NATIONAL TRUST OF AUSTRALIA Heritage in Trust
(ACT)
February 2015
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Alisha Wigley’s delightful animation about the Viscount of Dunrossil who was buried at St John’s churchyard
Canberra Tracks heritage interpretation—10 years on Following on the article in Heritage in Trust in November 2014 regarding the ANU’s Mt Stromlo Heritage Trail app, Linda Roberts introduces us to the new ACT Government app for Heritage Trails. An exciting collaboration with the University of Canberra has brought to life many of the signs placed on the eight self-drive heritage trails in the ACT. A new app for mobile technology such as smartphones and iPads scans Canberra Tracks panels to reveal stories and connect us to our many-layered past. This downloadable content shows short videos created by tertiary students. Have I lost you with the terms ‘downloadable’ and ‘app’? With technology galloping ahead, heritage interpretation needs to gather the reins and use modern digital forms of communication Heritage Trust to stay relevantinand engage with a broaderwww.nationaltrust.org.au audience. Cont p2
Inside From the President Heritage Happenings West Travels and at home with the Trust Heritage Festival 2015 The National Trust Logo One bridge too many A taste of Devon and Cornwall
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Heritage In Trust
February 2015
From the editors Welcome to the first edition of Heritage in Trust for 2015. There are certainly a lot of events happening in the first half of 2015 including the Heritage Festival. National Trust Festival events include visits to many places featured in recent Heritage in Trust issues. We trust you will enjoy the articles on the new Heritage Trails app and the history of the National Trust logo. Peter Dowling also gives a warning on not heeding World Heritage advice in the city of Dresden and we include a biography of one of our new Trust Councillors as well as all the usual items. Let us know what you think of Heritage in Trust. Please email info@nationaltrustact.org.au or write to the Editors with your views. Canberra Tracks Heritage Interpretation – 10 years on cont from p1
The Roberts family at the sign in Cook of Rosebud Cottage (also known as Bells Cottage). The video here is about a roll of 100 year old wallpaper found at the slab cottage by Maureen Tully.
The last issue of Heritage in Trust (November 2014) introduced the notion of an Augmented Reality (AR) application for mobile devices (app) in ‘Mt Stromlo Heritage Trail: It’s Astronomical’. Canberra Tracks uses this same technology with the same app developer, Amber Standley of A-Positive. So what distinguishes the Canberra Tracks AR app? The Mt Stromlo Observatory Heritage Trail consists of 11 interpretive signs, five of which can be triggered by a
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smartphone or iPad to supplement the information on the sign with more visuals and commentary. It provides an enhanced experience for those walking the track. The Canberra Tracks app does the same. Of the 86 sites on the eight heritage trails, to date 37 sites contain 45 videos. The vital point of difference is that education students produced the content, gaining a valuable opportunity for real experience in using technology and an insight into Canberra’s heritage. As part of their education degree, these students had a ‘social and environment’ component assessment. Their task was to select a site on one of the eight tracks and to research and produce a two minute video or audio file to tell a geographically and/or historically accurate story. These students, training to be primary school teachers, used facilities such as the National Trust, Canberra and Queanbeyan historical societies, the National Library, National Archives, Australian War Memorial, Archives ACT and Queanbeyan District Historical Society Museum to access records, diaries, old newspapers. Many also spoke to experts in the community and looked at heritage register citations. Their videos were to find an interesting story to hook the public’s interest, not just rehash the interpretive sign. Students could pursue their own interest and approach the assignment focusing on flora and fauna, Aboriginal heritage, surveying, archaeology, water and soil quality, architecture, social, sporting, religious, military or pastoral histories. The result is a rich and varied array of videos—much more so than if a company was contracted to produce the content. It was a joy to see these young adults delving into local history and their own family histories, and mastering skills they can take into the classroom. They were often helped by parents providing the voice-over or siblings and friends dressed up to recreate a bygone life-style. From the 265 assignments, 117 were deemed possible for the Canberra Tracks app. These were further culled to 45, resulting in the current product, which is available from app stores for both smartphones and Apple.
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Heritage In Trust
February 2015 You will be moved by personal stories revealed at Woden Cemetery and Stromlo Forestry Settlement. What is the link between Blundells Cottage and the Dambusters mission? Learn about General Legge, Surveyor Scrivener, General Bridges, the ghosts of both Duntroon House and Yarralumla, the controversy in building Swinger Hill, Aboriginal rock art and the appointment of an Australian-born governor-general. With a new batch of students this year, it is hoped more content will be produced and made available at more sites, reaching out to more people and further educating them about the value of our heritage.
Stills from Sarah Murcutt’s video about her local childhood park in Ngunnawal.
So how can you see the videos? First download the app—it’s free. At the sign, scan the QR code. Then hold your device over the AR marked image on the sign and watch the image transform to the video. For the first 20 seconds of the video your device needs to be held over the image. The ‘Tap to see more’ instruction on the screen then lets you see the entire video stored on You Tube. The video will fill the phone or iPad’s screen and can be held out of direct view of the indicated image. A brochure that explains the procedure and allows you to practise is available at the local visitors centre, hotel foyers, tourist attractions, National Trust and Canberra and District Historical Society offices.
The Minister for Planning Mick Gentleman launched the app at St John’s Church in December 2014. Here are some of the students, whose videos are now part of the app, and Prof Rob Fitzgerald from Inspire at University of Canberra.
Ten years on from planning the first three heritage trails, ACT Heritage has joined the ACT Government’s digitalisation of Canberra program through the Canberra Tracks app—technology that didn’t exist a decade ago. What will the future hold? Linda Roberts Community Engagement and Festival Co-ordinator, ACT Heritage. www.canberratracks.act.gov.au Thanks to the University of Canberra Education Science Technology and Mathematics Faculty and the Inspire Centre within the Faculty.
The signs with downloadable content have new stickers telling the public of the extra information available through the app and how to access it. Here at the Mulligans Flat school site in Forde, a smartphone is used.
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Stop Press!! Linda writes: The Canberra Tracks app has just been selected to feature in the iTunes app store’s 'Explore Australia' section, under Canberra! This is an excellent result as it's hand-picked by the iTunes editor and will be great for exposure and downloads.
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February 2015
From the President Hello members and welcome to the New Year. Many readers may be aware that the Department of Environment commenced (and finalised) the closure of its libraries during the second half of last year. I met with representatives of the Library in December to see if there was any possibility of the NT ACT perhaps taking over the running of the libraries using volunteers and funding from the Federal Government but, unfortunately, there was no interest. As a result of the meeting though, NT ACT was offered a large amount of material that couldn’t be placed with other Government institutions and this has now been delivered to our office in the city. We have extracted some of the papers for retention in our own library but there are still many documents/publications that don’t have local relevance and these will be offered to the other State-based Trusts, with anything left over to be destroyed. If anyone has an interest in looking through the material, there is a full catalogue that can be made available upon request and you would be welcome to take anything that is not to be retained by NT ACT. A couple of quick reminders: Patrons Program – this is now up and running with details as set out in our last newsletter. Further information can be found at our website http://www.nationaltrust.org.au/act/OurPatronsProgr am or ring the office or myself. NT ACT Heritage Urban Polaris – anyone who is a recreational cyclist will love this event which involves riding in and around Canberra to various historic sites, collecting points. We are planning to run it on Saturday 5 December and will have a website page highlighting all details shortly. A full story on the concept will appear in the next edition of Heritage in Trust. Mugga-Mugga Open Day – to be held on Sunday 12 April as part of the Canberra and Region Heritage Festival. Our hard working Tours Committee has numerous events organised for the Festival (see pages 13 -14) but the most popular is always our Open Day which this year will be held at the historic MuggaMugga homestead. At the Open Day, in addition to guided tours of Mugga-Mugga cottage, there will be some dancing and music - perhaps even a 'sing-along'
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Contents Canberra Tracks- 10 years on _______________ From the President _________________________ People and Places _________________________ Trusted Recipe ____________________________ Heritage Diary ____________________________ Heritage Happenings _______________________ New Council Members _____________________ History challenge 2014 Results _______________ Travels and at home with the Trust ___________ Trust Tour Reports _________________________ Heritage Festival __________________________ The National Trust Logo_____________________ One Bridge too many- Dresden World Heritage __ A taste of Devon and Cornwall _______________
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of WW1 songs! In keeping with this year's Heritage Festival theme of Conflict and Compassion, you can see historic nursing and military exhibits and learn how to conserve military memorabilia. For the children, there will be a Petting Zoo and face painting, while some of our Open Day favourites such as the vintage and veteran vehicles and the lace makers will be back. And of course, enjoy tea and coffee, a CWA scone with jam and cream, a sausage and an ice-cream. As always volunteers will be welcomed with open arms! Scott McAlister President
The National Trust acknowledges the support of our Corporate Members and Benefactors: Museum of Australian Democracy ContentGroup
Benefactor: Mr Rob McL. Johnston
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People and Places
Ten year service award
New members The National Trust (ACT) warmly welcomes the following new members:
Fiona Rothchilds - new Life member Simon Cousins and Mel Carney Ian Crutchley and Marilyn Flynn Len and Lorraine Early Simon and Mariam Hilton Tracey Ireland
Sally-Anne Jacobs Anthony Krone and Libby Salmon Sharon Payne Bob and Moni Potter Penelope Ramsay Mike and Ruth Shanahan Jacqui Whittet Glenn and July Williams
Christmas party cancelled Unfortunately, the 2014 Christmas Party at Huntly had to be cancelled because of heavy rain on Saturday affecting the garden where the party is held. There were also thunderstorms forecast on the Sunday although these did not eventuate. We apologise for the inconvenience, particularly for those who did not get the message about the cancellation. For the information of those members who purchased a ticket in our raffle to be drawn at Huntly, this will now be drawn at the Heritage Festival Open Day at Mugga - Mugga in April.
Volunteer Awards 2014
Jim Nockels received his 10 Year Service Award in December. Jim has been an active member for 15 years. He has served on Council since the end of 2005, including a stint as Secretary, he’s been on various Trust committees and continues to serve on the Tours and Events Committee, having organized the successful bus trip to Joadja and Berrima in November last year. Thank you Jim.
Trusted Recipe Coffee Sponge Ingredients 3 eggs ½ cup sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla ½ cup milk 1 teaspoon butter 2 tablespoons instant coffee 1 cup self-rising flour Method 1. Beat eggs, sugar and vanilla for 10 minutes. 2. Heat milk and butter and add coffee. 3. Add milk mixture and flour to egg mixture, and fold till combined. This must be folded with knife- like action. 4. Put into 2 sandwich cake tins. 5. Cook in moderate oven (180°) for about 20 minutes.
The Volunteer of the Year Award for 2014 went to Paul and Penny Mlakar, members since 2003, who run their own local signwriting business and have, over the past 56 years, donated their time and expertise in engraving the names of our Volunteer of the Year winners onto our Awards Board. They also volunteered their skills by updating the signwriting on the office door (without a prompt from us). We are grateful for their ‘behind the scene’ contribution to the Trust and hope they enjoy engraving their own names onto the board for posterity this year!
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February 2015
Heritage Diary February to June 2015 A selection of heritage-related events of interest to members Details of National Trust (ACT) events are provided in Travels and at home with the Trust, starting on page 9 while details of Heritage Festival events can be found on pages 13 and 14. Date and time
Event and location
Organiser
Contact
CAS/CAR lecture – Matthew Spriggs Three Pacific Tasters: Recent Archaeology in Vanuatu (and elsewhere) Manning Clark Centre, Theatre 6, Bldg 26A, Union Court, ANU.
CAS
www.cas.asn.au
Crookwell and Taralga bus tour – now fully booked. Waiting list applies
National Trust
Bookings essential 6230 0533
Canberra Day Oration 2015 - Marion Halligan AM Canberra: a Hardship Post National Library of Australia Theatre CAS/CAR lecture – Manning Clark Centre, Theatre 6, Bldg 26A, Union Court, ANU
CDHS
All welcome. No bookings required.
CAS
www.cas.asn.au
Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 March Talks: 10.30 -12.00 Walks and House Visits: 12.00 – 4.00
Berrima Heritage Weekend Celebrate Berrima’s colonial past. Series of talks, walks and visits inside houses, inns and churches in historic Berrima, featuring heritage architect Dr Clive Lucas and landscape specialist Stuart Read.
National Trust NSW (Southern Highlands & Harper’s Mansion)
Bookings essential http://harpersmansion.com.au/_literat ure_181631/Heritage_Weekend_Boo king_Form
Saturday 28 March 2-4pm
Heritage walk in Chifley
National Trust
Bookings essential 6230 0533
Saturday 11 April 10am – 12 noon
Ngunawal 2015 Walks & Talks Series Ngunawal Traditional Engagements and World War. Meet in the carpark on Treloar Crescent, directly behind the Australian War Memorial.
Molonglo Catchment Group
http://www.molonglocatchment.com. au RSVP Karen@molonglocatchment.org.au
Saturday 11 April 2-4pm
Canberra Brickworks walking tour – a Heritage Festival event
National Trust with Yarralumla Residents Association
Bookings essential 6230 0533
Sunday 12 April 10am – 3pm
Mugga-Mugga National Trust Open Day – a Heritage Festival event
6230 0533
Wednesday 15 April 6.30 for 7.00pm Friday 17 April 10-11.30am
CAS/CAR lecture – Manning Clark Centre, Theatre 6, Bldg 26A, Union Court, ANU
National Trust with ACT Museums and Galleries CAS
A Walk in the Park – a Heritage Festival event. (A walk in Commonwealth Park)
National Trust
Bookings essential 6230 0533
Saturday 18 April 10am – 4pm
“Living with Heritage” Bungendore Workshop - a Heritage Festival event
Bookings essential 6230 0533
Saturday 18 April 10am – 3pm
A walk to Yankee Hat Aboriginal rock art - a Heritage Festival event
National Trust with Palerang Heritage Advisory Committee National Trust
Sunday 19 April 9.30-11.30am
Oaks Estate/Robertsons’ House walking tour – a Heritage Festival event
National Trust
Bookings essential 6230 0533
Wednesday 18 February 6.30 for 7.00pm
Sunday 1 March
Thursday 12 March 12 noon Wednesday 18 March 6.30 for 7.00pm
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www.cas.asn.au
Bookings essential 6230 0533
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Sunday 19 April 1.30-4.30pm
5th Ainslie Open Houses and Gardens - a Heritage Festival event
National Trust
Bookings essential 6230 0533
19 May to 10 June Wednesday 20 May 6.30 for 7.00pm Thu 23 - Fri 24 May
ACT National Trust trip to Germany CAS/CAR lecture – Manning Clark Centre, Theatre 6, Bldg 26A, Union Court, ANU
National Trust CAS
6230 0533 www.cas.asn.au
Wednesday 3 June Time tbc
Ngunawal 2015 Walks & Talks Series. Managing Environmental, Social and cultural heritage- bus tour for environment/heritage and planning professionals and post graduates. Meeting place to be confirmed
Molonglo Catchment Group
http://www.molonglocatchment.com. au RSVP Karen@molonglocatchment.org.au
Wednesday 17 June 6.30 for 7.00pm
CAS/CAR lecture – Manning Clark Centre, Theatre 6, Bldg 26A, Union Court, ANU
CAS
www.cas.asn.au
http://archanth.anu.edu.au/portableart
Conference: The Archaeology of Portable Art: South East Asian, Pacific, and Australian Perspectives. ANU
Notes: CAS is the Canberra Archaeological Society. CAR is the Centre for Archaeological Research. CDHS is Canberra & District Historical Society Information on events run by organisations other than the National Trust (ACT) is provided in good faith, but readers should check dates and times with the contacts indicated above.
Heritage Happenings Dickson/Lyneham Flats These buildings are important parts of our architectural heritage although they have not been maintained and currently are in an unkempt condition and therefore do not look attractive. The National Trust has appealed the decision to demolish the first three tall buildings in Dickson. The National Trust also awaits the final decision of the ACT Heritage Council on the provisional heritage listing of the whole complex which the National Trust supported. Department of Environment Library The National Trust currently has in the office 103 file boxes of reports from the Department of Environment Library. They were to be disposed of but the National Trust expressed an interest in reviewing them with the intention of retaining any valuable records. This task will occur and our library will expand.
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Those of interstate properties, which are the majority, will be passed on to other National Trust offices. Conservation Areas A number of members of the National Trust Heritage and Grants Committee had a very useful discussion with ACT Heritage on “happenings” within the residential conservation areas. The outcomes from some developments leave little original fabric and what appeared to be inconsistent with guidelines; this is a concern for the integrity of these areas. The dialogue will continue with the aim of better outcomes. Places of Concern Places that continue to deteriorate and the future is unclear and the National Trust is following up concerns about their future are Hill Station and Yarralumla Brickworks. Eric J Martin, AM
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New Council Members There are three new Council members in 2015. In this edition of Heritage in Trust, we re-introduce Chris Wain. Christopher Wain is the Executive Officer of the Dental Hygienists’ Association of Australia. He studied for his Diploma of Engineering and Dip IT with the aim of increasing his ability to build racing/road cars and further develop his historic racing motor cycles. This was necessary as Computer Aided Design had become essential for designing and machining many components. He started work in the newspaper industry and worked in public relations in the private and public sector in Britain, Japan and Australia. He has worked as CEO of several not-for-profit agencies including nearly three years with the National Trust (ACT) and was a key driver behind the success of the National Trust Centenary of Canberra Rally. He has always had an interest in historic vehicles and houses, restoring both and appreciating the engineering and fine craft skills of previous generations He currently races historic motorcycles and is restoring/rebuilding an ASP racing car.
Chris Wain with Rally photo (Heritage in Trust February 2014)
National History Challenge 2014 results The National History Challenge is a research-based competition for school students managed by the History Teachers Association of Australia. The theme in 2014 was Changing Perspectives.
In the ACT, the Young Historian award for 2014 went to Ineka Voigt who was also the winner at Year Level 9 and of the Australian Wartime Experiences category. Ineka is from Canberra High School. The Australia’s Heritage category was won by Sally Witchalls, also from Canberra High. The full results for the ACT are set out in the table below. ACT winners, 2014 National History Challenge ACT Young Historian
Ineka Voigt
Year Level 11-12 Daniel Glew
Marist College
Year Level 10
Tessa Minns
Canberra High School
Year Level 9
Ineka Voigt
Canberra High School
Year Level P-6
Abigail Barham
Rosary Primary School
Asia and Australia
Dorothy Mason
Narrabundah College
Australia’s Heritage
Sally Witchalls
Canberra High School
Australian Wartime Experiences
Ineka Voigt
Canberra High School
Museum exhibit Abigail Barham P-8
Rosary Primary School
The Life and Times of John Curtin
Narrabundah College
Brendan Wright
At the national level, Alice Curtain from Ogilvie High School in Tasmania won the Australia’s Heritage category which is sponsored by the National Trust while Angus Christie from The Hutchins School in Tasmania was the National Young Historian. The theme for 2015 is Leadership and Legacy. The National Trust encourages students to enter its category. Wendy Whitham
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February 2015
Travels and at home with the Trust Local and Interstate Crookwell and Taralga Bus Tour Sunday 1 March Tour now fully booked – waiting list applies We will travel through the Southern Highlands to Crookwell, a picturesque country town situated amid farmland. Crookwell features pretty tree-lined streets, beautiful gardens and streams as well as historic buildings such as the Railway Station.
The tour will pick up passengers at 7.30 am at Deakin and 7.45 am at Lyneham and return to Canberra by 6 pm. Linda Roberts will be the leader. Cost: $70.00 NT and U3A members; $80.00 nonmembers Bookings essential: Call the office on 02 6230 0533 or email info@nationaltrustact.org.au Please specify where you will board the bus and any dietary restrictions when booking.
Heritage Walk in Chifley Saturday 28 March 2-4 pm
Our guided tour of Crookwell will provide a comprehensive overview of the history and modern day features of the town. This will be followed by a tour of the Lindner Sock Factory - one of the remaining woollen sock factories in the country. We leave Crookwell to drive to the Lavender Farm at Laggan where we will enjoy lunch and be able to explore nine different gardens.
Then the coach will take us to Taralga, an historic village originally planned for workers on the Macarthur estate of Richlands. The sons of John Macarthur received land grants in the district in the early 1820s and convict labour was used to shepherd the sheep and clear the land.
The first interpretive sign on the Woden Heritage Trail was constructed in July 2012, near the top of Gledden St, Chifley, beside the cycle/walk track. It is alongside the remaining part of the old (gravel) Long Gully Road that once ran all the way from the Cooma Road to Uriarra Road. Neville Bleakley is a long-time resident of Chifley who has become interested in the history of Chifley (indeed all of the Woden Valley) before development of Chifley in 1966 from soldier-settlement allotments post World War 1. He has developed an escorted local heritage walk that covers significant parts of where the suburb now stands. Topics covered include:
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old roads watercourses the dam farms, families and paddocks of Chifley’s past significant events and stories.
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The walk will start and finish at the Chifley shops where we will have afternoon tea. No special gear is required for the walk, and it is quite suitable for children. Cost: $25 for National Trust and U3A members; $35 for non-members Bookings essential: 6230 0533 or email info@nationaltrustact.org.au Brandenburg Gates
Old Long Gully Road at the foot of Mt Taylor
Tour inclusions
Overseas Germany
19 May-10 June 2015
This exciting 22-day tour will focus on selected UNESCO World Heritage listed places but other places of national significance to the history and cultural development of Germany will be included. For more information, see our website at http://www.nationaltrust.org.au/act/GermanyTour. Contact the ACT National Trust on 6230 0533 Monday to Thursday or Travelscene Canberra City on 6247 6544 Monday to Thursday. For more information on Dresden, one of the places that will be visited on this trip, see tour leader Peter Dowling’s article, One Bridge Too Many. UNESCO World Heritage and the Dresden Cultural Landscape, starting on page 16.
A fort on the Roman border
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•
Professional English-speaking guide throughout the tour and sightseeing with local tour guides where applicable Twin/double share 4-star accommodation throughout the tour including hotel taxes, service charges, state and local taxes Breakfast daily, some lunches and dinners as per the itinerary Air-conditioned coach, as per itinerary. All touring, as stated in the itinerary Sightseeing as outlined in the itinerary with inside visits (including admission charges) Gratuities to the tour manager and coach driver Tips to baggage porters and hotel staff
Tour cost not included • • • •
• • •
Meals not specified on the itinerary Excess baggage charges Meals not specified in the itinerary Beverages including tea and coffee except at breakfast and hotel dinners, wines, liquor, soft drinks, etc Items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry, mini bar, internet access, etc Gratuities to local guides Transportation to/from hotels or venues if travel is separate to that of the group
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February 2015
Trust Tour Reports Joadja and Harper’s Mansion Day Trip, 9 November 2014 A sunny Sunday in early November provided the backdrop for another fascinating Trust day trip into rural New South Wales. The route took us to historic Berrima and the delightful, remote Joadja Creek, the site of an historic shale mining complex and town. Inspecting the ruins of the Joadja hall
Some followed lunch with a quick look at the Joadja distillery which will shortly be producing local whiskey. We might need to schedule a whiskey tour later this year. All aboard the Joadja ‘people mover’ Ready for the Joadja adventure
Joadja has rare historical significance as a major shale mining and oil processing facility and company town. It presents a ruined, but complete, picture of the workings of a shale mining and processing community that was virtually completely self-contained in a remote rural setting.
Valero the guide explaining the shale oil retorts
The collection of ruined structures gave the tour group an evocative feel for the isolated existence of the over 1,000, mainly Scots, workers and their families who inhabited the area from the 1870s to the early 1900s. After viewing the extensive site on ‘people movers’ the group sat down to a fine BBQ lunch prepared by our Joadja host, Valero.
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Joadja whiskey lesson
It was then on to Berrima and a visit to the delightful Harper’s Mansion National Trust property. We were greeted in the beautiful gardens by local National Trust guides and given a history of the house by guide Ann Beaumont. Ann, a former Canberra journalist and author of a book on the house, gave us a lively narrative which brought to life the story of James and Mary Harper who built Harper’s Mansion and the SurveyorGeneral Inn, the only pub still operating in Berrima today.
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Berrima Heritage Weekend NATIONAL TRUST OF AUSTRALIA (NSW) Southern Highlands Branch and Harper’s Mansion
Saturday and Sunday March 21/22 2015 Join the National Trust (Southern Highlands Branch and Harper’s Mansion) in celebrating Berrima’s colonial past. The weekend of March 21/22 will feature talks, walks and visits inside houses, inns and churches in historic Berrima.
Harper’s Mansion garden
Guide Ann Beaumont tells the Harper’s tale
She also provided us with an insight into the 120-year ownership of the house by the Catholic Church and introduced us to the priests, nuns and tenants who lived in the house. She also highlighted the Trust’s restoration of the property, the creation of the garden, and the countless hours given by volunteers to keep the house open.
On Saturday morning well-known heritage architect Dr Clive Lucas will use local examples to illustrate how restoration of old houses can meet both heritage criteria and provide for modern living. On Sunday morning heritage garden and landscape specialist Stuart Read will consider the wider picture: the need not only to protect and restore the buildings but also the landscape in which they are set. Afternoons will feature self-guided walks with entry to some of Berrima’s older properties. Over time Berrima’s cottages, inns and churches many dating from the 1830s, 1840s and 1850s have been altered and sometimes hidden behind extensions. On this weekend many premises will open their doors to reveal the wealth of history that remains and testify to the importance of the village in the colony’s history and Berrima’s unique position in the Australian landscape.
Jim Nockels (text and photos)
Bookings are essential. Go to www.harpersmansion.com.au to view the full program and costs and to download a booking form, or contact Chris at info@harpersmansion.com.au, tel: 02 48771375.
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The Canberra and Region Heritage Festival for 2015 will run from 11 – 26 April. The theme is ‘Conflict and Compassion’. Details of all events will be published online and in a supplement to the Canberra Times. The National Trust (ACT) is involved in the following events: Canberra Brickworks walking tour - centenary of Staffordshire kiln - Saturday 11 April, 2-4pm* (with the Yarralumla Residents Association) The Staffordshire kiln, completed in 1915, is the only surviving example of this kiln type in Australia. It was essential to the building of many of the national capital’s earliest buildings, including Old Parliament House. The 20 chamber kiln used then leading edge technology, including an unusual fan forced draft system to aid the firing of bricks, terracotta tiles, pipes and vents together to maximise production. The tour will include talks by heritage experts and an inspection of the current tenant's timber recycling work. Entry: gold coin donation
Come along and see this reminder of Canberra's rural past and enjoy a range of displays, activities and refreshment during the Open Day. Entry: gold coin donation. (The open day is supported with funding made available by the ACT Government under the ACT Heritage Grants Program.) Speaker Event - Lenore Coltheart, author of "Albert Hall: the heart of Canberra" - Wednesday 15 April, 5.30-7pm* "Albert Hall: the heart of Canberra" is the first book to reveal the story of Canberra through the city’s unofficial town hall. This generously illustrated and delightfully intimate ‘tales of the city’ is not to be missed. The author, Lenore Coltheart, will talk about the book and the research she undertook, particularly in the National Archives, our venue for this talk. Entry: $10 National Trust members, $15 non-members
Mugga-Mugga National Trust Open Day - Sunday 12 April, 10am-3pm (with ACT Museums and Galleries) Discover Mugga-Mugga, a shepherd’s cottage once part of Duntroon Estate. The cottage is set on 17 hectares of rural paddocks and provides an insight into the housing and way of life of nineteenth and early twentieth century rural workers. Mugga-Mugga is at 129 Narrabundah Lane, Symonston.
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February 2015
A Walk in the Park (Commonwealth Park) - Friday 17 April, 10-11.30am* Lake Burley Griffin and its parks are one of the nation's greatest treasures. Commonwealth Park is the central feature of the lake and parkland complex. Our walk will cover the story of its development, the designers and plantings. There is much to enjoy in the park scenery and birdlife. The walk will be led by Juliet Ramsay, heritage landscape architect. It will be at a gentle walking pace. Entry by gold coin donation "Living with Heritage" Bungendore Workshop Saturday 18 April, 10am-4pm* (with the Palerang Heritage Advisory Committee) The Palerang Heritage Advisory Committee is holding a workshop in Bungendore to show property owners and others interested how to go about conserving, renovating and extending heritage listed places. There will be inspections of heritage properties followed by presentations at a workshop by heritage architects. Cost: $25
Carbon dating of the campsite deposits in the Yankee Hat rock shelter show that Aboriginal people began using the shelter more than 800 years ago. However, evidence from nearby archaeological sites suggests that people were camping in the area, and presumably painting, as long as 3,700 years ago. Cost: $25 National Trust members; $35 non-members Oaks Estate/Robertsons' House walking tour - Sunday 19 April, 9.30-11.30am* (with the Oaks Estate Progress Association) The precinct of The Oaks (1836), the Queanbeyan Railway Station (1887) and The Robertsons' House (1912/13) provides the setting for the wartime stories of Oaks Estate. Walk with local historian Dr Karen Williams as she talks about a community supporting each other through the many burdens and casualties of war. Entry by gold coin donation 5th Ainslie Open Houses and Gardens - Sunday 19 April, 1.30-4.30pm*
A walk to the Yankee Hat Aboriginal rock art Saturday 18 April, 10am-3pm*
The Yankee Hat Aboriginal rock art site is located within the Gudgenby Valley of Namadgi National Park in a complex of boulders situated at the foot of the Yankee Hat Mountain.
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A conducted walking tour around Corroboree Park crescents, inspecting three different (new in 2015) 1926-27 houses, specially designed by Federal Capital Commission and private architects, and various once productive, now mature, gardens close up. Hear fascinating stories of the residents who created a community while building the national capital. Afternoon tea is included. Walking (approx 1 km) at a comfortable pace will be involved including across grassed or unpaved areas. Cost: $25 National Trust members; $35 non-members * Bookings are required for all events except the Open Day. Bookings: info@nationaltrustact.org.au or 6230 0533. Page 14
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The National Trust Logo – a factual and somewhat personal interpretation The logo of the National Trusts of Australia is a highly recognizable symbol in Australia. It was registered as a Trade Mark by the Australian Council of National Trusts on 25 November 1987 and has been used by all state and territory National Trusts. The main symbol in the logo is a trio of Eucalyptus leaves with two gumnuts. One of the leaves is aging and has suffered some environmentally caused trauma with a section missing from its edge. This leaf represents the past, which often has suffered some damage, some wear-and-tear to its places and is in need of some protection. A larger middle leaf growing vigorously represents the present and our current cultural and natural heritage, over which we have influence and responsibility. The third leaf is smaller than the other two and is much younger. This leaf represents the future and our next generations for whom our efforts and endeavours to preserve our past and present heritage are designed. The leaves point downwards like most Eucalypts and not upwards like other species. Downward pointing leaves are an adaptation of these trees to an environment which is prone to periods of extended drought. Precious rainwater falling on the leaves is channelled directly down to the ground and to the root system of the trees so little is wasted through evaporation and the trees can survive. Together the three Eucalyptus leaves and gumnuts also represent our unique Australian natural environment that has existed for millennia and will exist far into the future – but what will the gumnuts, the genesis of the future, reveal? The leaves and gumnuts are viewed through the square window frame of a building (it is not a box surrounding the leaves as has been suggested in the past). The window represents our cultural heritage, the places we have built, the tangible and intangible things we have
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created for ourselves; things also from the past, present and for the future. As we look out this window from the comforts of our indoor surrounds we see a green background. This background represents the vastness of our continent. What we see past the leaves is not clear, it is somewhat unknown and is a reminder that we today have to lay the way for future generations; to practise conservation as best we can so that those who follow will be guided by our successes and of course, our mistakes. The green background is also homogenous, it is one colour, symbolising the fact that over everything else that may seem to be different there is sameness, an identity, with and for all who live in Australia. This logo was designed by Australian architect, graphic and industrial designer, Michael Bryce AM AE specifically to create a symbol which could be identifiable to all state and territory Trusts and the National Trust movement in Australia. Prior to this design states and territories had differing logos. A change in our logo In 1999 some Trusts were concerned about difficulties they had been encountering in using the Trust logo for certain projects and products. Because of these difficulties they saw a need to modernise the logo and create a cleaner and simpler image, particularly for use with commercial products and commercial dealings – an image of a modern National Trust embracing the future. While the former logo continued to be used, a new logo emerged after much discussion between Trusts. It has a similarity in that the three leaves are included, even the old damaged one; but it has major differences in that the ‘window’ that represents our cultural and built heritage, and the green background have been omitted. There is no doubt the new logo looks fresh and modern but have we lost something? What do you think? Peter Dowling National Heritage Officer, National Trusts of Australia Page 15
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February 2015
One Bridge Too Many. UNESCO World Heritage and the Dresden Cultural Landscape In May this year the ACT National Trust is conducting a tour to Germany focusing on the archaeology and cultural history of the country. One of the places we will be visiting is Dresden on the Elbe River. The tour includes several UNESCO World Heritage sites including a visit to Dresden. More details of the tour can be obtained from the website at http://www.nationaltrust.org.au/act/GermanyTour. Dresden was founded in 1206 on the Elbe River in the eastern part of Germany. From the late 15th century it became an important cultural, economic and political European city. During the Second World War ninety per cent of the historic centre of the city was destroyed by Allied bombing during air raids from 13 to 15 February 1945. Reconstruction of the old city began after the war, during the period when the city was part of the German Democratic Republic. Reconstruction was continued after reunification including the Frauenkirche (the Church of Our Lady), which had been totally destroyed. The reconstructed cityscape of Dresden and its Elbe River Valley setting was placed on the World Heritage List in 2004 as a cultural landscape of outstanding universal value. The 18th and 19th century landscape extends some 18 km along the river valley The World Heritage Committee described it as follows: The Dresden Elbe Valley has been the crossroads in Europe, in culture, science and technology. [It] is an outstanding cultural landscape, an ensemble that integrates the celebrated baroque setting and suburban garden city into an artistic whole within the river valley. Bridges Dresden has seven bridges spanning the Elbe River constructed between the 18th and 20th centuries. The bridges underlined the cultural and industrial development of the city over time and were included in the World Heritage listing.
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The Elbe River flowing through the former Dresden World Heritage Area (R. Johnston 2013)
But it was a new four-lane bridge and approaches (the Waldschlösschenbrücke) which caused controversy among the city managers and the residents of Dresden leading directly to a decision by the World Heritage Committee to strip the Dresden Cultural Landscape of its World Heritage status. The problem had its inception in the 1860s when a bridge across the Waldschlösschen location was first mentioned but did not proceed. The proposal resurfaced in 1934-1937 but did not proceed because of the Second World War. Then in 1967 and yet again in 1988-1989 proposals for a bridge in the exact location were considered but later shelved. The real problem began in 1996-1997 when concerns about increasing city traffic and stresses upon the historic bridges led to a final decision by the Dresden city managers to construct the long-mooted bridge. An international competition was launched and the winning engineering group stated: The design of the bridge, which combines road, tramway, bicycle lane and pedestrian path is to be conceived as an interpretation of the historic arched bridges of Dresden without the attempt to copy them. The form is conservative, only the crossing of the river Elbe is stressed by the elevation of the arch over the bridge. The World Heritage Committee did not agree. But there was a strong determination by the municipality to build the bridge. From the turning of the first sod ceremony in November 2000, there was a hiatus of seven years Page 16
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involving discussions, court appearances and a referendum on whether the bridge should be built, before actual construction began in November 2007. During this period the Dresden cultural landscape was in the final process of being accepted and inscribed on the World Heritage List. However, the World Heritage Committee strongly suggested that an alternative crossing be constructed such as a tunnel, which would not impact on the values of the cultural landscape. Perhaps in the hope that this alternative would eventuate, the World Heritage Committee inscribed the Dresden Cultural Landscape on the World Heritage List in 2004 with a warning that if the bridge went ahead they would be forced to place the cultural landscape on the World Heritage in Danger list. But the bridge was to be built. The World Heritage Committee was then forced to place the Dresden Cultural Landscape on the endangered list in 2006 and then delisted it in 2009, just five years after it was listed. The bridge was built and officially opened in 2013.
For Germany, a well-respected European country, a leader in global economics and a member of the United Nations, having a World Heritage place delisted is a censure it will have to bear in its own way. For other countries, Australia included, it is a lesson in international politics that should be heeded.
Peter Dowling National Heritage Officer, National Trusts of Australia References: Albert, M-T, & B. Gaillard, 2012, ‘The Dresden Elbe Valley. An example for conflicts between political power and common interests in a World Heritage Site’, in Taylor, K & J.L. Lennon (eds) Managing Cultural Landscapes, Routledge, London. UNESCO World Heritage List, Dresden Elbe Valley http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1156 (accessed 11-11-14. Acknowledgements John Ziesemer, Germany ICOMOS Marilyn Truscott, Australia ICOMOS
INTO 2015 conference
The bridge that caused the loss of World Heritage status for Dresden (http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2013/08/26/world/dresdenopens-bridge-that-killed-heritage-status/#.VLilsiuUd8E)
The designation of a World Heritage site is, for any country, a highly prestigious affair bestowing not only international honour, but also displaying to the world an economic and environmental responsibility in protecting the heritage values of their country and that of the world. Having a place delisted by the World Heritage Committee due to deliberate actions on the part of a state puts all that into question and can be seen as nationally and internationally improvident.
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16th International Conference of National Trusts: Understanding the role and purpose of the Trust movement in the 21st Century
7 – 11 September Cambridge UK Register at http://www.internationaltrusts.org/10409 (Early bird closes 31 March) For more information http://www.icntcambridge2015.org.uk/
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A taste of Devon and Cornwall In the November 2014 issue of Heritage in Trust, John Tucker stated “In Cornwall, superb Trust gardens, houses and other properties include: Trelissick, Lanhydrock, Trengwainton, Glendurgan, Godolphin, Cotehele, St Michael's Mount, and the Levant Mine and Beam Engine to name but some. These can all be comfortably reached each day from a B&B base in or near Truro, which is a pleasant 4.5 hour train journey from London. Truro has good facilities and there is a local car hire firm that has an office at Truro Station, making for easy collection and drop-off of a hire car.” Many of these are also easy to visit from Plymouth or Tavistock, places with a long and interesting history in themselves and good accommodation options. In June of last year my son and I stayed in a pleasant B&B in Tavistock overlooking the River Tavy. We had limited time in Cornwall and Devon – my son (aged 28) wanted to visit some Trust properties so we visited Cotehele, Lanhydrock and Buckland Abbey, which we used to visit when we lived in Devon many years ago. (My son’s memory was a little hazy.) Our first visit was to Lanhydrock, near Bodmin, Cornwall. According to novelist Anita Burgh, Lanhydrock is a magic place, which once in your heart, never leaves you. The house, gardens and surrounding parkland are magnificent. In fact when the property was acquired by the National Trust in 1953 it was for the “landscape value of the park and estate; the house was considered a white elephant”. However due to the late Michael Trinick, the Trust’s Regional Director for Cornwall, the house was saved, restored and interpreted as the late Victorian home of the second Lord Robartes, Thomas, his wife, Mary, and ten children and a staff of 80. The house itself is essentially 17th century but a fire in 1883 severely damaged much of the house and it was rebuilt in the Jacobean style, but segregated (public/ private; family/ staff; men/women etc) according to Victorian moral codes, by Lord Robartes. And being afraid of another fire, electricity and gas were never installed.
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The house was originally built by John Robartes, the first Earl of Radnor and the house, garden and estate remained in the same family until it was given to the National Trust, with each generation making some alterations, all in all making a captivating visit. The parkland, woodland, heathland and farmland together with two miles (3.2 km) of the River Fowey comprise 167 hectares in total, all managed by the Trust. The parkland and gardens are open access and have a very good network of paths but you need to pay or be a Trust member to visit the formal garden and the house. The house itself contains 50 rooms and can take 2 hours to visit. We were too early for the house (it opened at 11am and we were lunching with friends) but enjoyed the gardens and the external views of the house (and peeped into a few rooms!) The lesson here is to allow plenty of time to visit both the estate and the house. There are plenty of seats inside and out with an excellent café/restaurant and Trust shop (you can buy plants grown in the gardens), abundant wildlife and history, and a fascinating glimpse into an earlier lifestyle. In the words of Michael Trinick, “Lanhydrock shows a way of life which in most houses had come to an end by 1914”.
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Cotehele is in SE Cornwall, near Saltash – in contrast to Lanhydrock, we had time to view this properly, and we were very much in luck as the day we went was an open day, free to the public and with all the places normally not on show opened up. We got to go up to rooftops for astounding views over the countryside and into the dovecote, as well as more humdrum places like the housekeeper’s room.
The Dovecote
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The third property we visited was Buckland Abbey, which was bought by Sir Francis Drake, about halfway between Plymouth and Tavistock, near Yelverton, and which was our local Trust property when we lived in England. We came to England in 1988 and while Australia was celebrating its bicentennial, Plymouth was celebrating 400 years since the Spanish Armada.
Views from the roof top to Tamar River
But the great thing about properties like Lanhydrock and Cotehele is that they, like many other Trust properties in this part of England, are not just historic houses with beautiful landscaped gardens, albeit interesting and of different ages, they are part of a community.
The chapel
Cotehele is not just a Tudor house. A short stroll through the woods takes you to the Tamar River , via a chapel with a romantic history, and to the once bustling 19th century Cotehele Quay where you can visit the restored sailing barge ‘Shamrock’ or enjoy a traditional Cornish tea at the Edgecombe tea room. The discovery centre tells the story of the Tamar Valley and gives an introduction to the wider estate and from here you can visit another Trust property, Cotehele Mill.
The Shamrock at Cotehele Quay
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The Abbey
Window commemorating 400th anniversary of the Spanish Armada, Buckland Abbey
Plymouth was more to Sir Francis Drake than just a place to play bowls - he was mayor for some time, and one of his achievements was to bring water to Plymouth by building Drake’s Leat. This leat ran at the back of our garden between it and Dartmoor. The grounds of Buckland Abbey are not as extensive as Lanhydrock or Cotehele so you do not have to put aside as much time, but it is well worth visiting. When you visit Buckland, you follow over 700 years of footsteps; from the Cistercians who built the Abbey and farmed the estate, to seafarers Grenville and Drake who changed the shape of the house and the fate of the country. Page 19
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February 2015 Around ten years ago, some paintings were transferred from the estate of the late Lady Samuel of Wych Cross. Amongst these was a portrait of Rembrandt that was thought to be the work of a lesser master. But it turned out to be an original self-portrait. The story of the portrait and the tests it has passed to be declared authentic is like a detective story, and a modern and novel interpretation of the painting includes taking ‘selfies’ with the portrait. http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/things-to-see-anddo/rembrandt/
The Rembrandt at Buckland Abbey. Abbey Buildings
The beehives which have been here since the monks
Like Lanhydrock, Buckland Abbey has also suffered fire in one of the rooms, now the Drake chamber - the new hand-modelled lime putty ceiling is a work of art depicting the Abbey's history including the anchors and rope representing Buckland's maritime connections. The Great Barn is largely unchanged since built centuries ago and there is a cider house and a secret ‘wild’ garden. The courtyard has always reminded me of Lanyon Homestead, and still does. But while the Abbey is still part house, part museum and full of intriguing treasures including the legendary Drake’s Drum, some things have changed since I last visited 24 years ago.
Photo: National Trust (UK)
All these houses are closed over the UK winter, but the gardens and surrounds are open. Opening times vary throughout the year and can be found at www.nationaltrust.org.uk. So if planning a visit to the beautiful south-west, take some time to visit these wonderful places. Maree Treadwell (text and photos) See back cover for more photos of these properties.
Do you have a friend travelling overseas? Tell them about the advantages of joining the National Trust including free entry into over 2000 National Trust properties around the world. National Trust properties in South-west England (red flag is Buckland Abbey, double flags to left are Cotehele House and Mill, and Lanhydrock is property on far left near Bodmin) The Great Barn
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The courtyard and cafe
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______________________________________________________ National Trust of Australia (ACT) Office
President Scott McAlister
PO Box 1144 Civic Square ACT 2608 Telephone 02 6230 0533 Fax 02 6230 0544 Email info@nationaltrustact.org.au Net www.nationaltrust.org.au ABN 50 797 949 955 Opening times: Office Location:
Patron The Hon. Margaret Reid AO
Office Manager Liz McMillan info@nationaltrustact.org.au
9.30am to 3.00pm Monday to Thursday 1st Floor, North Building Canberra City [above Canberra Museum & Gallery],
The e-magazine, Heritage in Trust, is produced and edited by Maree
_____________________________________________________
About Heritage in Trust
Treadwell and Wendy Whitham assisted by Dianne Dowling and Mary Johnston
Heritage in Trust is published quarterly as an electronic magazine in conjunction with the national magazine Trust News in February, May, August and November.
Deadlines for copy mid January (February issue) mid April (May) mid July (August) mid October (November)
The editors invite articles and letters from Trust members with an interest in the heritage of the ACT and these should be addressed to The Editor, Heritage in Trust, at info@nationaltrustact.org.au.
The views expressed in Heritage in Trust are not necessarily those of the National Trust of Australia (ACT). The articles in this e-magazine are subject to copyright. No article may be used without the consent of the ACT National Trust and the author.
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