This report is being written on the cusp of what I trust will be the renaissance of the St. George Historical Society Inc. Members are doubtlessly aware of the seemingly unending delays, numerous meetings with Bayside Council and remaining members of the former Lydham Hall Management Committee. What a tiring and often exasperating 24+ months! But there is light at the end of the tunnel, as we will soon have keys to Lydham Hall!! Keys of course facilitate access to our treasured collection and access will necessarily involve a great deal of work with cleaning, other interior maintenance, reinstating the collection and much overdue cataloguing. It will be very much a case of ‘all hands on deck’!
Whilst members of the Executive have all played their part, Tina Workman has shouldered (often single handed), the great bulk of the correspondence, logistical organisation and spearheaded negotiations with Council and other stake holders. Aside from commencing the daunting task of resurrecting the Society’s collection, Tina has to date successfully obtained grants for much required infrastructure updates – chairs, computer, desk, filing cabinets and much more! Tina will also be preparing a schedule of tasks and a corresponding roster for members to help as often as is practicable. The Society is indeed indebted to Tina for going ‘above and beyond the call of duty’. Mention should also be made of the rebirthed newsletter, a joint initiative with Laurice following the cessation of Council funding. This ‘slimmed down’ publication is designed to find a balance between historical information and the happenings of the Society. Thank you Tina!
In our largely ‘living with COVID reality’, the Society has been able to meet unencumbered by plague or other malaise. Our dedicated Secretary Laurice, aside from recording the minutes of meetings with great attention to detail, has also secured a varied and interesting range of speakers, a number of whom were noteworthy winners, finalists or commendable entrants in recent Ron Rathbone Annual History Prize competitions. The logistics of sourcing speakers is not easy and can be quite time consuming. Laurice has also worked hard with keeping members in the ‘communications loop’, which as noted earlier, includes contributing to the newsletter. The personal experiences of Elaine Phillips and Diane McCarthy also assisted in the format of the revamped on-line newsletter.
Laurice also replies to and assists with enquiries concerning the local area from members of the public, a recent case in point, being the letter from a Mr. Paul Street concerning a plaque to the late Sydney Owen. Who can forget Laurice’s expert handling of necessary Constitution changes (with feedback from other Executive members and Janette Pelosi) at the last AGM! Thanks also to Laurice for providing the bulk of the afternoon teas members and guests readily enjoy at each meeting.
Our Treasurer, Barry Johnson has quietly maintained the Society on an even financial keel. He has initiated on-line banking and works hard to find productivity improvements and economies; every cent saved helps! Barry has also considerably improved the Society’s website, as well as the Facebook page, and the addition of past newsletters makes for a great community resource.
Anne Field and Robert McGarn have also played their parts in providing wise counsel and constructive feedback as regards the negotiations with Council and other stakeholders. Thank you Anne and Robert, the latter of whom should also be acknowledged for his dedicated undertaking of the role of Public Officer.
Finally, thank you to all members who contribute ideas, provide feedback, supplement the food at the Society’s afternoon teas, offer words of encouragement and attend our meetings. Without your commitment, there would be not be a St. George Historical Society! Please keep on keeping on.
One sad event which I would be remiss in not acknowledging, was the recent passing of Beverley Scott. Bev was a faithful member and a tireless worker at many a Lydham Hall event. She was never shy in contributing a helping hand or expressing a point of view. To Fred and family, we extend our corporate condolences on the loss of a much loved and esteemed wife, mother and grandmother. Bev will truly be missed.
So what of the 2023-24 Financial year? Our July meeting will of course be the Society’s AGM. This is an opportunity for all members to contribute to the continued operation of the Society. Laurice has published a list of the Executive roles for your consideration. Please do not feel shy at ‘stepping-up’. No roles are sacrosanct or the sole domain of any one individual. Please feel free to enquire prior to the AGM if you are interested in a particular role, or even consider joining the committee.
The Executive is mindful of the need to re-engage with the wider community. To this end, the Society gifted a pack of our late member Gifford Eardley’ local history books to Campbelltown City Library for an exhibition on his art in their local area. Further book donations were made to Bexley Public and St. Mary and St. Mina Coptic Orthodox schools. In the future, some of this interaction will be via exhibitions and other events at Lydham Hall. However, there will be other opportunities such as walking tours and possibly other excursions to visit an historic precinct, building or area of scenic charm. Your ideas for outings would be welcome; feel free to contact Laurice or myself with suggestions. Similarly, if you have an idea or a burning desire for a themed exhibition in Lydham Hall or for an event of a different nature in this building or its grounds, please have a chat with Tina. Perhaps you have skills in arts or crafts, or know of others who have? Together we can truly make for a ground breaking year ahead.
I sincerely wish all members good health and look forward to meeting with as many of you as possible at the July 2023 A.G.M. Thank you for all of your help and well wishes.
Take care,
Wesley Fairhall
President, St. George Historical Society Inc.