The 2007-08 year for the Lithgow and Regional Branch of the National Trust of Australia (NSW) has continued the branch’s impressive record as a defender and preserver of Australia’s heritage in the area.
The Lithgow heritage region is large, encompassing Lithgow City, Wallerawang, Portland, Rydal and Mt Lambie, Hartley Valley and Kanimbla Valley.
During the six years since it was formed in 2002 the branch has been active in all the areas.
At the branch annual general meeting president Danny Whitty presented his report.
The built and landscape heritage of Wallerawang has been a focus of preservation efforts.
The pines in the Memorial Avenue in Main Street, Wallerawang, commemorating the service of local soldiers in World War I, were planted in 1928, and were nearing the end of their life.
The 80 year old, dying pines have been removed leaving the 12 oaks.
The site has been cleared and planting of young oaks has commenced.
Eighty to 90 years is the limit for pines.
The English oaks, which have a lifespan of hundreds of years in colder regions of the northern hemisphere, can be expected to have a life of 150 years.
The unknown location of service mains has caused a hold-up but planting will continue when the mains alignment is determined.
The Charles Darwin Monument in tree shaded Charles Darwin Park overlooking Lake Wallace suffered from vandalism about a year after it was unveiled by Her Excellency Marie Bashir, Governor of NSW.
The Darwin Monument was a project especially adopted by the late John Wellings of Rydal (Lithgow Regional Branch president for 2005 and 2006).
It commemorated the visit of the world famous scientist and author of “ The Origin of Species” to Wallerawang in 1833, when he observed the echidna, and the platypus, which he considered a confirmation of his theory of evolution.
Vandals ripped the brass dedication plaque from the granite boulder monument.
John Wellings’ partner, Anne Krone of “Rydalmount,” commissioned the design and construction of a metal sculpture by Tim Johnman of Lithgow Pottery to enhance and protect the monument.
The sculpture features the platypus, a river yabbie and water grasses.
Delta Electricity made a donation of $1600 to the replacement of the plaque.
Organisation of restoration of the sandstone grave stones of infant Eliza Rodd at Glenroy on the property of Brad and Rose Barber also continues.
Eliza was the daughter of James Rodd, Colour Sergeant of the 39th Dorsetshire Regiment, stationed at Glenroy in 1831.
The Rodd family had a colourful military history.
Eliza’s father fought in the Duke of Wellington’s forces in the Napoleonic wars in France.
After the death of Eliza the regiment was transferred to India where Eliza’s father was killed.
Her two brothers joined the regiment and James junior later became Colour Sergeant.
He was killed in the Crimean war, but was survived by a young, pregnant wife.
The descendants of young James Rodd are residents of Western Australia.
They visited the gravesite at Glenroy in 2008 and have offered to contribute to the restoration of Eliza’s grave.
Lithgow branch raised $1350 towards the cost from a National Trust Women’s Committee tour of the historic houses of Little Hartley, organised by branch committee member Marcia Osterberg-Olsen and catered by Barry Wilton and Pat Connell.
Mr and Mrs Barber are contributing the balance of funds and Mr Barber has fenced the site.
Cemeteries monument conservation expert Satch Killum of Ontario, Canada contributed the conservation report.
Restoration, to commence early 2009, will be carried out by heritage monument restorer Jasper Swann of Annandale.
A monument the Lithgow members are still striving to preserve is the Small Arms Factory chimney.
This 30 metre high brick chimney is a Lithgow landmark recalling the years of World Wars I and II when the factory produced the famous Lee Enfield .303 rifles, and employed over 6000 men and women.
Thanks to committee member Ian Milliss, talks with State Planning on the chimney’s future are continuing.
Heritage tours of Wallerawang, Rydal and Mt Lambie with a camp oven dinner hosted by Lindsay and Laurie Green at their “Bark Ridge”, Hampton, property, were organised by Anne Krone and vice president Patsy Moppett.
Martin Doherty sang his gently nostalgic Irish ballads by kerosene lantern light, the Dodgy Sisters comedy songs and recitations were light-hearted fun, and Mrs Amy Bruce of Lidsdale recited her own Australian poems, including a tribute to the farm wood-heap.
Deb McGrath of Lithgow Council was a guest speaker during the year, describing the curatorship of Eskbank House.
Vice president Patsy Moppett sewed a beautiful patchwork quilt copying the design of the alter tiles at St Johns Church, Wallerawang.
The quilt is to be a gift to St Johns.
John Neish, Chief Executive Officer of The National Trust of Australia (NSW), visited Lithgow Branch in October to hold discussions on the Branch’s future needs, and views on the mission and administration of the parent body.
The executive for 2008-2009 is: President, Danny Whitty; vice president Marcia Osterberg-Olsen; secretary, Lyn Fowler; treasurer (temporary), Annette Gilby; committee, Pat Connell, John Facchina, Graham Johnson, Cheryl Kenny, Ian Milliss and Robyn Whitty.