EVENT: Stockton Shipwreck Walk

Join the always popular wal along the Southern Breakwall of Newcastle Harbour with the dedicated members of the Stockton Historical Society. Highlights include Pirates' Point and the remains of the many ships which ran aground in the treacherous harbour. If you are interested in attending, please book.

Date: Saturday - 26 Apr 2014

Time: 2pm (ferry leaves Newcastle Wharf at 1.45pm)

Cost: $10 Adults - bookings required

Contact: 02 4961 1063 OR ann-hardy@hotmail.com

Address: Meet at Stockton Ferry Wharf

Upcoming Visit to Lake Macquarie Family History Group - 19 April 2014

On Saturday, 19 April 2014 members of the Stockton Historical Society will be visiting the Lake Macquarie Family History Group at the Community Hall, George Street, Marmong Point from approx. 2pm.

We have been asked to speak about our World War One Photo Frame and the project we have undertaken to identify the men in the frame.

We will be speaking about how we came into possession of the frame, the methods we have used to identify the men, an example of the information we have found so far, and information about the recent conservation process we have had undertaken on the frame.

Members of the Stockton Historical Society have been invited to attend.

Newsletter #3 - February 2014

The February 2014 issue of our Newsletter is now available. The newsletter contains updates to the Library, research requests, guest speaker round ups etc. It will be published as and when required.

If you would like to have an electronic copy emailed to you when it becomes available, please email me at:

The newsletter will also contain updates to the library, research requests, guest speaker round ups etc. It will be published as and when required.

If you would like to have an electronic copy emailed to you when it becomes available, please email me at:

stocktonhistsoc@gmail.com

Guest Speaker - Lorraine Yudaeff on Stockton Centre

Our most recent guest speaker was Lorraine Yudaeff, former CEO of Stockton Centre. Lorraine spoke of her time guiding the Centre through a number of significant changes in government, policy and community changes in attitudes to the people for which the Centre was and is home. Passionate debate was also had on the announced closure of the Centre. While passionate, the debate remained civil and differing opinions given an airing.

Newsletter #2 - Jan 2014

The January 2014 issue of our Newsletter is now available. The newsletter contains updates to the Library, research requests, guest speaker round ups etc. It will be published as and when required.

If you would like to have an electronic copy emailed to you when it becomes available, please email me at:

The newsletter will also contain updates to the Library, research requests, guest speaker round ups etc. It will be published as and when required.

If you would like to have an electronic copy emailed to you when it becomes available, please email me at:

stocktonhistsoc@gmail.com

Video - Construction of the Stockton Bridge

This is a fascinating historical video released by the NSW Roads and Maritime Services division. It was originally made by the NSW Dept of Main Roads to document the construction and opening of the bridge in the early 1970's. It's typical of the film of this type for the period, but a very interesting watch nonetheless. It includes film of one of the last vehicular ferries, the Koondooloo.  It runs for about 17 mins.

Rocket Brigade and Lifeboat Service Memorial Dedicated

The members of the Newcastle Lifeboat Service and the Rocket Brigades were about 350 over the course of their 136-year existence and are often forgotten in the Hunter’s maritime history. Many men from Stockton were members of these groups over the years, and our long time member, Eric Pitt is a descendant of James Robert who served on the crews.

On the 13th Dec 2013, a new memorial was unveiled on the Newcastle coast to remember the dangerous work done by these brave volunteers.

Eric Pitt with the new memorial to the Newcastle Lifeboat
Service and the Rocket Brigades

The Rocket Brigades formed in 1866. They were split into north and south divisions, based either side of the harbour and crews didn’t have the luxury of a boat. Instead, they trudged heavy equipment, including a rocket launcher designed to fire ropes on to stranded ships, along the 30-kilometre stretch of Stockton beach. The Rocket Brigades were last involved in a rescue in 1974 when the iconic Sygna was lost – the wreck is still visible from Stockton beach.

The articles below have some great photos of the new memorial statue and Eric features in the first one!

• Newcastle Herald - Lifeboat service memorial launched
• NBN Television - Descendants Gather For Marine Rescue Memorial Statue