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. 

Season's Greetings

Greetings

 

Greetings to you

 

Trove Tuesday - Christmas Greetings from Pepe.

 Back in 1972 Lake Macquarie resident, Mrs Harris, had a budgerigar called Pepe who "shrieks in mid-conversation, "Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year."

Following is an excerpt from the story of of Mrs Harris and her remarkable bird. You can read the article in full here: http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article51777104

1972 'Mrs. Harris's clever budgie', The Australian Women's Weekly (1933 - 1982), 29 November, p. 23. , viewed 20 Dec 2020, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article51777104

Trove Tuesday - Christmas Preparations

Christmas has always been enthusiastically celebrated around Lake Macquarie.

Santa on the Lake 24 December 2017 (Photo - J. Ball)

 These few snippets from Trove provide a glimpse into activities in the past. 

1932 'RUSH TO THE LAKE.', Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954), 22 December, p. 6. , viewed 07 Dec 2020, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article135487311

1933 'LAKE MACQUARIE SHIRE', Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954), 13 December, p. 8. , viewed 07 Dec 2020, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article136697362

 

1946 'Pensioners' Party At Swansea', Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954), 19 December, p. 7. , viewed 07 Dec 2020, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article133157345

1948 'BELMONT CHRISTMAS PARTY', Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954), 4 December, p. 3. , viewed 07 Dec 2020, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article140344376

1950 'LAKE CARNIVAL', Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954), 6 December, p. 4. , viewed 07 Dec 2020, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article134380020

1937 'PARTIES ARRANGED', Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954), 16 December, p. 5. , viewed 07 Dec 2020, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article134995509