Pauline Conolly

THE WONGA NURSERY, A WONDER OF NATURE
I have to confess that I am a bit obsessed with our native Wonga pigeons. They are so gentle and engaging. They wander around the garden paths in my Blue Mountains garden every day, just as I do myself. Our long term, resident pair nest high in...
Read more →

LEURA – WHAT’S IN A NAME?
I must thank fellow Blue Mountains resident Stephanie Moxham for alerting me to this story. Stephanie posted the following letter on a local history FB site. It had been published In The Katoomba Daily on Saturday, May 25 1935. To the Editor Sir, – Mr George B....
Read more →

LET’S TALK ABOUT…. THE BANDICOOT!
I once attended a dinner party in the UK where the main topic of conversation was how to deal with moles wrecking lawns. The equivalent in Australia would have to be the sweet bandicoot, though his pointy snout leaves a conical hole rather than a molehill. He...
Read more →

JARDINS….LITTLE TREASURES OF THE LOT
It is mid winter here at Blackheath in the Blue Mountains, cold and very wet. I have been watching Monty Don’s TV series on French gardens. Oh dear, the longing it evokes is almost physically painful. How long will it be before we can enjoy that beautiful...
Read more →

WENDY – ON WHEELS FROM DAY ONE!
This is a guest post from my friend Wendy Moline. Wendy came across some old family photos of various motor vehicles, and I was enchanted by them. However, the first image is a very special drawing. In bygone days My first trip in motorised transport was in...
Read more →
SILVER THEFTS FROM A SYDNEY MUSEUM
The forerunner of Sydney’s Powerhouse Museum was The Technological Museum, located in Harris Street Ultimo. Its purpose built home, completed in 1893, is now incorporated within the vast University of Technology campus. In 1921 there was a robbery at the museum, which went un-noticed for several weeks....
Read more →
APPLES….OH THE ANGST!
Growing fruit in the Blue Mountains of New South Wales is a challenge, and apples are no exception. Oh dear, so much competition from the wildlife, including bush rats, possums, parrots and satin bowerbirds! I suspect a possum is the culprit in the following photo. Crimson rosella...
Read more →
A.A. HIGGS, A SYDNEY BOOT SELLER
In the late 19th century Albert Higgs established a profitable boot and shoe store in William Street, Darlinghurst. The location became known as Higgs’ Corner. Custom-made footwear drew wealthy city customers, while country folk could order from illustrated catalogues. The following advertisement appeared in The Catholic Press...
Read more →