Greetings fellow St. George Historical Society Inc members,
Without doubt, this past year has proven to be the most logistically challenging yet reinvigorating year in the life of the St. George Historical Society Inc. for many, many years. The historical ‘jewel in Bayside City Council’s crown’ and the home of our society, Lydham Hall has like the proverbial phoenix, risen from the ashes. The exterior is resplendent under a superbly restored slate roof, with all verandah trimmings repainted and the surrounding gardens looking neat, well cared for and becoming for the gracious sandstone house set in their midst. Meanwhile, the interior is while still a work in progress, nonetheless tastefully set-up, being both clean and welcoming. The throngs of visitors, which average 90+ on the monthly Open Days are quite effusive in their praise of the house and its grounds. The proof as they say is in the pudding….Or rather, the Devonshire teas, pumpkin soup and beverages served on the rear verandah with its delightful view over the garden. It is wonderful to see young and the ‘young at heart’ relaxed and partaking in fellowship, food and fun. The Open Days are only possible due to the untiring enthusiasm and unstinting labours of the Society’s volunteers. The charismatic Tina and her willing team of fellow volunteers, whose ‘sleeves rolled-up, get the job done attitude’ keep the doors open and the kettle boiling. I take this opportunity to thank Tina for her dogged determination to persevere notwithstanding a very challenging year with ailing parents, house renovations, property sale and retirement, to name but a few matters. To mention specific volunteers would be imprudent, as I would invariably miss others of equal merit. Suffice to say, thank you to those volunteers who take tours and interact with visitors, prepare and serve food, sell merchandise, take admissions and sales, plus keep the house and grounds in a very presentable state. Many thanks all!
I would like to thank Robert McGarn for his quiet and efficient undertaking of his Public Officer and Vice Presidential tasks, Anne Field for her very determined and proficient efforts to raise the Society’s profile as Publicity Officer and her dedication to the upcoming Christmas in July dinner, which is the Society’s inaugural fund raising event this season. Barry Johnson aside from capturing and recording the lion’s share of funds generated at Lydham Hall, or at meetings and other events, is also working assiduously behind the scenes to maintain the Society’s website and Facebook pages, plus ensure proper accounting records are kept including provision of Annual Financial statements. Laurice Bondfield could well be said to be a ‘trooper’, the last six months in particular have not been kind to her as regards her health. Nevertheless, she has soldiered on and has expertly recorded minutes, drafted correspondence, worked on the Society’s newsletter, coordinated speakers and afternoon teas as well as ‘keeping me on track’, which is no mean feat!
I come back once more to Tina, who has been the mainstay of the Society’s operations at Lydham Hall. Tina has worked tirelessly and painstakingly concerning the complex and intense negotiations had with Bayside City Council. She continues to play a key role in our negotiations with Council. Many thanks Tina, we are indeed indebted to you. Finally, thank you to all members who assist with ideas, logistical support, an encouraging word here and there, plus honour the Society with your presence. I cast my eyes around recent meetings and see members from of old, but increasingly, ‘new blood’, almost all stemming from the Lydham Hall Open Days. I am confident the balance of 2024 will prove to be a most excellent and fulfilling year for the Society and all fellow members. Onwards and upwards!
Madam Secretary kindly provided me with a summary of the last 12 months’ speakers. The monthly meetings have seen nautical themed topics such as the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust, The Shark Arm Case, Anne Field’s ‘Message in a Bottle’ and a History of St George Sailing Club. Other themes explored local areas such as talks on World War 2 in Arncliffe, Growing up in Dolls Point, Zofia Laba’s presentation on local leadlight window artist John Radecki, Janette Pelosi’s Joseph Davis: From Lidham Hill to Lydham Hall and finally the more broad brushed Reluctant Pioneers which provided a fascinating account of life in the early days of the Colony presented by Beverley Earnshaw.
Especial mention must be made of the February Grand Reopening of the Lydham Hall museum. This event was well patronised by Bayside and Georges River Councillors including Bayside City Mayor, Bill Saravinovski who fittingly launched the reopening, Local History librarians for Bayside City and other councils, office bearers and members of other historical societies, members of other community groups, members and friends. The day was warm (as ‘hot as Hades’ in the 1970s kitchen), but the goodwill and enthusiasm of all present were an excellent counterfoil. This event made-up for all of the days, weeks, months and years of a house in disrepair and a collection in moth balls and desperately in need of some tender loving care.
Whilst we have gained many new members, we also need to acknowledge the sad passing of Mr. Peter Orlovich which was advised by Olga Sedneva. Peter had originally joined the Society in the 1960s and his research and first hand acquaintanceship with early members of the Society, as well as the late authoress Christina Stead as identified by Olga Sedneva, provided others with a wealth of knowledge, which is still being investigated. A well done is also due to our fellow member Jeanette Pelosi who was recognised for her contribution to the annual Ron Rathbone Local History Award competition and also to Olga Sedneva, an independent scholar for her entry too. Well done ladies!
It is necessary to look to the past, but even more important to consider the future. The Christmas in July fund raising dinner which is being held at the Bexley RSL Club is scheduled for next Tuesday night. Anne Field has been the mastermind behind this excellent initiative. We have about 60 confirmed bookings and the evening should be replete with fine fellowship, food, friendliness and fun. Thank you to Laurel Horton for assisting with organising the trivia and local artist, Pamela Griffith, who has most generously donated a painting for which raffle tickets are now on sale. Pamela will speak about the painting at the dinner. Other events are being planned for the Society in the general area and at Lydham Hall, so stay tuned!
With all good wishes,
Wesley Fairhall
President, St. George Historical Society Inc.