 60 acres and was operated as a sheep farm by Henry George Parker. The land was sub-divided again in the 1960s and 1970s and the original house replaced in the mid-1970s. The newsletter also has an article by Sarah Hale on Clare Major’s Ballet School, which was established in Balnarring in February 1973 and closed in 1988.

Brighton Cemetorians http://www.brightoncemetorians.org.au/
• The Cemetorian has many interesting articles on the people buried at the Brighton Cemetery. The March 2021 issue includes Frank Wisewould (1858-1926), father of Trentham doctor, Dr Gweneth Wisewould, who wrote that interesting book about her experiences in Outpost: a Doctor on the Divide; George Jane Ruse (1876-1963) First War veteran; Thomas Samuel Harrison (1862-1933) who established the Commonwealth note printing branch in 1912 and Mary Fisher (nee Hickling 1871-1934) State President of the Western Australia Country Women’s Association.

Chelsea and District Historical Society
• The Society have been working with a consultant to get their collection onto Victorian Collections.

Friends of Cheltenham & Regional Cemeteries http://www.focrc.org/
• Raves from the Graves December 2020 includes more memories of Fairlie Taylor and life in Cheltenham and Beaumaris from early times. There is an article on Dr Vera Scantlebury Brown (1889-1946) by Sue Beazley. Dr Scantlebury studied Medicine at Melbourne University, served in a Military Hospital in London during the War and on her return to Melbourne was appointed the Medical Officer of the Baby Health Centres Association. She was a pioneer in the area of infant welfare training and pre and ante natal care. Another article by Sue Beazley looks at the lives of John and Mary Booker, who came out to Victoria to work on Henry Dendy’s property at Brighton in 1842.
• The March 2021 Raves from the Graves has an article by Rosemary Reddick on Harriet Rowell (1852-1902, also called Harriet Elphinstone-Dick). Harriet was a champion swimmer and with her partner, Alice Moon, conducted swimming lessons, a Ladies Gymnasium and a restaurant, the Central Luncheon Tearooms, in Elizabeth Street.

Friends of Edithvale-Seaford Wetlands https://www.edithvale-seaford-wetlands.org/
• Glimpses: a history of FESWI. The Friends Group was formed in 1988 to protect and rehabilitate the Edithvale, Chelsea Heights, Carrum, and Seaford wetlands. They form an important part of our eco-system and are home to over 100 species of birds.

Hastings Western Port Historical Society http://www.hwphs.org.au/
• The December newsletter has a reminder to all of us that it is Western Port and not Westernport. It was named by George Bass in January 1789. The March newsletter has a history of the Hastings Boy Scouts, written by Lance Hodgins. The troop was established in February 1924.

Koo Wee Rup Swamp Historical Society
• The Koo Wee Rup Swamp Historical Society newsletter from December 2020 has an article looking at fierce storms in the area including a cyclone which hit Bayles in 1928 and lifted the roof of the butter factory and carried it half a mile away. The February 2021 newsletter looks at what happened in Koo Wee Rup in 1921 and the March newsletter has part one of a visit to the Koo Wee Rup region in 1886, an interesting look at the Swamp before drainage works started in 1889.
• The Museum has re-opened on the first and third Sundays from 1.30pm to 4.30pm.

Lang Lang & District Historical Society http://www.langlang.net/historical.html
• The January 2021 newsletter has an article on Thomas Cole (1810-1889) a founding member of the Horticultural Society of Victoria in 1861; family members took up land south of Lang Lang and operated pear orchards. There is also a short look at the history of local branch rail lines.

Mornington & District Historical Society https://morningtondistricthistory.org.au/
• The February/March newsletter has a short biography of David Shepherd, who was born in Somerville in 1926 and who is a local orchardist.

Mornington Peninsula Family History Society https://www.mpfhs.org/
• The Peninsula Past Times newsletter of February 2021 has an article by Leonie Marshall on Dr James Bathe (1815-1885) who owned land in the Pakenham area (Garem Gam and Toomah runs) and in 1856 formed the Victorian Jockey club. There is also an account of a tragic boating accident in Western Port, written by Marj Knight. Twelve-year-old Thomas Bell and his father Richard Bell were drowned when their boat overturned in June 1894. They lived on French Island.

Narre Warren & District Family History Group http://nwfhg.org.au/
• The February 2021 Spreading Branches has some highlights from their Casey Cardinia Remembers website http://www.caseycardiniaremembers.org.au/ and articles written by members of their family history discoveries. Their Research Room at the Cranbourne library has now re-opened. Bookings are essential, see their website for details.

Phillip Island & District Genealogical Society http://piadgs.org.au/
• The November 2020 Reflections includes the article 7 Family History Activities for when you can’t focus by Amy Johnson Crow. They are – lable photos; scan photos; share with family; interview family members; journal your experience; index records for Family Search and lastly, use the WANDER method – What do you want to find; Analyze what already have; Note what is missing; Discover new records; Evaluate everything and Repeat as Necessary.
• The February 2021 Reflections has a report on their Australia Day BBQ, a good chance for everyone to catch up after a year of lock-down.

Rye Historical Society http://ryehistoricalsociety.weebly.com/
• The Whitecliffs newsletter January-March has a comprehensive history of Pier Store or Stringer’s Store at Rye, which was established in the 1890s. The article was written by Ann and Noel Erbs.

Somerville Tyabb & District Historical Society http://home.vicnet.net.au/~stdhs/
• The December 2020 newsletter has a newspaper report of the June 1922 marriage of Norman Houfe and Edith Woodhouse at All Saints Church, Tyabb. There is also a lovely photo of the bridal party. Another article looks at the pioneers of Boes Road, Tyabb. As well there are some reprints of historic newspaper reports of local activities and obituaries.

Wonthaggi and District Historical Society http://www.wonthaggihistoricalsociety.org.au/
• The December 2020 Bulletin lists the January program of short talks on the history of Wonthaggi. Each talk went for 15 minutes and was held in the local park. The essay in the February 2021 Plod looks at two interesting items in their collection – a wheelchair and steel frame. They were donated by Mary Mabin whose twin uncles were polio victims. The boys, John and William McFarlane, spent two years in hospital. The boys had to sleep upright in the steel frame as it was hoped this would strengthen their legs, however John never recovered the use of his legs and spent his life in a wheelchair. It is a great article by C. L. Landon and a reminder of the impact of those childhood illnesses before vaccinations. The March Plod essay is by Sam Gatto and he talks about his first day in Australia – he arrived in January 1951 with his mother, brother and two sisters. His father had arrived 18 months previously. After spending the day in Melbourne, they took the train to their new home in Wonthaggi. Great story.
• The Society’s annual report lists some achievements including revamping the museum and updating the Inmagic catalogue and due to Covid 19 moving all communication on-line. They recorded 2,348 hours of volunteer time over the year. The 15-minute history sessions were very successful with a satisfactory attendance.
• The Society is hosting the launch of Tony Hughes’ book Two Rivers Run: the story of Gippsland’s first pioneer-settler, Samuel Anderson on May 1st, 2021.

This is a summary of some of the articles taken from the newsletters sent to the Secretary from SEHA Groups and Societies, November 2020. With Covid 19, our groups have had to close their Museums and Research rooms, and some have also stopped producing newsletters, but there are still some coming through. We are all doing the best we can under unusual circumstances. Let’s all hope we can get back to ‘normal’ in 2021 and re-open to the public and share our history in person again. Compiled by Heather Arnold.

Bass Valley
• The History of the Bass Valley area is recorded in the Western Port Times, a monthly on-line newsletter. You can access it through the Granville history website http://www.grantvillehistory.com.au/

Brighton Cemetorians   http://www.brightoncemetorians.org.au/
• The Cemetorian has many interesting articles on the people buried at the Brighton Cemetery. The September issue includes Sir Henry Cecil Colville (1891-1984), honorary paediatric surgeon at the Alfred Hospital, 1924-1951; Joseph Wolfenden (1850-1922) resident surgeon at the Dunolly hospital for 40 years and George Peter Desailly (1823-1876) Riverina pastoralist. The December issue includes John Plisch (1864-1933) Prahran baker; John Joseph Coffey (1871-1957), coachbuilder; Jan Learey (1820-1900) early East Brighton resident and Charles Brewer (1856-1925) Anglican Minister. All articles are written by Lois Comeadow.

City of Moorabbin Historical Society http://home.vicnet.net.au/~cmhsbcm/
• The Society turned 60 this year. Celebrations were limited due to the Covid 19 restrictions, but they had an interesting write-up in the Glen Eira News of October 2020. More information https://seha.org.au/moorabbin-historical-society-turns-60

Dandenong & District Historical Society http://ddhs.com.au/
• Their Annual report from 2019/2020 includes the following facts – their volunteers worked the equivalent of 253 days with 2,025 hours contributed by volunteers for the year. It would have been more, but the Research Room was closed from March 11, 2020 due to Covid 19 restrictions.

Friends of Cheltenham & Regional Cemeteries http://www.focrc.org/
• Raves from the Graves October 2020 includes more memories of Fairlie Taylor and life in Cheltenham and Beaumaris from early times. Sue Beazley has written an article on Charles William Morrison (1899-1943) a POW who died at the Hainan Island Prison Camp. He has a memorial plaque at the Cemetery. Sue has also written an article on Hector St Clair (1898-1932) English comedian, who died of consumption and is buried at the Cheltenham Pioneer Cemetery. Another comedian buried at Cheltenham is ‘Lucky’ Grills. His ashes were placed in his parent’s grave at the Cheltenham Memorial Cemetery.

Hastings Western Port Historical Society http://www.hwphs.org.au/
• The September 2020 newsletter has an article, by Linda Tredwell, on Dr Robert Dane, descended from a Tyabb family, who invented an unmanned surface vessel (USV) or sea-going drone. The drone is solar, wind and wave powered, and it can travel vast distances. His company, Ocius, was granted $5.5 million by the Australian Defence Department to test and develop a fleet of 6 USVs. This article is a reminder to us all that history is now, not just 100 years ago.

Heritage Hill, Dandenong
• Words of Wisdom Exhibition Curator’s Talk – this presentation explores the narratives of life as told and recorded through the printed word and features material from the City of Greater Dandenong Civic and Cultural Heritage Collection, Dandenong and District and Springvale and District historical society collections as well as private collections. You can view it on YouTube here https://youtu.be/ZlhVzhDCLnE

Koo Wee Rup Swamp Historical Society
• The September 2020 newsletter has part three of Henry Boxshall’s history of Yallock. It was written in 1957 and published in the Koo Wee Rup Sun in July 1968. The October newsletter takes a light-hearted look at the use of potatoes in health and beauty. The Koo Wee Rup Swamp used to be a major potato growing area. The November newsletter looks at Cora Lynn in 1907, the year the State School opened. It was written by Heather Arnold.

Mornington Peninsula Family History Society https://www.mpfhs.org/
• The Peninsula Past Times newsletter of November 2020 includes pages of useful genealogical resources as well as an article by Mary Vanderfeen on Robert Smith, a convict sent to Van Diemen’s Land who later became a publican at Geelong.

Narre Warren & District Family History Group http://nwfhg.org.au/
• The November 2020 Spreading Branches has an article by Lynne Bradley on the fall of Rabaul and the sinking of the Montevideo Maru, our greatest maritime disaster when over 1,000 lives were lost in 1942. Marianne Rocke has written an article on some of the interesting facts she gleaned from the Berwick State School registers.

Phillip Island & District Genealogical Society   http://piadgs.org.au/
• In the August 2020 Reflections newsletter Duncan McPherson writes about the 1919 Spanish Influenza epidemic which took four members of his wife’s extended family – Ada Spink and three of her children, 16-year-old Ada, 14-year-old Joshua and 13-year-old Herbert. The family lived at Salford, near Manchester.

Rye Historical Society    http://ryehistoricalsociety.weebly.com/
• The Whitecliffs newsletter October – December has a history of the Rye jetty, first constructed in 1866, written by Noel Erbs. Noel has also written a history of the tea-rooms on the Rye foreshore.

Wonthaggi and District Historical Society http://www.wonthaggihistoricalsociety.org.au/
• The essay in the October 2020 Plod is titled Thoughts on the Origins of the Street Names in the Old Part of North Wonthaggi and is written by Sam Gatto. Sam writes that the ‘suburbs’ of North Wonthaggi, Edgartown, Dudley and Hicksborough were not part of the State Model Town project of 1909/1910. They were private subdivisions, outside the boundaries of the proposed State Model Town’. Interesting read. The essay in the November Plod is an account of life on the Powlett River coal field from The Argus, 31 December 1909