Ralph Hawkins at Hornsby

I recently attended a most entertaining talk, Blackmailing the Governor - Australia's First Strike, by Ralph Hawkins.

I was pleased to hear from Neil Chippendale, Local Studies Co-ordinator  at Hornsby Library, that Ralph will be presenting this talk at Hornsby Library, 28-44, George Street, Hornsby, on Thursday June 13th at 6:30 pm. The cost for this event is $5.00

If you would like to hear Ralph discuss his latest research you can book by 'phoning 02 9847-6614.
For further information phone Hornsby Local Studies: 9847 6807

World War 1 Project

As you may know I am a member of the Ku-ring-gai Historical Society. My duties include maintaining the Society Blog and Facebook page and serving on the Society Committee. As a relatively new member I am still learning the ropes and finding ways in which I can help out. I have recently joined up with a small group of enthusiastic volunteers who are working to put together a publication commemorating the centenary of WWI.

Do you have a Ku-ring-gai WWI ancestor?

The focus at the moment is on researching soldiers whose names are listed on Ku-ring-gai memorials. We are interested in seeking families of Ku-ring-gai military and also in gathering any WWI photos or other Ku-ring-gai related memorabilia that may be available.

If you think you can assist us please contact Kathie Rieth from the WWI Project Group through KHS at 02 9499 4568 or via the Society email khs@khs.org.au.

William Cox Festival

Two of my convicts, James Westbrook and William Madgwick worked on the building of the road over the Blue Mountains by William Cox.

I was interested to read that the Nepean District Historical Society is hosting a mini William Cox Festival at the Arms of Australia Inn on Sunday 26th May.

The William Cox Festival will celebrate the building of a road across the Blue Mountains. Construction
started on July 7, 1814 at Emu Plains and finished on January 14,1815.  The road opened
up inland New South Wales to European settlement. As a result of their work on this road my two convicts received their Conditional Pardons.

Details of this event can be found in the Society newsletter that is published online at http://www.nepeanhistoricalsociety.org.au/imgedit/show_news1.php?id=1

At sea with Family Historian

I am taking advantage of a day at sea to set up my genealogy software, Family Historian, on my new
 travel laptop that I purchased a few weeks ago in New York at the tech toy lovers mecca, B&H Photographics (note to Aussies - you can order online from this company).

When I was in Salt Lake City and New York recently I learnt more about Mr Geniaus' Gowans ancestors and I am anxious to add the information to my database. I have been neglecting my genealogy lately as I have been immersing in my latest travel adventure but I must get on track and get organised before I take off for a few days research in London at the end of next month.

Another catalyst for downloading the software is that I have heard from sources in the UK and my Family Historian User group in Australia that Family Historian guru, Jane Taubman, will be speaking on the next Unlock the Past Genealogy Cruise around Australia. Poor Jane may have to hide for me as I will be first in the queue to enlist her help.

While I have been writing this post the software has downloaded and is ready to be installed so I must away.

Postscript 10 mins later - software successfully downloaded, data imported, synched with big computer at home via Dropbox.  How easy was that?