75 years ago Christmas came early

 In 1949 Mrs A Lee of Teralba got a big surprise. 

1949 'LOTTERY WIN AS XMAS GIFT', Daily Mirror (Sydney, NSW : 1941 - 1955), 23 December, p. 3. (Late Final Extra 3), viewed 20 Dec 2024, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article273595357

Festive Fun

Who will take home the delicious hampers?

It was smiles all round at the Lake Macquarie Family History Group meeting today as members gathered to celebrate a successful year. 

Our day started with a lively Discussion Group led by Committee Member, Jan. Jan supplied members with a Christmas themed prompt and, in turn, we dived into the recesses of our memory to share our responses. We all enjoyed our trip down memory lane.

Some of the prompts were:
What smell conjures up Christmas memories for you?
What is your first Christmas memory?
What did you do on Boxing Day?
What is your resolution for next year?

While the catering ladies set up our buffet lunch we had a very short formal meeting.

President Patrick and Secretary Valda lead our meeting

Librarian Linda prepares the Punch

Lunch is ready

During our very long lunch our photographer took the opportunity to record some of our members' smiling faces.

After some time to clean up President Patrick called for order so that the draw for the hampers could proceed.

Patrick playing Santa

A lucky winner draws the next prize

Winners are grinners

Thanks to all who contributed to the success of this event. 

We wish you and your loved ones a Joyous Holiday Season and a Bountiful New Year. 

Remembering Thomas Rossiter

In December 1924 there were many reports in rural newspapers announcing the accidental death of  Thomas Rossiter, a 16 year old youth.

1924 'FATAL GUN EXPLOSION', Northern Star (Lismore, NSW : 1876 - 1954), 2 December, p. 5. , viewed 09 Dec 2024, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article93466583

While those articles gave little information on  the circumstances surrounding Thomas' death the reports of the subsequent  funeral  and coronial enquiry relate the story of this mishap.

1924 'FATAL SHOOTING', The Newcastle Sun (NSW : 1918 - 1954), 2 December, p. 1. , viewed 09 Dec 2024, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article163256624

1924 'LAKE SHOOTING ACCIDENT', Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954), 9 December, p. 4. , viewed 09 Dec 2024, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article137774378

Thomas Leslie James Rossiter was interred in Catherine Hill Bay Cemetery/
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/152864907/thomas-james_leslie-rossiter

Thanks to reader and local historian, Ros Cheetham, who after reading this post supplied a current image of  Thomas' grave.

Photo by Ros Cheetham - August 2024

Festivities

 

Vale Warren James Oliver - 1937-2024

Members of The Lake Macquarie Family History Group Group were saddened to hear of the death of Warren Oliver, our past secretary, in hospital on 9th September, 2024,

Warren Oliver 2021

Warren James Oliver was born on June 24,1937 in Sydney, New South Wales. From an early age, Warren showed a love for his home and community. He spent his childhood and teenage years in the Sydney suburb of Northbridge, where he played water polo and rugby and formed friendships that lasted a lifetime.

In 1958, when living in Laguna Road, Northbridge, Warren began his career as a cadet engineer. His ambition and dedication to engineering led him to North Sydney Technical College, where he completed his training. In 1963 he added to his qualifications when he graduated from the University of New South Wales with a degree in engineering, officially launching a successful career that would span decades.

Warren's personal life blossomed alongside his professional achievements. In 1962, he met the love of his life, Louise Maria Taylor, on a blind date. A year later, in 1963, they were married in Sydney, and set up their first home in Stafford Road, Artarmon, marking the beginning of a lifelong partnership filled with love, support, and adventure.

In 1965, Warren and his young family moved to Cobar, in western New South Wales, where he accepted a position as Shire Engineer, overseeing a vast area of 44,000 square kilometres. He served in this role for an impressive 29 years, dedicating himself to the community and its development. While living in Cobar, an isolated area, Warren's passion for flying grew, and he earned his pilot's license, even owning his own plane.

When Warren retired from his role as Shire Engineer, he and Louise relocated to the serene shores of Lake Macquarie at Bolton Point. Even in retirement, Warren couldn’t resist working, often taking on consultative engineering jobs in Western New South Wales. His strong sense of duty extended beyond his work life; he was actively involved in several community organizations and continued his service to others.

One of Warren’s lifelong hobbies was stamp collecting, a passion that began in his youth and grew throughout his life. He became a dedicated member of the Newcastle Philatelic Society where he won the 2014 Annual Award in the experienced section for his entry “The New South Wales Sydney Views” a display covering the Id, 2d and 3d stamp issues.  His stamp collection was a testament to his meticulous nature and deep interest in history and culture.

Warren was also a dedicated member of the Rotary Club of Toronto, where he exemplified the Rotary motto, "Service Above Self." Whether selling raffle tickets in the main street of Toronto or organizing charity events, he always found ways to give back to the community. As a member of the Fellowship of Flying Rotarians, he even helped organise and flew in a circumnavigation of Australia to raise funds for the eradication of polio.

In addition to his engineering and community work, Warren was deeply engaged in various hobbies. He was an avid walker. As a leader of a local walking group Warren  organised walks and distributed detailed brochures of Group programs for fellow members . His extensive knowledge of walking tracks around the Hunter Region and Sydney earned him widespread respect among fellow walkers.

He was also involved in the Lake Macquarie Family History Group, Warren Oliver joined Group on 18 November 2000 and became a keen and valued member of the group. Warren took on the role of Hon Secretary in 2004, a role he held until 2023.

While fulfilling the demanding role of Secretary, Warren has also helped in other areas of organisation such as Group Outings, setting up and helping with the Group’s table display at historical society seminar days and group functions. He conscientiously communicated with members sending notices and forwarding eJournals from other societies. He regularly attended general meetings and research days helping many members and visitors with the difficult task of understanding their Irish Heritage.

Warren has assisted with researching, transcribing, entering and proof-reading data for our publications, including, Pioneers and Settlers of Lake Macquarie, St Matthews Church of England Windsor Parish Registers (4 volumes), Whitebridge and Belmont Cemeteries, and R.M. Evans and Sons Funeral Directors.

His dedication to local history and genealogy was recognized with a prestigious Certificate of Achievement from the Royal Australian Historical Society in 2021. Warren was also the recipient of a Community Award in 2022.

Warren and Louise shared a love of travel, both within Australia and internationally, exploring new places together throughout their retirement. Louise passed away in 2016, but Warren continued to live in their home at Bolton Point, maintaining close ties to his community and family. The couple had two children, a daughter and a son, and four grandchildren, all of whom were a source of pride and joy in Warren's life.

A man of quiet leadership, Warren preferred to serve rather than lead from the front. He was a problem solver, dedicated to his community, family, and the pursuit of knowledge. His love for reading and learning never waned, and his contributions to his local family history group, Rotary, philatelic society, and other organizations were invaluable.

Warren passed away in hospital on September 9, 2024, just a few months after celebrating his 87th birthday. He leaves behind a legacy of service, friendship, family, and community that will be cherished by all who knew him.

At his funeral service, held on September 23, 2024 at the Toronto Uniting Church, the large congregation and tributes from family members and local groups were a testament to the impact Warren had on his community. It was a celebration of a life lived in the spirit of service above self.

September Meeting

 Visitors are always welcome to our monthly meetings.

Annual Open Day

Please join us for our Annual Open Day with Guests Andrew Redfern, Amelia Young and Peter Capomolla Moore

RSVP to teasurer@lmfhg.org.ay by & March 2024

Explore your roots in 2024