We need YOU!
If you have an interest in preserving and recording the Hunter Valley's great history, and would like to join a dedicated group of volunteers in their work, we need you!
Ever since the Coalfields Heritage Group came into existence seventeen years ago we have undertaken undertaking the research, preservation and promotion of Local History as our main reason for being.
Then, back in 1997, having no library and no local history information, we set about establishing a project to research all that they could to make the Hunter's history known.
Year by year the research has continued, a library was established, and has now grown so much that it fills half of the museum building.
In those 17 years we have produced 392,000+ pages of valuable information (23,000 per year on average). This year, 2014, our target is 30,000 pages of research.
To continue this invaluable work, please join us!
Website brings recognition
Our website is certainly bringing us valuable recognition.
Jane Saunders, Marketing Manager of the ABC1 Open programme contacted us to introduce "Welcome to Mining Life." She said she had recently come across the CHG on the internet and wondered if we might be interested in the new Mining Life Project by ABC Open.
ABC Open collects stories from across Australia for publication on the ABC Website, the best stories then appear on ABC1 on Friday nights just before the 7pm news.
For mining they were interested in collecting both past and present mining experiences.
Invitation to University
Rebecca Hazell, Director of Development, University of Newcastle Foundation, contacted us to extend an invitation to join her in attending a cocktail function with the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Caroline McMillen, and the new Pro Vice-Chancellor of International and Advancement to thank the Coalfields Heritage Group for our generous support.
The function was held from 5.30 pm to 7 pm, on the evening of Thursday, November 28the, 2013, in the IDC building, Callaghan Campus, University of Newcastle.
Rebecca said that this special event not only provided the university with the opportunity to thank us for our generous support of $500 but also to showcase some of the ways in which our contribution was having a significant impact on the lives of their students, the outcomes of their research, and the well-being of the community.
Invitation to May Business Networking Reception
Cr. Bob Pynsent, the Mayor of Cessnock City Council, in partnership with the local Chamber of Commerce, cordially invited the Coalfield Heritage Group to join him at an end of the year Business Networkmg Reception to be held at the Hunter Valley Visitor's Information Centre. Bob said,
2013 has been a year of opportunity for the Cessnock LGA, with the impending Hunter Expressway, population and economic growth, and recognition of the area as a dynamic and attractive place to live, visit and especially, to do business.
With the local Chamber of Commerce, I would like to welcome you to the Mayor's Business Networking Reception, to reflect and celebrate the success of 2013, and to look forward to an exciting and prosperous 2014 for your business and the community.
Sir Edgeworth David and WW1 Military
Simone Meaken, Project leader - editorial services - NSW Trade and Investment, Geological Survey of NSW was planning a couple of posters for public display to commemorate the centenary of ANZAC in 2014.
One poster will be devoted to Edgeworth David, and another on to military geology of WWI. They will be displayed at the Newcastle Museum during the year's Australian Earth Sciences Convention in Newcastle, in July, 2014, along with other venues.
They also hope to organise a couple of public talks, including one at the Newcastle Museum.
Simone was wondering what information and artefacts we hold at the Kurri Museum that related to such topics, and whether we would be willing to provide to assist their display - at least at the Newcastle Museum? Simone is planning to visit the museum to see how we can assist.
Labor Sports Coat
During October Kelly Hoare, former Federal member for Charlton, donated a wonderful man's sports coat. At one time the coat was the property of Mick Cooey, a life member of the ALP and was a member of the Wallsend ALP branch.
On the top pocket is an attractive logo stating that "Australian Labor Party - Unity of Labor is the Hope of the World." Mick Cooey died few years ago in his eighties.
Museum Roof Repairs
For over five or six years the museum has suffered during heavy rain by being flooded by a leaking roof. Water catches have to be placed in strategic places to catch the drips and water flows - fortunately only one valuable book was ruined and thus lost.
During the 2013 end of school vacation the high school have advised us that another attempt will be made to fix the leaking roof.