Archive for the ‘ CLARENCE RIVER ’ Category

THOUGHTS ON THE CLARENCE.

Peter is presently engaged in negotiations which are likely to see a move to the CLARENCE Area of N.S.W. He is perplexed by such academic ideas as THE POLITICAL MESSAGES IN BRITISH FOOD WRITING. However he will continue his own thesis with resolve. The proposed move to Grafton is one offshoot of this. Grafton is the location in which Melinda’s husband, Basil, died in 1852. Here are the beginnings of the intimations of her alcoholism and from this period she is left as a single parent. The CLARENCE VALLEY HISTORICAL SOCIETY is an active and dynamic network and Peter looks forward to being able to make use again of the facilities ad expertise in SCHAEFFER HOUSE. 

As a result of the publication of the NLA DIGITISATION PROJECT of HISTORIC NEWSPAPERS, he has come across further details of Basil’s extensive criminal lifestyle which he will be able to target in further research in this Land beyond the Boundaries.  

2009
03/18
CATEGORY
CLARENCE RIVER
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CLARENCE VALLEY AND ARMIDALE

PETER returned briefly to Grafton for a workshop at the Clarence Valley Conservatorium in Villiers Street. He took an Armidale deviation before returning to the Cottage and his books. Presently he is immersed in studies of Melinda’s contemporaries – the poetesses of the 19th Century in Australia.

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PETER WITH ASSISTANT AT THUNDERBOLTS GRAVE IN URALLA THUNDERBOLT’S ROCK 5 KM SOUTH OF URALLA
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PETER CARRYING OUT INTERVIEWS WITH URALLA RESIDENTS. DID YOU SEE MELINDA AND BASIL PASS THIS WAY ?

2008
10/02
CATEGORY
CLARENCE RIVER
DRAMA
FIELD TRIPS
NEW ENGLAND
POETRY
RESEARCHING IN BILAMBIL
WORKSHOPS
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CLARENCE VALLEY CONSERVATORIUM

PETER has a workshop this weekend in GRAFTON.

JUNIOR DRAMA WORKSHOP FINAL PLAY REHEARSAL.

CLARENCE VALLEY CONSERVATORIUM is at 8 VILLIERS STREET IN GRAFTON. We saw it when we did our field trip earlier in the year. At the time the rains were reminiscent of Henry Kendall’s WAITING ON THE RAFT poem which tells of a much earlier Grafton flood. As a consequence we caught a mere glimpse of the Conservatorium as we familiarised ourselves with the Jacaranda City. Being from Bellingen, I had always looked upon Grafton with a neighbourly disdain but the Field Trip brought it into a new light for both of us. Now we look forward to another night in the caravan and some more exploration of the Clarence.

PETER is hosting the Workshop and observing the final dress rehearsals for next week’s plays. Bronwen Berman is the Drama Tutor. We haven’t met her yet but Grafton – here we come ! Perhaps another Indian Meal. Good Vodafone reception for the mobile Broadband and a train trip south to Urunga for me while the Workshop is on.

 

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PAINTING OF THE SHIP SUSAN

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WHARF AT GRAFTON

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I am including the  GATEWAY VILLAGE information for Other PhD students on restricted income – and in fact for anyone who would like a surprisingly decent place to stay at amazing rates. We return to our van of choice ! Perhaps to swim ! Perhaps to use the Internet ! Feed wild birds ! Just to enjoy ourselves ! Gateway makes Byron look tacky.

GATEWAY VILLAGE 2 001

2008
09/18
CATEGORY
CLARENCE RIVER
DRAMA
FIELD TRIPS
WORKSHOPS
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CLARENCE RIVER CONSERVATORIUM OF MUSIC

SUNDAY 21 SEPTEMBER.

PETER is heading South to Grafton again. This time it is for a workshop with the Kids at the Con.  He is workshopping for their end of year plays. Grafton and the Clarence have a spot in our hearts following the May trip and the search for MELINDA.

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Peter in the $45 a night van in West Grafton using the Vodafone mobile internet. $45 just about fits the PhD budget and added an element of excitement to the Field Trip.

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The Poley Bridge over the Orara.
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SOUTH GRAFTON : Do not miss out on South Grafton.

2008
09/15
CATEGORY
CLARENCE RIVER
FIELD TRIPS
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FIELD TRIP TO THE CLARENCE

Peter  ventured South the New England and the Clarence in May 2008. In the process of Seeking Melinda, he searched the Archives in Armidale’s Regional Archives at Newling. Thanks to William for his Assistance and then took a caravan in Grafton from which he was able to access the Grafton Historical Society and once again was given a full day’s attentiion and assistance. Many thanks.

He had hoped to locate the grave of Basil Kendall, Melinda’s husband. This proved elusive but many other gems were found and a brief conversation in Schaeffer House , home of the Clarence Historical Society led him to RUSHFORTH ROAD  and Bushy Park. Later reading of HAMILTON-GREY – indicates that Basil did indeed die out here on this road just out of South Grafton.

Peter is now compiling the bits and pieces he has brought home with him and the Clarence is  less unknown to him than it was a week ago and yet even more mysterious.

2008
06/08
CATEGORY
CLARENCE RIVER
FIELD TRIPS
NEW ENGLAND
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