President’s Report
Welcome to 2024 at Bathurst Family History Group – an exciting year in which we celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Group’s formation on 6 November 1984 when 34 enthusiastic people gathered in the hall at Bathurst Public School to establish a group. Throughout the year we will recognise this wonderful milestone with items from earlier copies of the Chimes and stories from our members regarding their personal family history journey. The Chimes Committee is looking for photos or artefacts relating to the Group over the years and also encourages everyone to consider writing a short paragraph about their time with BFHG – perhaps a special family history discovery, an activity enjoyed or reasons for joining the Group – in readiness for a souvenir edition of Chimes in November. Planning is also underway for a celebration in early November.
This year we aim to increase opportunities for our members and visitors to access our Research Centre by opening on the 1st Saturday of each month (check the calendar for dates) between 2pm and 4pm in addition to our regular times on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. We are indebted to our wonderful volunteers who open up on those days but remember that there may be days when a volunteer is unable to attend so, if travelling any distance, please let us know your plans so that we can ensure someone is in attendance. Our Centre is now accessed via the left-hand path around to the back of the building – please follow the signs – and we now enjoy air conditioned comfort! Over the holiday period our Centre has been thoroughly cleaned and additional shelving has been installed for our expanding collection. A huge THANK YOU to everyone who has assisted with these tasks in any way – your efforts in the on-going development of our Centre are greatly appreciated.
Bathurst Family History Group is once again offering activities during the 2024 Autumn Colours Heritage Festival which will be held from 14 March to 19 May. These tours are always enjoyable and well-researched to highlight fascinating stories of people and places in Bathurst.
· My Block Walking Tour explores the people and places in the block bounded by Keppel, Seymour, Russell and Havannah Streets. Sunday 17 March 10.00 – 12.00
· Bathurst Railway Precinct and neighbouring Milltown – from the time the railway arrived in Bathurst in April 1876 the nearby streets became home to railway workers and a thriving hub with the railway depot and good yards, flour mills and pubs catering to the needs of workers and people arriving by train. Sunday 24 March 10.30 – 12.30
· Cemetery Wander – explore a section of Bathurst General Cemetery and hear fascinating stories of prominent people, soldiers, photographers, a Machattie Park head gardener, tragic accidents, a gaoler and a builder. Saturday 13 April 1.30 – 3.30 OR Sunday 12 May 10.00 – 12.00
Bookings and further information available through Bathurst Visitor Information Centre or www.bathurstregion.com.au/autumn -in-bathurst/
Throughout the year there will be other opportunities to engage with the Group with programs being planned for guest speakers at General Meetings (please note that the AGM will now be held in October) and ZOOM sessions, Family History Month in August, a Graves and Grub outing and of course our 40th Birthday celebrations. We encourage everyone to join in the various activities, contribute to Chimes and also let us know any suggestions to help make 2024 truly a year to remember.
Jan Page
President