Gunning & District Historical Society

The official party at the Samuel Clayton Book Launch. Good afternoon everyone. My husband Victor and I are so disappointed that we can’t be with you today. We had been looking forward to it so much and would love to meet you all and to go on the tour of the Baltinglass site. Little did I know a few years ago when I started researching Victor’s family tree that it would lead to such an interesting story. However, it wasn’t just a ‘story’, it was an insight into our history and yours on a very human level. Despite his crime Samuel Clayton was a man that I came to admire greatly. Both he and his son Benjamin were the type of individuals who built Australia into the wonderful country that it is today. I think Samuel’s descendants in Australia, some of whom are with you today, can be very proud of their heritage. I would like to thank the Mayor Mr Brian McCormack for launching my book. I would also like to thank Rosemary Spiller and the Gunning and District Historical Society ...

Mayor of Upper Lachlan Shire Council, Brian McCormack OAM  (right), about to cut the ribbon with President of GDHS Graham Dyer (left) at Barbour Park on Meadow Creek, Gunning, with the RV-friendly camping area is in the background. Photo: Rosemary Spiller. Twenty people from Gunning and district came together in fine Autumn weather in a very popular location on Sunday 30 April.  The event was part of the National Trust’s Australian Heritage Festival.   Mr Graham Dyer, President of Gunning and District Historical Society, outlined the "Barbour Park Seat of Reflection Project”.   The Upper Lachlan Wood Guild and Gunning and District Historical Society (GDHS) had crafted and erected the memorial Seat of Reflection.   It became clear that a roof was required.   As well as the community grant from Energy Developments ( EDL ), operators of the Cullerin Windfarm, GDHS had contributed a donation from Ms Alison Blackbourn, daughter of Dr Barbour, and i...