A SPECIAL EVENT on 4 NOVEMBER
History came to life on 4th November in our Museum and Watts’ Cottage for Sorrento Primary School Grade 1 and 2 students thanks to a group of enthusiastic NHS volunteers in period costume.
From Natasha Wicks the children heard about the way of life of the Boonwurung people and lime-burning, the first local industry of white settlers. Rhonda Fitzjohn, assisted by the silent figure of Lieutenant David Collins, described the short-lived settlement at Sullivan Bay in 1803. Barry Nicholls told stirring tales of shipwrecks and rescue. Des Young’s focus on transport included the paddle-steamers that brought visitors from Melbourne and the Sorrento Tram that linked them with the Ocean Beach. Joy Kitch, attired in early motoring gear, presided over a table of mysterious household objects from days gone by which the students were able to discuss and handle. In the clothing section Jo Davie and Elaine Nicholls, splendidly dressed, demonstrated the intricacies of corsets and other relics of the past!
Watts’ Cottage was a hive of activity as each child contributed to whipping cream and making butter while watching Cara Robinson making scones which were baked on the fire in the camp oven. They probably think I am of the same vintage as the cottage as I was able to tell them about life in the olden days! At the end of the session, the Devonshire scones were handed round for all to enjoy.
Our schedule was kept on track by David Dallas, the bellringer. Faye Poll and Sue Halley provided back-up support and Paul Fitzjohn took the excellent photos. My thanks to all who helped to make the day such a success.
Bergliot Dallas
NHS members revisiting the past for the Sorrento students. Photos by Paul Firzjohn
An enjoyable morning with Year 7 students
On Friday 9 September Carey Baptist Grammar Year 7 students paid a visit to the Museum and Watts’ Cottage. After viewing our DVD, Postcards from Sorrento on the big screen, five groups of seven students rotated through some key aspects of Sorrento’s history as well as having time for their own choice of topic.
They were given an introduction to the Boonwurrung people of the area and learned about Limeburning, the first industry of early white settlers. The short-lived 1803 Collins Settlement was brought to life for them and interest in the days of sail and steam was kindled by our maritime display: Wrecks, Rockets and Rescue. Watts’ Cottage is always a favourite. Students enjoy being in touch with the way the Pioneers lived and this occasion was no exception.
We were most gratified to receive beautiful cards of appreciation from Bev Steer, the teacher who led the group. She wrote:
Many, many thanks for a totally amazing 2 hours at the Historical Society.
Your dedication, love and passion for this area of Sorrento and its
history is amazing and admirable. Staff and students gained so much
and were totally overwhelmed with the amount of information, relics and
artefacts.
Please pass on our thanks to all your staff. A truly fabulous experience.
I add my own thanks to our volunteers who always participate so willingly on these occasions.
Bergliot Dallas
Co-ordinator of Group Tours
