In 1908, world heavyweight boxing champion Tommy Burns was about to fight the black American giant, Jack Johnson, the son of former slaves. It was to be the Canadian born champion’s 13th defense of his title. The location for the bout was the then open-air Sydney Stadium in
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DID BLACKHEATH REALLY NEED A BOBBY? During the summer of 1892 the cash box was stolen from the general store in the Blue Mountains village of Blackheath. There was an immediate call to appoint a policeman. Not everyone was in favour of this step, as the following
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Wentworth Street in the Blue Mountains village of Blackheath is filled with tourists during April and May, when the deciduous trees put on a spectacular display of autumn colour. I live just around the corner and it’s always a pleasure to walk along the street on my way
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THE FUCHSIA Fuchsias were discovered growing in the Caribbean in the 17th century, by a French monk called Charles Plumier. He named them in honour of German botanist, Leonhart Fuchs. There are so many varieties it would be impossible to list them here. Anyway, there is only one, very
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Autumn is a delight my little village of Blackheath. I do joke and call it Bleakheath, but only with affection. It’s in the upper Blue Mountains of New South Wales, so the seasons are well defined. Spring is gorgeous and snow can occasionally transform it in winter.
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THE EVANS PAINTING – AND A LITTLE MIRACLE For many years I have been attempting to trace four unidentified sketches by Elizabeth Macquarie, wife of Lachlan Macquarie, an early Governor of New South Wales. As a resident of the Blue Mountains, I would like to believe
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IN THE BEGINNING – ERNIE APPLE TREE SENIOR In 1953 my parents moved to the Tasmanian farm I grew up on. It was four miles from the coastal town of Ulverstone In the back garden (out on sight in the photo) was an old apple tree. Unfortunately
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Hello….Editor Des here, with a story about BRADMAN! 🏏 Well until the dreaded virus it was all sport, sport, sport in our household. So I thought I would write a piece about a famous cricketer! By the way, the local coach once told me that I had
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It would be difficult to calculate the number of meat pies eaten at sporting events in Australia….especially at AFL matches.. There is an eatery in my Blue Mountains village of Blackheath regarded as a bit of an institution when it comes to a meal in a pastry
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WHY BLACKHEATH? It was primarily my passion for birds and gardens that prompted my move from Sydney to the beautiful Blue Mountains. As a writer, I also wanted a place of peace and inspiration. The birds here are truly amazing. I don’t mind sharing my flowers with
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