Gunning & District Historical Society

Myra Vera Alchin – Sibling of Roy Irwin Alchin by Garry Smith Myra Vera Watson (nee Alchin) & Albert Victor Watson 1928 Myra Vera Alchin was the second child of Edward Alchin (1863-1941) and Elizabeth Anne Alchin (nee Bailey) (1872-1964); she was born at Gunning on 17 February 1895. Myra was a member of the Methodist congregation of Gunning for all of her young life. In 1909 the 61st Anniversary of the Methodist Sunday-School was celebrated at the Gunning Methodist Church. Local children were to the fore during the celebrations; Myra joined young people from such families as Wheatley, Plumb, Crundwell and Alchin to present celebratory recitations and songs.  Myra recited “God’s Own”. In 1910, while her mother Elizabeth Alchin was taking out second prize for her gooseberry jam at the Gunning P. A. and I. Society 14th Annual Show, young Myra won second prize for her rainbow cake; the Alchins were regular contributors to such events. The 1916 Gunning Methodis...

The Australian Star, 23 February 1891, If you get the chance to enjoy a beer or wine at the Gunning Show, spare a thought for the patrons at the 1891 show. It would seem, from the above article, that the showground committee had a strong contingent of Temperance "Brothers" who were successful in declaring it an alcohol-free zone. The impact was not as significant as initially suggested - the article notes that the show was " on the whole a success " with " nearly 800 entries " and daily attendance of " between 700 and 800 ". (I have found no records to compare with other years of the period.) The Temperance movement was quite strong in Australia in the late 19th century. The Gunning Division of The Sons of Temperance was formed in 1874 and when the Temperance Hall was opened in 1882 (cnr Warrataw St and Biala St) there were 73 members. There is also mention of the Independant Order of Good Templars (Eureka Lodge) from 1883 and a bran...