Pickering Brook History

Hi Gordon and the Pickering Brook History research team,

Your website is an ever-expanding valuable history resource. Congratulations. Life has been taking me in many other directions so it's good to get back to looking at the history of the areas described in your website.
SUSAN HALL, Craigie, Western Australia

Your website has always given me great pleasure and I’m sure that it is, if not the best local history websites around, certainly one of the very best.
ADRIAN CHOULES, Kelmscott, Western Australia

You do amazing work
ELAINE DE RUITER, Roleystone, Western Australia

Found the web site very interesting and takes me back to my childhood. I lived in kalamunda. Goosberry Hill but grew up with the Italians from the Pickering Brook areas.

The peter patrucci.

stella Longo.

Fuffaro.

Terisa govinazo

Anna LA tizzia.
My primary school teacher was miss pagoto.
ROZANN QUAYE (nee NANCARROW), Guana, British Virgin Islands

Happy New year Gordon, and to all your Family.
Keep up the good work in Pickering Brook History.
LES BECHELLI, Helena Valley,Western Australia

Thank you, Pickering Brook History, for your Christmas good wishes: but it is we who should be issuing such wishes.
Your efforts over the years have made you the stand-out purveyors of local history. Keep up the good work.
ADRIAN CHOULES, Kelmscott, Western Australia

I won't complain about the year 2023 but will make the observation that it's been a strange one with bumps, glitches, and roadblocks.
No damage done but certainly a feeling of disorientation.

However, one thing that has been for certain is the regular updates on your Pickering Brook History website.
Congratulations and many thanks.

Best wishes to you and your team for 2024.
SUSAN HALL, Craigie, Western Australia

Thank you for your wonderful website.

KATELIN FANTUZ, Pickering Brook, Western Australia

I am Tania Piercy great-granddaughter of John Rush Padgett. I read the page on your website dedicated to him
with great interest and delight.
It is obvious the amount of research, time and care you've invested in its creation.
The image #13 of Edwin Padgett straddling the tractor is highly amusing (especially if you knew the old curmudgeon).
I note that it is in your own collection and wondered if you would be willing to make a copy for my own family history records.
The family were so poor that there is few pics of this period and this one is a real treasure.
Congrats on a fab site - I will continue reading and look forward to your response.
TANIA PIERCY, Western Australia

I enjoy reading your additions. Thank you.
MARGARET PUZEY, Yokine, Western Australia

Firstly, I really enjoyed looking at your site, finding lots of information. I was easily able to access the updated information about
Henry James Catchpole & wife Sarah Ann nee Yates.The additional information about Harry Catchpole was great too;
wonderful photos of his work, family & social life.
SHAN CALLOW, Gooseberry Hill, Western Australia

Re George Spriggs' family history. Thanks Gordon you did such a good job.
JUDY PETRUCCI, Pickering Brook. Western Australia

Thank you for all the info that you share with everyone on our history of our district.
ERIC ALTINIER, Kalamunda, Western Australia

Well done Gordon, you did a great job.
GERRY PUTLAND, Vietnam

Greetings Gordon - your website gets more and more full of material you lot up there have dredged up from the past
and must be one of the best around Perth.
JOHN PARKER, Bedford Park, Western Australia

Thanks again for another year of your whizzo Web Site
ERIC COATES, Wanneroo History Society and Machinery Preservation Club of W.A.. Wanneroo, Western Australia

Your site is a beautiful one with a lot of effort gone into it to make it fascinating reading, and I have had fun reading it and finding
details of my ancestors eg McCorkill Road is named after my grandfather.

Great compilation on the Forestry Companies with a few photos that I have not seen before. Overall a great page.
GRAHAM McKENZIE-SMITH, Mount Pleasant, Western Australia

Keep up the good work, you have some awesome material in there and I read all the updates. Great work.
GERRY PUTLAND, Vietnam

Regarding the article about the Forestry Companies. it is an excellent article I very much enjoyed reading it.
I forwarded the link on to a American Vietnam Vet who lives in Texas. He flew as a recognizance officer in an unarmed jet
called the Vigilante at 1100 km/hr at 500 ft above the jungle taking photos of just previous (minutes ago) bombing runs.
He replied that he also enjoyed the article and was also totally unaware of a Corps of forestry workers during the war.
I would imagine few people would be aware. Your article should be spread far and wide
GEOFF BARRITT, Bindoon, Western Australia

Love your article on the RAE, great piece of reading and those photos are fantastic. Keep up the good work mate.
TREVOR TOLLIDAY, Bennett Springs, Western Australia

The Bus Preservation Society of WA (Inc) would like to express our thanks to you for the article you provided on the history
of the Carilla Bus Service. Researched historical articles of this type are of great value to us and has been added to our
archival library for future reference. Thank you once again
LEONIE McDIARMID, Bus Preservation Society of WA (Inc), Whiteman Park, Western Australia

Your Web site is looking great and you have done a wonderful job of the research and keeping everybody informed of the
history of Pickering Brook. Well done mate, you’re a credit to the community. Should be nominated for an OBE.
TREVOR TOLLIDAY, Bennett Springs, Western Australia

Keep up the good work.
JEFF GREEN, Armadale District Historians, Armadale, Western Australia

I was flicking through your wedding photos the other day and saw that you had my grandparents listed but without their photo.
I thought I should share it with you.

They are Alf and Hilda Martin (nee Buckingham) who married at Kelmscott in Oct. 1916 I have attached it for you.

You do a great job and am happy to share where appropriate
ELAINE de RUITER, Roleystone, Western Australia

Thank you so very much for your enthusiasim over this project. It has been very special to me and no doubt will be
to my family over time.
Thank you for your many talents and generosity of time.
ANNETTE DINES, Armadale, Western Australia

I continue to be amazed at the information and photographs that you have dug up. It really is impressive.
JACK BRADSHAW, Manjimup, Western Australia

First of all might I say what a great website for the Pickering Brook History is, I really enjoy reading all the family stories.

I wish we could do something for Kelmscott.
COLLEEN FANCOTE, Kelmscott, Western Australia

It was delightful to read your tribute to Carol. I knew she had assisted you along the way, but I didn't know it was such
significant help!
MARCIA MAHER, Lesmurdie, Western Australia

Well done Gordon.
Very impressed with your local history dedication.
GAY BRIDGEMONTt, Kalamunda, Western Austraila

More great work, Gordon.
Thanks, for all you do.
JOHN LINTON, Lesmurdie, Western Australia

I am constantly amazed at the amount of research you do and then place the information on your webpage.
How ever do you manage it all? I'm envious of your stamina!!
GLENYS INNES, Maylands, Western Australia

I've had a good look through the remarkable pages you've got on the Pickering Brook district's automotives of yore.
I really wonder if any other person has put as much into their local website as you have - you deserve an OBE.
JOHN PARKER, Bedford Park, Western Australia

Congratulations on your latest Pickering Brook website update.
SUSAN HALL, Western Australia

Be rightfully proud of your work, its very nice. I will read some of the other families’ history as i grew up with many of them.
GERRY PUTLAND, Vietnam

I came across your website thanks to our family name of George Brainsford Beard. You have produced a wonderful resource.
My husband, Doug, is Mac Beard's cousin, the son of Des beard. I have been able to update all the Pickering Brook Beard info
and dates from your site. Thank you. I think the work you have put into this site is amazing and so valuable for the future.
LYN BEARD, Parkerville, Western Australia

Many thanks for the update notification - particularly the addition of the Barritt history. The Herbert kids were very good friends
of Terry and siblings. We learned to swim in the dam on their orchard in the late 1940's.
ROSS HERBERT, Carine, Western Australia

Thank You Gordon
Keep up the great work you are doing :)
KERRY REVERZANI (nee Granger), Wanneroo, Western Australia

Thanks, Gordon and Team for the great updates on the website.

The bus story is fascinating and I hope will lead to getting the bus restored as soon as possible.

Photos on the Reverse Marriage pages were fascinating and will most likely provide some long-lost images for some family members.
Some of the facial expressions are priceless!
SUSAN HALL, Western Australia

You are a tiger for keeping the activity on this incredible website, Gordon!
Hope the Festive Season is good to you.
JOHN PARKER, Bedford Park, Western Australia

I've just read through your history of Bartons Mill. Thanks very much. As part of the Murphy/Smith family, I lived at Bartons Mill
from about age 7 until I joined the RAAF the first time in 1966. I grew up with the Ogg children and knew the Venables and
others named in your story. Went to Pickering Brook Primary and then to Kalamunda High. My first year at KHS was the second
year it had been open. Of the nine children from our combined family, sadly one, Gary Murphy, has passed away. As have both
my stepfather William Murphy and my Mum, Dorothy 'Dot' Murphy. Two of us, myself and Bill Murphy, now live in Queensland
following service in the RAAF for me and RAN for Bill. The rest live in various areas of WA except Sister Carey who now resides
in New Zealand. I have a son, Darren, who now teaches English as a Second language in Madrid and a daughter, Jessica who
works in HR in Brisbane. My wife Cheng Im (Joyce) and I live at Brassall, in Ipswich Area and I volunteer at Amberley Aviation
Heritage Centre. Many thanks for the wonderful story.
Victor Ronald Matthew Smith, Stepson of William 'Bill' Murphy and son of Dorothy Claire Murphy (Nee Hale, previously Smith)
VIC SMITH, Ipswich, Queensland

I enjoyed looking at your website. Thanks for all the interesting information.
MEREDITH HAYSOM

Good work as always Gordon. Fascinating about the UGLY MEN’S ASSOC. FASCINATING.
HELI DONALDSON, Mundaring, Western Australia

Thank you for compiling the comprehensive Thomas Buckingham Family History. You must have put a lot of time & effort into
researching & recording their history. I have found the material used very interesting.
DON BUCKINGHAM, Western Australia

I have just now gone onto your website and had a look at the Carmel School update. It is really really well done,
so comprehensive, complete with the introductory information. But following up with a newspaper article about an
ex-student who died in a plane crash, was to me, the epitome of a really dedicated researcher. I also greatly admired
the way you used the Punishment Book info. Thank you.
I am sending your website's address to several ex-students I know.
And the biggest compliment of all....my husband is going off to have his monthly dinner with his club and he has printed
off one of the photos to take along....will get a few laughs and a bit of conversation, I'm sure!
Congratulations again
MARCIA MAHER, Kalamunda & Districts Historical Society, Kalamunda, Western Australia

I have given your site details to my daughter Judy, to pass on to her grandson. Chaz is 12 this year, and is studying history,
so I’m hoping to interest him in our family history.

Keep up the good work. It is pleasing to see the increase in visitors to the site, and that they are not ALL interested in our family.
Relating to a relatively small district in the Hills, Pickering Brook History is proving to be a source of interest and information,
and seems to be attracting both current and former residents, as well as those with special interests in the area’s past activities.
Without your efforts, so much information, and so many photograps and stories would have been lost forever.
A wonderful tribute to your efforts. Thank you.
HELEN SKEHAN, Rossmoyne, Western Australia

Many thanks for this, Gordon. Yours must be one of the cleanest looking and classiest websites available to the public.

JOHN PARKER, Bedford Park, Western Australia

Thank you, Gordon and Consultants. The Pickering Brook History website is brilliant: colourful, clear and interesting to read
with lots of different stories to stir further interest in the district and its people. I hope that many originally from the district
will search their family archives and add photographs and more information to what is already there. The reverse marriage
name list is a clever addition to discovering what happened to the many young women and the many young men of the
district. I look forward to reading more about the district as additional information becomes available, but in the
meantime, there is plenty to read now.
Best wishes and congratulations,
SUSAN HALL, Western Australia

Thank you for sending Pickering Brook History Web Site. Really interesting especially flight over Zig Zag.
Thanks for all your hard work
ERIC COATES, Wanneroo History Society and Machinery Preservation Club of W.A.. Wanneroo, Western Australia

Well done, yet again. You really do put in the top effort with your research. The Zig Zag railway is of particular interest to me,
as my dad George Tolliday was responsible for buildings and maintenance on this and other routes on the WAGR System.
I travelled the Zig Zag, as a kid.
TREVOR TOLLIDAY, Bennett Springs, Western Australia

Thanking you for your interest in our states history, like you I think it is important to document all we can find.

Your new website is looking really great - congratulations!
Thank you for your support of Perth Hills Future
FRANCESCA FLYNN, Managing Director, Perth Hills Future, Western Australia

I greatly enjoyed reading the saw mill article complete with its very many considerable additions to my work.
Your research skills are most impressive.
MARCIA MAHER, Kalamunda & Districts Historical Society, Kalamunda, Western Australia

I had a look at your site (again) – looks great! What colourisation software do you use? The old B&W photos come up
so much better with colour added.
ROB BORSJI, Technology, Promotions & Publicity, Darlington History Group, Darlington, Western Australia

I am VERY impressed with the natural timber/ trees/ etc. motics (taken from our native bushland) on this new website.
Particularly, the slab of timber that the opening page is written upon - excellent stuff! People probably think you're as
"obsessed" with our historic interests in our native flora, etc, as they consider I am "obsessed" with the vintage cars
in our past. But being "mad" has some benefits, eh?!
I believe that you'd be very proud of the copious hours you've spent on this project.
You are doing a brilliant job of compiling all the history and stories on your site.
JOAN HOLMES (nee HIAM)

You and David are doing a superb job in tracking down, preserving, and making public the largely forgotten, in danger
of being lost, history of the wider Pickering Brook community. As a descendant of one of the pioneering families of
Pickering Brook I greatly appreciate the hours you both put in. Not only do you chase up and record so much of this history,
you also give others the impetus to look into the history of their own family, thus unearthing information and photographs
that would otherwise have been lost. The ripple effect from dropping that stone in the water.
HELEN SKEHAN, Rossmoyne, Western Australia

As all of your followers/disciples have already told you, the new web site is marvellous. Thank you. Gordon
Kind regards
LYNNE DANKS (nee Stanbury), Ex Carinyah, Western Australia

I enjoyed reading about your website. I have lived in the Hills for over fifty years and my wife and I have raised
our family here. My wife Jenny was very active in the Kalamunda Historical Society settlement
and the history of the Kalamunda, Pickering areas. She was author of the book called "Valleys of Solitude".
Regards
DAVID KEAST, Kalamunda, Western Australia

I just read the latest up-date, and was fascinated by the story of Barton. We never really know the true story of the past
without masses of research, and you and David have done a great job. The story answers some of the queries I have had
from recalling Mum talking of her younger life, particularly remembering the name Barton-Bruce, and understanding
where her friend Gwen Thomas fitted in.
HELEN SKEHAN, Rossmoye, Western Australia

Good on you Gordon,
Regards,
TREVOR TOLLIDAY, Bennett Springs, Western Australia

Looks Great
BETTY MARSH, Kalamunda & Districts Historical Society, Kalamunda, Western Australia

Very nice job!! Interface is clean and easy to navigate – 10/10 to you!!!
CHRIS - Live Broadcast Video Productions – Perth, Western Australia

Congratulations, Gordon. Glad to see your website up and running. Looks good, but I have been tied up all day,
so will get into it tomorrow.
HELEN SKEHAN, Rossmoyne, Western Australia

The new site is excellent, well done.
JOHN GREGORY, Gosnells, Western Australia

I just blue a couple of hours reading it, great work it's excellent.
VIC FERNIE

You have some really great stories on the site now - a great credit to you and all that have helped.
MARK STEPHENS, Bracken Ridge, Queensland

Well, the URL has changed and most of the content too, by the look of it. It looks good and you know as a webmaster,
there’s always more to put on.
ROB BORSJI, Technology, Promotions & Publicity, Darlington History Group, Darlington, Western Australia

I have just read your Bio and backstory on William Francis Guppy and am very impressed. Prior to commencing my family
research my knowledge of the roots of the Guppy family from a historical perspective was minimal.
Discovering the Guppy's Mill history, on your website, has been aa absolute revelation, to the point where
I am now communicating with a 3rd cousin in Perth. Tammy has been extremely helpful and together we
have made some great discoveries of our joint ancestors. I enjoy your website and thank you.
GRANT GUPPY (Great, Great, Grandson of William Flower Guppy)

Thanks for the fantastic upgrade on the Whim! I was waiting for this data for a long time!
Interesting info, drawings and beautiful photos! An asset to my live model steam whim

I'm still working on the whim. A while ago I mounted a steam whistle. Now a real working steam
"boiler feed water pump" is coming up soon. When this is mounted I will make a nice video again,
and photos of course. One thing is certain, my whim will always stay with me, it is now my favorite logging machine!
LOEK PROPER, The Hague, Netherlands, Europe

Well you have a great story there about the steam powered whim - Dad and myself were very surprised how
well it has come together.
Great work from everyone and thank you.
MARK & HARRY STEPHEN (descendants of inventor Harry Stephen), Queensland

Thank you for your fantastic update of the steam powered whim partition of your website . . . it is all very interesting
reading and the photographs are great.
PETE GRIFFIN, Dardanup Heritage Park, Bunbury, Western Australia

Gordon, You’ve excelled yourself. Magnificent story and photographs of the steam powered whim.
Your blood’s worth bottling! I hope there’s a folder or file somewhere that stores all this stuff you put together,
safely, so that it’s not just on the web. It’s a fantastic resource for history.
JOHN LINTON, Lesmurdie, Western Australia

A great result - congratulations to all concerned. And a big thank you to all the time and effort you have put into
not only the website but in furtherance of the Heritage Group as a whole..

Brilliant news! And so well-deserved. Your Group continues to do wonderful work which benefits many many people!
And I have recently been one of them once again. Very best wishes.
MARCIA MAHER, Archivist, Kalamunda & Districts Historical Society, Kalamunda, Western Australia

Congratulations to you all. An award well deserved.
MARIA & MARIO GIUMELLI, Pickering Brook, Western Australia

That is fantastic, congratulations to everyone.
ROSE & MAURICE EARLE, Vintage Car Club, Forrestfield, Western Australia

Congratulations! I read some results in this morning’s paper, but no mention of Pickering Brook. My disappointment
turned to elation with your email. Don’t celebrate too much! Again, congratulations and many pats on the back,
and don’t cash in the gold medallion for the whim of fundraising!
HELEN & PETER SKEHAN, Rossmyne, Western Australia

Gordon What a GREAT result. Your contribution ... outstanding and I thank you for that always.
STEPHANIE O'MEAGHER, Kelmscott, Western Australia

Congratulations to Gordon and the team. Fantastic News and a real inspiration to us all.
PAT HALLAHAN OAM, Kalamunda, Western Australia

Congratulations Gordon and everyone involved in your heritage group. You thoroughly deserve this and more for
the work that you do. Personally,
I love the research that you did into my own family, the George and Ethel Lindley (nee Buckingham) family who
had the Pickering Brook Store. Ethel was my great Aunt and for a little while lived next door to me in Kelmscott
when I was growing up. Only wish that your group extended as far as Roleystone and Kelmscott Hills!
ELIANE de RUITER, Roleystone, Western Australia

Congratulations to you and your group, a worthy reward in recognition of 25 years of hard work.

BETTY MARSH, Event Co-ordinator, Kalamunda & Districts Historical Society, Kalamunda, Western Australia

Congratulations Gordon and members on a wonderful outcome, this award is well deserved and the promotion of
Pickering Brook’s History will grow with much pride.

This is fabulous! What an achievement. It’s so great to know that the history of the Pickering Brook area is being preserved.
My father grew up there and has wonderful memories of his childhood. My husband and I have visited Pickering Brook
from the UK and have been made so welcome by the local community. So much so that I now feel a real connection
to the area and my father’s past which is truly wonderful. Thanks so much. With best wishes to you all.

CLAIRE PALMER, Bexhill-On-Sea, East Sussex, United Kingdm (Family formerly from Carmel)

Congratulations Gordon and Pickering Brook folk. A well-earned award.
SUSAN HALL, Birtwistle Local Studies Library, City of Armadale, Western Australia

Congratulations on your achievement.
Having helped Mum and Anne with their books I am somewhat aware of the
amount of time and effort that goes into the process of preserving these
important memories of times gone by. Good work. It's great to see the
history of Pickering Brook preserved.
LES & ANNE MARSHALL, Hazelmere, Western Australia

Congratulations Gordon and Members , a well deserved award.
SHIRLY MOONEY OAM, Duncraig, Western Australia

Congratulations on the award, Webmaster! Hans would be so proud of your skills (and so am I) Is it only 25 years since
you were first talking about this work and the small politics and local scandals and feuds that you were running into? Well done.

Well done and hearty congratulations - very well deserved
MARIE GARWOOD, Collection Manager, Kalamunda & Districts Historical Society, Kalamunda, Western Australia

Congratulations Gordon to you and everyone at Pickering Brook Heritage Group and good luck for the finals ߘ
Glad to see the Perth Hills being cemented on the map!

Congratulations! And good luck! I know how hard you have worked on that web site and I remember a lot of small
politics around the entering of these contests. I think the one you are vying for is definitely the one you should win
having stirred so many folk into sharing and even beginning to discover their family history and how it contributes
to the Pickering Brook area. Good on ya!

That is great news, a worthy finalist you have all put so much into the group. please pass my Congratulations on to all the members
BETTY MARSH, Event Co-ordinator, Kalamunda & Districts Historical Society, Kalamunda, Western Australia

Hi Gordon, Congratulations ! – we will keep our fingers crossed for the 29^th
MARIE GARWOOD, Collection Manager, Kalamunda & Districts Historical Society, Kalamunda, Western Australia

Hello Gordon What a wonderful result for all the work done by yourself and your helpers! Congratulations and good luck
for a win to recognise that work.
DIANE BUCKLEY, Byford, Western Australia

Great news. You deserve to be a finalist.
MARGARET PUZEY (nee Price), Yokine, Western Australia

Very impressive logo to add to your page. Congratulations to the Group, and to you, and best of luck in the finals.
Thanks for ringing, Gordon, and for the info re the book. I look forward to the launch, and will definitely be ordering copies.
Best wishes for continuing success. You are a star, and the website has introduced so many people to the history and
heritage of our much loved Pickering Brook. Without you, this would not have happened.

Good luck Gordon. You all deserve it. Cheers
JOHN GIARDINA, Lesmurdie, Western Austraila

I will be happy to put this into my next courier - so make sure you get some photos.
LINDA MOORE (nee Bettenay), Editor Roleystone Courier, Roleystone, Western Australia

Very well done. Go Pickering Brook !!
TERRY FRANCAIS, Stoneville, Western Australia

Congratulations on another excellent year, Gordon. The site continues to amaze me with its content and easy navigability.
JOHN LINTON, Lesmurdie, Western Australia

I have just read the wonderful story of Mason & Bird on your web pages. Very enjoyable. My grandfather, Walter George Trew
worked for them. I was raised in the Canning Shire, and often visited Mason's Landing, but never knew then the
importance of the place to our timber industry. Thank you once again for a very enjoyable read.
GAIL PASCOE , Mandurah, Western Australia

Wow! The photos are fabulous. Thank you so very much.
I have seen the updated website, it's really fabulous! Well done on all of your efforts.
KELLI RERDEN, Lesmurdie, Western Australia

I read your narrative of my great grandfather, John Rush Padgett with great interest. As family members, we all knew
the story, but there were still aspects I hadn't heard before which was marvellous. Congratulations on your wonderful website.
TANIA PIERCY

What a marvellous web site you have. Really interesting.
ERIC COATES, Wanneroo History Society, Wanneroo, Western Australia.

I continue to enjoy the Pickering Brook website and can always find something interesting to read in the updates. Thank you.
Best wishes. May you find some more wonderful information and photos as you research.
MARGARET PUZEY (nee Price), Yokine, Western Australia.

My name is Claire Palmer and I was given your email address by Mac Beard. My husband Giles and I live in the U.K.
My father Tony Palmer used to live in Carmel in the early 1950s as a young boy. He knew Mac and Pam Beard back in
those days along with all the other locals in area. I spoke to Mac on the telephone recently and he kindly sent us some
Pickering Brook calendars and also some photos of my father's old house in Carmel Road, the old school house and
the old post office. I think you may have been instrumental in producing the photos.
I just wanted to say thank you so much for sending them. Dad was over the moon to receive the calendar and
photos in the post. They reminded him of his wonderful life as a child growing up in Western Australia.
My Dad has recently finished writing a book about his time living in Australia as a boy. We are in the process of
getting the book printed. Once we have sorted this we will send a copy in the post to Mac. We have had a good look at the
Pickering Brook History website and it is amazing! Dad was overwhelmed to see all the familiar places and faces. He was
very close to Archie and Rita Anderson and Margaret Anderson was a very good friend.
Well done to you all for putting this together. In the meantime, very best wishes to you all and we will keep an eye
on your wonderful website.
CLAIRE SEIFFERT, England

I want to thank you for such an interesting and informative website. I have a family interest in Canning Mills as during
the 1890s as my gt-grandfather James Dimond worked there as a carpenter and one son born there. The map of
Canning Mills and the photographic history has helped me filling out my family history.
MARILYN DIMOND, Fremantle, Western Australia

I was delighted to read your tribute to Rudolph (Bobbie) Selk, as he has been a folk hero in our family for as long as I can remember.
Our paternal grandfather, Fred Grosvenor, was a friend and workmate of Bobbie Selk. Granddad died in 1930, before any of his
grandchildren were born, so anything I relate will be second- or third hand. They both worked for the PMG, probably in Fremantle,
and folk lore has it that it was Granddad's responsibility to get Bobbie to important games of cricket on time & in a fit state, as he could
be unreliable in that area. Our Dad, Neil Rudolph Grosvenor, second son b.1907, was named for Bobbie Selk, while the second-born
Selk was named Grosvenor. Dad died in 1960, and a number of years later, Mum met Grosvenor Selk in his role as Friend of Kings Park,
when he showed a group around the garden area. I can't remember Mum mentioning the connection with Pickering Brook, but maybe
their conversation didn't go in that direction. As you might remember, Mum taught at Pickering Brook, as Cathie Lugg, in 1932/33.
I continue to be amazed at the connections that occur in the history of our vast State.
LEE EVANS, Palmyra, Western Australia

On behalf of Jill Brookes, of the Dardanup Heritage Park, we request the use of the information on your site of the
Steam Whims and associated printed works.

If you granted the use of such material, Jill would display it in the Sawmill Facility area we have at the Park, and would
also give acknowledgement to your group for the use and research of such work. We find your research outstanding,
and it would enhance our display considerably if you give your permission.
PETER GRIFFIN, Bunbury, Western Australia

I recently discovered your website and have found it a fascinating read. Having lived in Kalamunda now for twenty years,
getting out in the bush on bike and foot has become my passion. I thought I knew everywhere there was to know and
had been there too. Barton's Mill Prison was news to me. I visited it last week. Such a shame that it has been reduced
to nothing more than foundations. Fascinating nonetheless.
Thank you and keep up the good work,
JOHN EDEN, Kalamunda, Western Australia

What a great website you have created. I find myself on there reading for hours getting to know all about your area and
all those wonderful people.
Its like when you're reading a good book and you just don't want to put it down. The website is an insight into an area
that has long been forgotten.
I feel as though I am truely able to connect with the long lost family members, the "Liebows" of Forrest Inn at Canning Mills.
ROBYN RIBARITS, Mildura, Victoria

Congratulations Gordon and the Pickering Brook team. Nine years of commitment to the website is testimony to the dedication
of the History Group to sharing and collecting the district's history. The comments demonstrate just how far away responses
are coming from for your website.
Keep up the good work.
SUSAN HALL, Birtwistle Local Studies Library, City of Armadale, Western Australia

Hello, I have just found you interesting site and I believe that I have found a missing family member that we
( my brother & me ) have been searching for .

I have just discovered your site in the process of researching for a book I am writing about my great great Grandmother
and I have been truly impressed by the amazing photos and the amount of detail recorded.
Although my G.G. Granny, Ellen Johnsey, lived in Queensland, her husband, my G.G. Granddad, Enoch Johnsey,
was working at the Canning Jarrah Mill in the 1890s. He was killed there in 1896 in an accident (He was crushed
by a large log and died in hospital the same night). I have not been able to unearth a picture of him but feel likely
he may be on one of the group pictures on your pages. He came originally from Gloucestershire, England.
The pictures have really helped in crystallising this place in my mind, thank you so much.
BOB ROGERS, Queensland.

I was checking out your website regarding the history of Carmel Primary School and came across a 1933 photo,
which I've got to say gave me goose bumps, as there was a photo that included my mum and her two sisters.
So I thought I would help you out with three names to add to the photo. They are: Norah Mitchell,
Winifred (Win) Mitchell and Doreen Mitchell
MAX JONES, Walliston, Western Australia.

Finding your website has brought back some wonderful childhood memories for me of my time growing up in
Pickering Brook. Your material on the school, the general store (where I lived), and in particular Tommy Roads,
are of great interest. Tommy was our nearest neighbour and I spent many, many hours sitting on his back
verandah listening to his stories of his time in the district. He was a true character. Keep up the great work.
GREG BENDALL, Maddington, Western Australia.

On researching my family history I came across your website with an excellent article on Alf Russell,
Kate (Kitty) (nee Gibson) and Pip. Kate was my Grandfather's sister, so my father, John (Jack) Gibson,
was Kate's nephew and Pip's cousin. As contact was lost it was lovely to come across the article and read
about Kitty and I only wish I could read her diaries now. The article had some great information in it on
their lives, filled in a few gaps and had some lovely photos, not seen by my family before, so fantastic to see.
If there is any other information regarding the family I would appreciate being contacted. Congratulations
on a lovely informative website on Pickering Brook, a lovely place and definitely now on my list to visit.
Keep up the good work.
SHARON BICKFORD, Albany, Western Australia.

We really appreciate the effort you and your crew have put in. I do hope you can add the photo of Carmel School
taken about 1929/30, to your historical collection for others to view for interest or research.
The photo was found in my mothers family album during the clean up of her house after she passed away in 2014.
The William Hand, referred to at the beginning of this exchange of emails, is in fact my grandfather.
He was for a time in the late 1920’s or 30’s, managing the “non official” post office at Bickley.
The Bourne brothers Wally and Cyril, referred to were the result of my grandmothers first marriage to
Walter Bourne Snr.Once again, the “team” effort is very much appreciated.
PETER PETHICK

What a wonderful site I have stumbled upon – congratulations on all the hard work that has been done.
I enjoyed looking at the photos and reading the school history.My late mother was a teacher at the primary school
between 1976-1985 teaching Yrs 1-2 (there are some photos of my mum on your site which I had never seen before.
Her name was Morac Mary Seymour. Unfortunately mum passed away in January 2015 at the young age of 88.
I can remember she was always so proud to be a part of the Pickering Brook community while she was teaching there.
I am currently in the slow process of going through my mother’s old photos and there are photos of the
school/grounds and students that I would like to donate to your website.It will take me a little time to get
them all together, but when I have finally got it all sorted could I please forward them on to you and if any
are worthy of being put up on the website, I would very pleased.Thank you
JUDY SEYMOUR, Albany, Western Australia

While researching my wife's family tree on Ancestry, I found your very impressive article on Kate Gibson and Alf Russell.
Kate Gibson was the elder sister of Annie Elizabeth Gibson, whose daughter Olive Baird, was my wife
(Kathleen Moore)'s mother. Since Ancestry provides no details on living relatives, I am hoping to be able to
establish contact through you with any of Kate Gibson's living descendants. We would be pleased if you would
pass on my details to anyone who would care to correspond with the Canadian branch of the family.
LEN RYAN, Canada

I have been looking at your fabulous website about the history of Pickering Brook. You definitely have a wealth of
historical knowledge about Pickering Brook.

I teach at Kalamunda Christian School teaching year 2's.

RACHEL PENDAL, LESMURDIE, Western Australia

I am currently writing a book to be published by UWA Press on the history of the land and landscape in south west WA.
This includes a chapter on forests and I have been looking at your excellent website and especially at the section on
steam whims that includes some wonderful photos by Phil Wyndham. I would very much like to include
photo number 14 in the book, with due acknowledgement of course. Congratulations on a very informative
and interestingly structured website.
BILL BUNBURY, BILL BUNBURY PRODUCTION, Western Australia.

Glad to see the Pickering Brook Heritage Group is continuing strong. Your internet site is marvellous in it's
comprehensiveness and I think the calendars are splendid.
BRIAN JACKSON, Riverton, Western Australia

I recently lost my mum, Carmela Longo (nee Radice), and have been looking through this website to gain more info
about the Pickering Brook area, where my Mum grew up. I was particularly interested in Mum's time packing in the
apple sheds around Pickering Brook/ Carmel. I remember mum saying they had a competition to see who packed
the most or best. Also Mum was involved in some sort of Miss 'apple queen ' or something similar. We are a bit
unsure of this and was hoping to find someone who could tell us more.
I really need to find out a bit more about mum's life in Pickering Brook, so I can pass it on to her grandchildren.
It's a shame for us that we didn't document stuff before this, but I guess we never thought mum would leave us so soon.
So I am very grateful for this website.
I would appreciate any info or contacts you could give me.
ROSEMARY BECKETT (Longo)

Very impressed with the Pickering Brook Heritage Groups web site which will warrant much more delving and re-reading.
I discovered the site when researching wild flowers found in the area.
Having spent many happy times in Forrest Road, Pickering Brook, I am setting my current childrens book in Pickering Brook.
Thank you and congratulations on an interesting, informative site.

I have just spent far too much time reading through your updates! Congratulations to the students from
Pickering Brook School for the excellent quality of their photographs and for the interesting images & comments.
I sent the latest newsletter details through to my friend, Dulcie Hale (we were at school together), and had a
phone call from her, saying she had spent a couple of hours enjoying its contents. Dulcie & her husband Bob
were at the school for a time, but she also has a connection with Bartons Mill, where an aunt was the teacher
in the 1930s. Small world, isn't it!
LEE EVANS, Palmyra, Western Australia

Your website is brilliant and I enjoy looking through the old pictures, thanks to all who work on it.
TOM NIVEN, Mundaring, Western Australia

I am related to the Fernie's in Pickering Brook, my maiden name was Susan Fernie, my father John Fernie, his father
Leslie Alexander who was the eldest child of Alexander Edward Fernie. Anyway I am very interested in family history
and I'm doing a little project on Fernie Family for my brother's (Darren and Jason Fernie). The reason I am
contacting you...firstly to tell you what you have done on Alexander Fernie on your website is brilliant, I love this,
it is about my Great Grandparents history and I have now seen pictures I never would have. If you would
be interested to read my 'Fernie Family History' I can email it to you, it is a work in progress though.
SUE FORBES, Western Australia

You guys and your committee are to be congratulated on all the hard work and rewarding results you have contributed
to the Pickering Brook History Site.
Just to let you know who I am - Patricia Belstead, nee Davey 1st marriage to Richard Spivey second to Brett Belstead.
I would love to forward to you any photos and stories that my dad,Ted, left me when he passed away if you would like them.
I was only made aware of your website when my daughter in law , Michelle, who came across it whilst searching for information.
Until then I will start searching for Photos etc.
Keep up the fantastic work and once again I would love to be part of it.
PATRICIA BELSTEAD, Bunbury, Western Australia

Again, I am gob smacked!!! I look forward to your updates. It is great that more and more people are finding your website.
Again, it has been a great interest to me. Regarding the cricket team photo. Even though it was from an extremely
old negative. I was intrigued see the photo of my dad "Pommie'' William White. It was nice to see that he played a sport,
Another hobby of my mum and dad was playing cards. Bridge and Rummy was a term that I remember well.
Sometimes they used to take us to a couple of places, but more often that not these nights were at our house,
I guess because of us kids. I remember going to a Mr. King's house and I think one or two of the single men
joined these nights.
It was also a great read re Gorge Anderson and his wife and families. I was intrigued to see the photo of
Archie Anderson and the bull "Bevan". I can't remember in my time in Barton's Mill (that is when I was old enough
to remember) that Mrs Anderson had cows. I think maybe that she had sold the cows and just kept Bevan as a pet.
I remember that she regarded him as non aggressive. That is when my dad decided to buy a cow so that we had
our own milk, but then he bought a few more cows and sold milk to a few people that wanted it. He made a little
extra money by doing this. He also kept chooks and also grew some vegies. He was an enterprising fellow, given
that he lived in the city of Manchester as an electrical fitter.
The photo of a typical house in Barton's mill is spot on.
I was interested in the fact that you have, again, published a calendar. I have kept the previous ones as they are too
precious, historically, to throw them away. After the launch of them I would like to, again, buy three of them.
Also I would like to be a member if I can albeit an absent one, as I am gaining a great deal of pleasure from the site.
I wonder who will be the next person to come into the fold.
IRENE JENKINS, Victoria

I would like to compliment your group for the fantastic website you have put together on the history of
Pickering Brook area. It’s a pity that Kalamunda hasn’t done something similar. I’m 71 and have a long history
relating to Guildford (since 1830), Midland, Kalamunda, Carmel and Pickering Brook and just love reading all of
your stories. I noticed a mention in your website of my grand parent Alex Mitchell who lived in Union Rd,
Carmel…also Alan Mitchell ran the Telephone Exchange at Carmel (opposite Carmel School…approx 1950) ,
similar to the Switch Board you have on your website. My Mother (Norah Jones nee Mitchell) went to Carmel School
in around 1929. Dad (Walter Jones from Kalamunda), lived in Pickering Brook for a while and his father
(Alfred De Courcy Jones) was a Stationery Engine Driver at Smailes' Mill. So all of your stories brings a lot
back to me. Keep up the good work.
VICTOR JONES, Forrestfield, Western Australia

I am a descendant of Ernest and Annie Camp mentioned in your page on George and Ernest Holroyd’s.
In this it mentions the sons and daughter of Ernest and Annie Camp being “Ron (my Dad), Allan,
Adopted David and only daughter June”
It is a lovely piece and I have moved my family to Lesmurdie to be closer to the place I spent my childhood years,
running around the orchard at Aunty Mays, the house keeper of Ernie and George. They died just before I was born.
You are doing a wonderful job and our lives are fuller from your work on our past.
JOSHUA CAMP, Lesmurdie, Western Australia

I just wanted to congratulate the group on such an interesting website with so much local history.
In particular I was looking for basic information and pictures of the Davey brothers Ted and Cecil (My mother’s cousins)
so was delighted to see pictures of them and read with interest about the volunteer s and service men.
I had met Ted Davey some years ago at one of my great Aunt’s (Pam Hall) family get togethers and my mother
Beth Ferguson, has mentioned both Ted and Cecil in stories or recollections she has written of when they were children
and later when the farm was purchase for the boys by their father Fred Davey.
As kids, the cousins all loved Ted’s poetry. My mother still recalls and recites his poems and when I telephone her tonight,
she was reciting a poem, which I had heard throughout out my child hood, never before realising that a Great uncle had written it.
JENNIE DAVIE (nee Ferguson), Penshurst, New South Wales

I am researching my family history and have found your website. Mrs. Kate Weyman was my Dad's Aunt and he was always
interested to know whatever happened to her and just guessed at her lifestyle but wasn't able, while he was alive,
to find out anything. I've managed to find the most I can from your excellent site and from sending to W.A. for marriage
and death certificates. I'm also aware that Fred Weyman signed his marriage certificate with a cross, so wonder whether

that was why not much news was written home to the U.K.
We are extremely impressed by the amount of information, constantly updated too, which is contained in your site.
Even were I not tracing family, I would find it riveting reading. And Mr. Ken Smailes, who knew Bid Weyman,
paints a whole word picture of the area in his fascinating reminiscence. What a very interesting exercise tracing
this previously unknown part of my family has been.
LARRY & AUDREY UNTHANK, Ashtead, United Kingdom.

What a marvellous story you have put together, regarding the 'Emu Wars'. It is really entertaining reading,
and the photos have been enhanced in amazing detail. Congratulations!
Mum (Cath Grosvenor, nee Lugg) would have been tickled pink to see them used in that way.
LEE EVANS, Palmyra, Western Australia.

I just wanted to write and say thank you for your wonderful write up on the history of the Karragullen School.
My grandfather, Cecil Johnston was the teacher there in the late 1920's and it was fantastic to read all of the stories
about him, especially since he passed away before I was born so I never had a chance to meet him. My mother
(his daughter) who was born after his time teaching in Karragullen had no idea that he had once travelled to New Zealand
or that he was interested in sports so it was somewhat of a revelation to her! She thinks I must get my love of books
and my math skills from him.
Just a pity that there was no photograph of him as we our family would have loved to have seen it.
Was certainly something to add to the family history for (hopefully) generations to come to be able to read and enjoy.
Thanks again
RACHEL MARCIONNI

The website continues to grow, thanks to the seemingly tireless work you do. Congratulations on your magnificent effort.
ROSS HERBERT

Thank you Gordon, I was thrilled to see the website, and quickly looked to see if anything (especially photos) was collated
for my era. No I am sorry I don’t have anything to contribute, but very happy to pay a membership to encourage your
great efforts. Was very interesting to read. I thank you and everyone involved for your efforts.
Well done, Malcolm (Cocky)O’Meagher is my father.
JOANNE RUSSELL (nee O’Meagher), Norseman, Western Australia.

Congratulations on the great work that is on display.
SUSAN HALL, Birtwistle Local Studies Library, City of Armadale, Western Australia

I must commend you all for creating such a wonderful website, fabulous. Just happened to stumble across it when
researching my uncles time in the
VDC. My mother Violet Stucke was born in Pickering Brook on 4 February 1918, later to become married to Jack West
of Holyoake, and later to Ernest Tuck of
Pemberton.
Best wishes,
LES WEST, Canningvale, Western Australia.

My name is Lisa Gilbert and my Grandmother was Ruby Catherine Mason, married to Lawrence Albert Mason.
I was absolutely thrilled to find your website and the fantastic information and pictures Gwen wrote about the family history.
I met Gwen a long time ago when she visited my family, she was truly a lovely lady.
Your website gave me the information and opportunity to investigate our family further.
My best and sincere regards
LISA GILBERT, Highett, Victoria.

I would just like to say I have enjoyed reading the history of Carmel school which is on your web site.
I attended there with my sister in the 1960’s. I recognise many family names going right back to the beginning.
COLIN COOK, Mandurah, Western Australia

Thank you for your splendid work in adding the Mason Family segment to the Website. It is gratifying to see it in print.
ROSS HERBERT

Thankyou, thankyou, thankyou. My husband is Edward Vivian Harvey Keane and Lilla Rebecca Wharton Whites Great Grandson,
and we had NO photos of them at all, and now thanks to you and all of your work, we do!!!!!
My husband saw photos of his Grandfather for the 1st time today because of you guys... So a big thanks from me!
LESLEY O'SHAUGHNESSY - wife of John Vivian O'Shaughnessy, Victoria.

That website of yours is receiving rave reviews among heritage enthusiasts. Ironically the website emanates
comes from one of the most
under-financed groups around.
STEPHEN O'BRIEN, Gooseberry Hill, Western Australia

I’ve been visiting your web site and it really is a gem, full of fascinating information and photos. Congratulations!!
TRISHA WILSON, Lesmurdie, Western Australia

Without doubt one of best websites for showing the history of Pickering Brook School
~ Other websites don't even compare to yours ~ As I am researching my family history of Orange Grove and
Orange Grove Primary School ~ I am finding it extremely difficult to find any past school photo's ~ to date I have all but three!!
A shame in itself, however also for myself a shame that I'm unable to find any photos of my older sister's school days,
especially as she passed away at 26 yrs old and my younger brother's school photos of which he hasn't any.
I would like to see an all inclusive West Australian website of all schoools past early history ~ wishful thinking maybe.
Well Done ~ Your site is extremely appreciated.
And for me ~ I shall keep plodding away searching for Orange Grove school and O.G. area photo's.
MAUREEN MACDONALD, Geraldton, Western Australia

Judy P sent us a 2011 heritage calendar, the committee need to be congratulated on the effort put into it and the Website.
I think its great. What now for 2012?
I called in when you had your open day earlier this year and thoroughly enjoyed myself, what you have put together is great.
The time before I was in WA I went thru Tom Prices Cool room, from that I learnt a lot about the railway system in the hills,
something I never thought about before.
I kick myself now as I'm sure we all do that we didn't learn more about our history from our parents and grand parents, what
you are doing is picking up some of that slack.
Keep up the good work.
VIC FERNIE, Brisbane, Queensland

I came across your site while looking for a picture of something old (can’t remember now what it was). Anyway, I was impressed
by the site and made a note to come back and read it in more detail.
And so I did, a month or so ago. In fact, I became so interested, I decided to come up to Pickering Brook and have a good
look around for some of the heritage sites which you have listed. It turned out to be more than one day’s work, so I came
up again for a second go.
I was amazed at all the places to go and photograph. It goes to show that many of us have no idea of what history
lies just around the corner. Thanks to your efforts, it is relatively easy to find many of the places of interest.
I thoroughly enjoyed my two day’s driving around. Those sites which impressed me the most were:
         The old general store. Spent a long time just wandering around.
         The cobbled roadway. Very impressive. I hope it remains preserved forever.
         Weston’s gravesite. Spent over an hour here; photographing and just thinking. Pity it’s now under power lines.
         Sports club tree. Very nice site.
         Workers huts, Merrivale Road. They are just beautiful!
I think I’ll be up again soon, to try and find a few sites that I missed out on.
Thanks for such an informative site. I have learned so much from it. Do keep up the good work!
JOHN OLIVER, Hamilton Hill, Western Australia

I am always on your website and think you have done a great job with all the history. It is so interesting.
EMILY DEWAR, Pickering Brook, Western Australia.

I have recently viewed the Pickering Brook Heritage Website and note the photo of the pipe band.
Unfortunately the band is wrongly named. The Kalamunda Pipe Band was not in existence in 1958.
The band in the photo is the 16th Battalion Cameron Highland Pipe Band of which I was a member at the time.
May I congratulate your group on your endeavours to record the history.
I hope I have not offended anyone by pointing out this little discrepancy.
(Not at all, we appreciate your input to make the details correct. Thank you).
DOUG BATHGATE, Kalamunda Pipe Band, Kalamunda, Western Australia.

I love the Website, you have done a fantastic job.
FRANCIS RUSS (nee Viskovich), Western Australia.

I am writing to congratulate the Pickering Brook Heritage Group for the great Website and the valuable work
being undertaken in preserving the local history for current and future generations.
As a keen kayaker on the Canning River I had often wondered about the weathered timber posts that run down
the middle of the river from Salter's Point to Shelley. I was able to find limited information on the structure,
now understood to be "The Convict Fence", by surfing the net. However the historical importance of the fence
and the significance of the river transport system in the 1860's really came to life when I discovered the Pickering Brook
Heritage Group Website. What an amazing journey to another one. The pictorial and written content on the site seem
to draw you in and give you a sense of the determination, enterprise and character of the early settlers in this region.
I would also like to give a special thanks to Gordon Freegard who contacted me in response to a question I posted
on the Website. Gordon also provided a wealth of information and another contact, Helen Skehan,
who further assisted me with some interesting facts about the people and happenings on and around the
Canning during this intriguing period of our history.
Thanks to all involved in the Pickering Brook Heritage Group for your valuable voluntary work. You are a credit
to the often forgotten men and women who forged this country.
PHIL TAYLOR, Leeming, Western Australia.

I am thoroughly enjoying reading and learning more about the area in which I grew up. Happy memories have flooded
back and I look forward to reading more. Thank you. Your Website is a wonderful way to bring together records and
memories to share with people now and in the future.
MARGARET PUZEY (nee Price), Yokine, Western Australia.

The Pickering Brook Heritage Group have compiled this fabulous Website, rich in stories, facts and photos of the area.
In the "schools section" many locals have already looked themselves up and viewed older relatives when they were school aged.
Even for readers who were not from this area, viewing the old photos with names from the past reveals the families many
of our landmarks are named after.
All this and more feature on this fantastic Website. Congratulations to all concerned. This Website provides so many
memories and keeps the record of the proud history of schooling in Karragullen.
LINDA MOORE, Editor and Owner, "Roleystone Courier", Roleystone, Western Australia.

I have been looking at your excellent Website and I'm most impressed with it, especially the Railways page.
GRAHAM WATSON, Australian Railways Historical Society, W.A.Division

You should be very proud of yourselves.
You have achieved what many funded organisations have not yet been able to.
The website is enabling the history of Pickering Brook to be accessible to a world wide audience.
It has been my pleasure to assist with information for the website as it is a most worthwhile project.
Well done.
LORRAINE PEARCE, Former Historian/Local Studies Librarian, City of Armadale, Western Australia.

Congratulations and thank you for your group's excellent work in making the rich history of your area so accessible to the
public through your website.
DAVE OSBORNE, Attadale, Western Australia

I was gobsmacked when I opened your site just a few minutes ago. All I can say is Wow!!!!!!!
You have done a fantastic job. I had to ring my son Brett as he was the one that put all the photos on to the disk.
He was so pleased to see the School Reports back in colour. He was thrilled for me to have contributed to the site.
He said that it was wonderful that my parents featured on the Internet. They would have had no concept of the
technology that was to come. My Dad never ever used a telephone. I will now have to send a link to my relatives in
Western Australia. I am going to have a second look at it before I go to bed. Accolades by the million.
IRENE JENKINS, Victoria

I had a chance to look at the Website a couple of days ago, and didn't have any problem whatsoever with the pictures
taking time to load up to the page. You certainly have done a truly wonderful job. I did enjoy it very much.
I have spoken to my mother about getting my Aunty Peg to look at your Website so it will give her the idea she needs
to present the Holroyd picture etc. My Mother spent last night reading your Website, and rang today to say how much she enjoyed it also.
KERRY COOLING, Western Australia

Thank you for your telephone calls. I did my memoirs some years ago on the computer, and at that time I searched the net
for any information. The only thing
that I could get up on Google was the Little Darkin walking tracks of the area. No history at all. I can't tell you how
absolutely blown away I was to receive your
telephone call and be given the marvelous Heritage Site that you have made.
I really enjoyed looking briefly through the Site last night and can see I have a lot more reading to do.
I congratulate you on what you have achieved. It has opened up a lot of knowledge regarding the whole of the forest
areas around Barton's Mill. I had never heard of Carilla, Karragullen or any of the other local mills so it has been so
helpful for having filled me in with the "bigger" picture. I look forward to seeing my memoirs on the Website, and
would like to thank you all over there for thinking that it is worthy of putting on. I never dreamed, when I did them,
that they would be kept for posterity, and perhaps be read by lots of people.
IRENE JENKINS, Victoria