February 2010
The last day of February completed a most stimulating weekend in this part of Brisbane. Saturday saw the NF Historical Society host its February Meeting featuring an innovative expose of one of the area's true delights - Abbott Street. You can look at the full Report of that event within the HISTORY section of the Site.
Sunday brought about the much anticipated book launch, featuring the latest work by local historians, Gerard Benjamin and Gloria Grant. The background to the Book, titled "Tom Hurstbourne or a Squatters Life" is a fascinating story in itself and with kind permission of the website, ggbooks.wordpress.com a part record of the day is re-produced here. The scrolldown information on the homepage of Gerard and Gloria's Site provides a start point for a beautifully structured stream of historical nuances. The theme, Publishing the Past is most appropriate.
JOHN CLAVERING WOOD could not have hoped for a more successful debut for his novel penned 145 years ago. 150 people gathered at the congenially-historic Mercy Heritage Precinct under miraculously clear skies to enjoy a socially, intellectually and historically interesting afternoon.
The unexpected and unofficial attendance of a high-profile public figure, who wished to pay tribute to John Clavering Wood’s achievement, was the cherry on what was already a well-iced cake.
Newly-elected President of the Brisbane History Group, LISA JONES, welcomed attendees in the beautiful All Hallows’ Chapel, before handing over to DAVID HINCHLIFFE, Councillor for Brisbane Central, who discharged his ‘mastery of ceremonies’ with consummate skill and humour.
GUEST OF HONOUR, Ian Callinan AC QC provided a 20-minute address in which he expressed surprise at the novelist’s detailed grasp of the essentials of colonial outback life. Despite difficulties with the microphone, David elicited from the retired High Court Justice the pivotal one-line verdict: “It is a very important book
The publisher is the one who enables a manuscript to see the light of day, so DAN KELLY of Boolarong Press, put his case in a nutshell: “You are not purchasing a book, but making an investment.” Whether it was this point, or David’s repeated requests for those who hadn’t yet bought a book to raise their hands, the result was 90 sales of the softback edition and several inquiries about the hardback version.
In his reply, GERARD BENJAMIN paid tribute not only to his fellow-editor GLORIA GRANT, but also his second cousin twice removed RICHARD WOOD who generously gave the manuscript to Gerard.
Following afternoon tea and tours of the centre, the seminar commenced with the editors’ remarkable account of what historians and genealogists only dream about – finding a long-lost manuscript of historic and literary importance.
Gloria and Gerard were kept busy throughout the whole afternoon signing copies of the book. Costumed members of Dance Kaleidosocope entertained attendees and helped to evoke the 1860s era.
How happy John Clavering Wood must have been that six of his direct descendants were present, as well as his grandnephew, Richard Wood, who had travelled all the way from Melbourne just to be there.
Who was the mystery guest? None other than the gracious, intelligent and down-to-earth Penelope Wensley AO, Governor of Queensland.