Annual Report for 2009

The President's Annual Report for 2009

for the

Hobart Town (1804) First Settlers Association Inc

I have much pleasure in presenting the annual report for 2009, in which our association marked 35 years since its foundation on 6th March, 1974. The year has been most successful, highlighted by several events.

In February our Patron, Lord Hobart visited Tasmania and attended the Annual Floral Tribute on 20th February. Later in the afternoon on that day, in the Hobart Town Hall, The Lord Mayor, Ald Rob Valentine presented Lord Hobart, Miles Buckinghamshire The 10th Earl of Buckinghamshire with the honour of ‘Goodwill Ambassador to the City of Hobart’. The presentation was attended by several members and invited guests.

The association purchased an especially made ensign for use at events and special functions. Costs for this purchase were provided by the Tasmanian Government together with funds to assist in the Commemorative function to be held at Hobart Town Hall in March this year.

The Norfolk Island pine tree presented to our association in 2008 by the people of Norfolk Island was finally planted in the City Rose Garden, in early June. It is surrounded by a green painted wrought iron protection guard.

It was my privilege to present Mrs. Freda Gray with Life Membership and a certificate acknowledging her work as President, Historian and Editor and contributor to our Newsletters over many years.

In October we hosted The 10th Biennial Tasmanian Local History Conference at Wrest Point. This was attended by over 160 people interested in learning more about our early history. The theme for the Conference was Manufacturers & Traders of Van Diemen’s Land 1820-1860. The Conference was officially opened at 9am by Lord Mayor Rob Valentine. Fifteen Presenters spoke about various aspects from this Colonial period, some with power-point slideshow presentations . Conference speakers did not finish until 5pm. Delicious teas and lunch were served during the day enabling attendees time to view the many excellent display panels provided by local History groups. Visitors were also able to network and make contacts throughout the recessions.

During the Conference, President Jessie Wagner and I presented 1st, 2nd & 3rd prizes to the successful artists in our Art Competition & Exhibition which was held at the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens in the week prior to the conference , and judged by Mr. Joerg Andersch. Almost sixty entries were received and because of the high standard of art work, three paintings also received highly commended awards.

In August, we provided a display at St. George’s More to Life Festival. At a Church Service we were presented with a certificate of appreciation by St. George’s Church Parish Council.

Interesting guest speakers at our meetings have included: Brad Williams,’Four Tiers of Heritage & best outcomes for Listed Architectural Buildings’, Fiona McFarlane, ‘Female Bushrangers’, Wayne Smith, ‘More Ripper Tassie Place Names’, Margaret Wise. ‘Ancestor Henry Ellis’, Tony Rayner,’ Research into Pubs and Trade Union Meetings’, Kate Carlisle, ‘Masonic Lodges’ and a video of the inside of historic homes was shown in November. The Christmas meeting was attended by Santa with gifts for members.

Special mention and thanks are due to Mrs. Kate Carlisle who arranged outings to Henry Jones IXL Art Hotel where Warren Glover gave a most informative talk and tour. In May members visited John Worsley’s property ‘Hillcroft’ and ‘Margate Cottage’.

This tour also visited the Channel Historical and Folk Museum. In June we visited The Sound Preservation Society and listened to old records on gramophones and cylinders. In August, a heritage bus tour, conducted by Brad Williams took us between Black Snake Inn Granton, Austin’s Cottage, around old Lutana houses to the Old Probation Station at New Town. As part of the abovementioned October Conference, bus trips to Richmond and a double decker bus tour around Hobart were arranged with a visit to ‘Lenna’ being a highlight.

In November we undertook a tour of historic buildings around Ross.

In December, due to ill health, Mrs. Carlisle tendered her resignation as Secretary. A dedicated and an enthusiastic committee member, Kate has particularly enjoyed arranging outings and tours. Recently, she moved house following two visits to hospital, the second due to a stroke and can no longer provide the necessary input as Secretary. I would like to record special thanks to Kate, Secretary since 2005 and for arranging the many bus tours and outings over the past five years.

Of course none of the year’s program would have happened without the dedicated help and assistance given to me by the committee and office bearers. I especially wish to thank Mrs. Mavis Richards, Treasurer, Mrs. Margaret Lewis, who took over during the year as Minute Secretary following Mrs. Carlisle’s stroke. Margaret has also helped compile the Newsletter. Mrs. Stephany Fehre for her very helpful input, and to Ms. Bev Richardson, Mrs. Betty Reid and Mr. John Worsley and Mr. Denis Fletcher. Thank you too to our auditor, Mr. David Baulch and Web Page Manager John Horton.

Throughout the year President Jessie Wagner, due to illness and hospitalisation, was unable to attend many meetings but she did manage to come to our December Christmas meeting and party. Jessie was continually in touch with me as Vice President throughout the year, by phone and email, providing ideas and guidance. Sadly, Jessie passed away on 8th January, 2010 following her long battle with cancer.

Thank you to members who have supported our association throughout the year and a warm welcome to all new members. We can perhaps consider the motto of the Fellowship of First Fleeters Inc. ‘To Live on in the Hearts and Minds of Descendants is Never to Die’ as we look forward to Commemorating 200 years since the death of our first Lieutenant Governor David Collins in 2010.

Warwick Risby
Acting President

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