~9th July 2003 ~  

Copies of the current Hawkesbury Family History Group Meeting news sheet including archived copies can be accessed at http://www.hawkesbury.net.au/community/053.html

MEETING DATES 2003

BUS TRIP TO THE STATE LIBRARY

Friends of Hawkesbury Library (FOHL) have organised a bus trip into the State Library of NSW in Sydney on Thursday 31st July 2003, departing Windsor Library at 8.45am, returning 4pm. You get a guided tour of the library including the Mitchell library's vast collection of Australian history and the stack 9 floors down. See the various services provide to the public. Check out the "Heritage Collection : a display of Treasures" & experience first hand the range and richness of the Library's collection of manuscripts, maps, rare books, paintings, photographs including Bligh's 'Mutiny on the Bounty' log; Captain Cook relics; Shakespeare's first Folio; First Fleet journals & Bodyline memorabilia. Also on display is the "Australian sporting greats" showcasing Australian's sporting achievements. The cost is $20 per person includes morning tea. (Lunch at own expense) Tickets are limited, contact the library on 4560-4460 or visit Windsor or Richmond libraries.

STATE RECORDS NEW ELECTRONIC NEWSLETTER - NOW&THEN 

Now&Then is a new electronic newsletter for anyone interested in the State archives of NSW & published by State Records. You can view a copy on the State Records website at www.records.nsw.gov.au/publications/now&then/ or you can subscribe by simply sending an email containing your telephone number & request to subscribe to : Martyn Killion at marketing@records.nsw.gov.au

BAILEY - CRY FOR HELP

Descendant of William Bailey & Ann [Nancy] Archer, is looking for additional information on their two sons John and William Bailey for a future publication on the Bailey family. John was married to Elizabeth Smith & Eleanor Perkins, and William was married to Margaret Bradley Jones & Jane Knight. Any assistance appreciated contact Trevor Phee, 24 Bibby Street, Hamilton 2303 Email t.phee@bigpond.com 

SAVE THE 2006 CENSUS 

For many years family historians have tried to change the policy of destroying census forms after statistical data has been extracted, in Australia. In 2001 (as part of the Centenary of Federation celebrations) a trial took place which allowed individuals to request their forms to be retained. 53% of the population chose to retain their name identifiable data which is now housed at the National Archives until the year 2100. As the 2001 was only a trial, there was no commitment to retain future censuses and the Australian Bureau of Statistics has recently released its proposals for the 2006 census, and is asking for submissions to be in by 30 July 2003. It is VITAL that all family historians (including friends and family) make a personal submission by the 30th July 2003 requesting the following :

That all forms in the 2006 & future Census in Australia should be retained by the National Archives in Australia because they are an invaluable record of Australian history, particularly local & family history. The census is the only public record that records the name, address and occupation of every Australian. No other sources has this national coverage. At the very least, shift the default option to retention of the form i.e. requiring individuals to specifically "opt out" of retention, rather than "opt in"...as per Question 50 (2001 census).

Send your submissions (including your name, address, telephone, email (if applicable) and make sure you sign and date the letter. Submissions can be sent via email to roslyn.harvie@abs.gov.au or posted to Roslyn Harvie, Population Census Development, Australian Bureau if Statistics, Locked Bag 10, Belconnen ACT 2016.

ROUSE HILL ESTATE - CHANGE OF OPENING DAYS 

The Historic Houses Trust of NSW have advised as of the 1st July 2003, the Rouse Hill Estate will now open to visitors on Wednesdays, Thursdays & Sundays from 10am to 2pm. Tours depart regularly during opening hours and admission costs are $7 for adults, $3 concessions, contact 9627 6777. Also there is an exhibition starting on the 23 July called "Woven Magic" looking at costumes and textiles.

ST. MATTHEW'S CHURCH OF ENGLAND/ANGLICAN, WINDSOR 

James Gough was the joiner who was involved in repairs to the ceiling and window sashes at St. Matthew's Church of England, Windsor in 1824. He also built the original cedar font, pulpit and communion table. The cut down choir pews are probably all that remains of his work. Marion Starr & Ralph Hawkins are investigating the whereabouts of the original font and pulpit. In Early Days at Windsor pp.94-5, James Steele mentions that the old pulpit was in use in Vineyard Church at the time of writing in 1916. If anyone has any knowledge please contact Marion on twinks@ozemail.com.au 

ROOKWOOD CEMETERY OPEN DAY 2003 

Open day will be held on Sunday 19th October 2003 between 9am & 4pm. The them is "More than 135 years of history at Rookwood" Enquiries to Friends of Rookwood Inc. (02) 9499-2415.

NEW LOCAL STUDIES ITEMS AVAILABLE TO CONSULT 

A nimble fingered tribe : the convicts of the Sugar Cane, Ireland to Botany Bay, 1793 / HALL Shelved at RL929.3944 HAL (includes many Hawkesbury convicts)

REMINDERS HAWKESBURY HOMECOMING - HAWKESBURY PIONEER FAMILIES REUNION 

Will be held on the weekend of 29th & 30th November 2003, from 9.30 am to 3.30 pm at Windsor High School Hall, Mulgrave Road, McGraths Hill. The reunion is being organised by Lesley Uebel ckennedy@bigpond.net.au Norma & Ian McLean and Coralie Hird. Entrance Fee is $5, Children under 16 Free (Fee covers a person attending either one day or both days) For more information see http://users.bigpond.net.au/convicts/page154.html 

SURFING THE INTERNET……. SITES FOR FAMILY HISTORIANS 

Members with internet access should check out the following interesting sites. The Library has free access to the internet, contact 4560 4460 for bookings. Richmond also has access, for bookings phone 4578 2002.

British Pathe Film Archives 1896 - 1970 ~ www.britishpathe.com

Convict Central ~ www.convictcentral.com/

All Ireland Sources Newsletter (AISN) (Bringing attention to Irish record sources to the Australian genealogist) ~ www.sag.org.au/new/aisn.htm

Mangrove Creek Schools ~ http://www.crosskeys.net/schoolspublish/schools.html

The Daniel Family Genealogy website ~ http://users.tpg.com.au/ldaniel/daniel/index.htm

Early Church Reference Codes (used in conjunction with the Pre 1856 NSW BDM index) ~ http://users.bigpond.net.au/convicts/page7.html

~ Let us know of sites, that you have tried with (or without) success ~