Gunning & District Historical Society

Parramatta Female Penitentiary or Factory (Picture via Trove). By Garry Norman Smith Robert Bayley (aka Bailey) and Mary Bayley (formerly Piper, nee Hogan) lived for many years at Chain of Ponds where Robert farmed and built up a significant flock of sheep. While he and his family were resident in the area, Robert was pretty much a model local citizen. That was not always how Robert lived his early years in the colony. A convict stain was left behind in Van Diemen’s Land when Robert Bayley, Mary Hogan (Piper) and their collective children, sailed aboard the Eudora from Hobart Town, departing on 30 July 1837 bound for Sydney. Robert and Mary brought with them their own five offspring and an adult son and his wife from one of Mary’s previous relationships.  Robert Bailey’s [Bayley] entry in the Conduct Register of Convicts Living in Northern Tasmania 1822-1844. TAHO: CON31/1/1 Image 210/page 112 (With the permission of Archives Office of Tasmania 2006). Robert Ba...

Cass and I love our weekend drives especially when we get to visit amazing places and last Sunday was no exception. Urged on by our fearless leader we travelled over to check out the Taralga Historical Society Museum and Grounds. But first we pulled up at 'The Tangled Vine' Cafe for a spot of lunch for Cass' birthday. Stepping into this eatery is for me like going to your favourite aunt's house, you know her, the one who understands you when you feel alone against the world, the one who marches to the beat of her own drum. Mismatched chairs and tables, rural relics, old posters on the walls, books by Shakespeare and Oscar Wilde sharing shelf space with children's classics by Enid Blyton. You are more than welcome to pick up any of them or a newspaper and settle into a comfy armchair, relax and just unwind over a lovely cuppa. The Cafe has a great reputation for wonderful food and very friendly efficient service and it is well deserved. I have been here a few times ...