Room for Improvement

One Thursday evening, in 1860, the Reverend James Robert Thackery (1827-1902) was surely pleased to present to his committee this revised edition of the West Maitland School of Arts Rule Book and library catalogue. The Reverend took great interest in this organisation for almost two decades. He believed deeply in its aims, which included the […]

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Gone Fishin’

olive-green carrying case in the shape of a simple fish with a googly eye

Celebrated as a superb showman, with a dry wit and infectious smile, Gordon Parsons (1926-1990) toured Australia extensively, recorded 21 singles and seven albums, and won several country music awards. But Parsons was a reluctant performer and loved the quiet life, ‘I’d just as soon poke around the bush … I’d rather be fishing than […]

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