Meeting Notes September 2

 Meeting Notes September 2

There was a good turn out to our September meeting, Iris brought some home made cookies which went down well. Peter reported back on the York Players but unfortunately there was not much to find. There was a book written in the 1930's but nothing to note on Google. Peter has found some images and will post them shortly but it looks like we will have to do some more digging, the modern term is 'data mining !!.'
We had quite a few topics that we discussed. We talked about the miners who had worked abroad prospecting for gold, (see John's letter further down).

Link to John's article

We also talked about the Fenwicks and wondered if Alderman Fenwick was any relation to the modern Fenwicks. Dave replied to this and a query on what was on the site of the Civic Centre before it was built.

'With regard to the site where the Civic Centre now is this was housing and an eye hospital.'

'Alderman Fenwick is no relation to Fenwicks of Newcastle.'

I do have further information about both these subjects and will bring it to the next meeting I can attend.

 

David

There was a story which is posted in the blog about Lady Margaret Fenwick (Meg of the Moneybags) from a book written By Joan Morgan called Tales of Northumberland. You can get it from the City Library on loan or buy through Amazon for £2.70. If you are doing the search remember to type in Joan Morgan as you will get Robson Green's rather limp DVD from the BBC TV show Tales from Northumberland. Further down the blog is an extract of Megs story follow the link below.

 Megs Storey


It came out in our discussion that you can access Ancestry UK on the City Library computers. Joan has done a lot of research using this and with a little persuasion could give us a little demo at the library. Other areas we discussed for research was Find My Past, The Discovery Museum and Newcastle Historical Society any help would be welcome.

We mentioned a possible trip out to Woodhorn Colliery  Museum. There are buses from Newcastle which take you to Ashington and you can then get a taxi from the bus station to the museum. It takes around 15 minutes to get there and the cost is around £5 so for four people round trip from Ashington to the museum and back should be around £2.50 each. or we could do a car share. The staff would give us a tour but they need to be informed in advance of us coming. Let us know how you feel.

 Link to Woodhorn Museum

 It was suggested we could do our own self programming 10 week course with a hired tutor. Eric mentioned that Freda Thompson was running a history course at Brunswick  for £40, it might be possible to hire the chapel and get our own tutor. Caroline has still not come back with any information on setting up a self financing course through Adult learning. The cost of hiring one of the rooms in the Chapel is as follows:

 Upstairs room £32 for 3 hours either 9-12pm or 1-4pm
(upstairs room has lift access and tea and coffee facilities)
Downstairs room £26 for 3 hours either 9-12 or 1-4
 (no tea and coffee facilities)
If we were to do a 10 week course self programming without a tutor the cheapest it would cost us would be £260 which for 10 people attending would cost £2.60 each per week.

Rooms Available for Hire


Its worth giving it a thought, we all might be happy with just the monthly meeting, let us know.

175 years of medical education in Newcastle

Val has obtained an interesting article/walk which is called 1834-2009 A Stroll Through Time, it celebrates 175 years of medical education in Newcastle. You can download a readable version of this from the link below:

A Stroll through Time

If you have any problems I can e-mail you a copy.

Is is not remarkable how when we come together we can learn so much more. If you have anything to share such as research you have done or any past research you have done please pass it on for us to see on the blog the e-mail address is:

nlhgroup1@gmail.com

Next Meeting 

There are a few of us who are on courses on Thursday, Wednesday and Tuesday through September to December and a few of us will not be able to make the meetings but for most people the first Wednesday of the month seems to be available so our next meeting will be October 7.

David will not be able to attend the next meeting on 7th October.  He is  doing a Highlights Walk from Central Arcade at 10.30 a.m. and it would lasts about 90 minutes ending on the Quayside. If you are interested in this walk instead of the meeting let me know and I will inform David. I know there may be a few of us who could not do this walk due to its duration but I will still be at the Hancock to meet up with those of you who just want a coffee and chat.

Sign up

Remember you can sign up for updates to the blog. The boxes like the ones below (example only) are on the right hand side of the Blog page; by typing your e-mail address in the box under Follow by E-mail and then click the Submit button, this send you a link to the blog as soon as it gets updated.

Mr. F.A. Rochfort of Woodlark Island

John let us have access to a letter belonging to one of his relatives which relates to mining and prospecting in Kulumadau, Woodlark Island Papua.

History

The island has a long history of gold mining dating back to the late 1800’s with records showing an estimated pre World War II gold production, including alluvial sources, of about 220,000 ounces of gold.  The island has been extensively logged for ebony which has always been an important cash economy to the communities on Woodlark Island since the 1970s.  A significant part of the Project has been logged for ebony in the past, however, some ebony trees are still present.
Modern gold exploration was initiated on Woodlark Island in 1962 with the Bureau of Mineral Resources (BMR) undertaking surface geochemistry, limited geophysics and diamond drilling during 1962 and 1963 at Kulumadau.  Woodlark Island, has been subject to 40 years of mostly continuous modern exploration without sufficient Resources being established to warrant investment in a mining operation.
Exploration in the past concentrated around the old historical mining centres of Kulumadau, Busai and Boniavat, with the early exploration strategy being heavily dependent upon surface geochemistry, geophysics and geological mapping.

History and maps taken from:

 kulagold.com.au

Photo Taken from:

Geology of Woodlark Island 


Johns Relatives Letter transcribed from an original Supplied by John

TERRITORY OF PAPUA.

30/1932.                                                                                               Assistant Resident Magistrate’s Office,

Kulumadau, Woodlark Island,

Papua.

18^th June, 1932.

I have to acknowledge receipt of your letter of 15^th February last, asking for particulars of the death of your brother, Mr. F.A Rochfort.

Mr. F.A Rochfort died on 26th October 1931, at his home at Kulumadau, Woodlark Island. When I first met him in November 1927, he use a crutch ta assist him when walking. He was of the opinion that the condition of his leg (which was growing smaller) was due to the many attacks of fever he had suffered from during his residence in this country. He was however, able to get about and supervise the work of his three native labourers. The leg gradually became worse and he spoke of the other being affected. For about a year before his death it was his custom to he carried in a chair to and from his workings. About a month before his death he ceased visiting his workings, and was confined to his house. This was as much due to general weakness as to his leg.

On 17th October 1931, he told me that pains in his ears caused him sleeplessness. I was able to remedy, this, but it was apparent that he was in low health, as he had difficulty in breathing and would lapse into a state of coma at times. He gradually grew worse and passed away, without pain, at 2 pm, on 26th October. He was buried in the Kulumadau Cemetery on 27th October. There were 7 white residents (all that were in the vicinity at the time) present and 7 wreaths were sent. The Burial Service was read by myself as there is no Clergyman on the Island.

Mr Rochfort had a very good friend in Mrs. 0’Dell of Kulumadau who sent him little delicacies to try and temp him to eat and keep up his strength. The Hon. J.G. Nelsson was another who often visited, and was of help to Mr Rochfort in many ways. Mrs Rogerson and myself did what we could and I have spent many pleasant hours listening to your brothers stories of his life in England, Australia and Papua. Mr. Rochfort was an enthusiastic grower of flowers, and sent two bunches a week to Mrs. Rogerson during the 4 years we knew him an action that we appreciated very much and now miss greatly. Your bothers death was regretted by all on the Island, including the natives with whom he had come in contact with during his residence here. His pride was that, in 34 years, he had never had a complaint made against him by a native labourer. I enclose a cutting from a Sidney Magazine that will be of interest to you.

So far as the estate is concerned, I am afraid that nothing much if anything, can be expected from it.  Mr Rochfort had only been working in a small way, and the claim he was working was evidently not a good one. The receipts from it paid his labourers wages and his own wants were satisfied by a pension of £2, per week from the Local Government. I am trying to get a local native to clean up the workings. If we get anything, some will be required to pay a small balance owing to accounts. If there should be a balance, doubless you will be communicated with by the Public Curator, Port Moresby, who is in charge of the estate, but it would be best to take it that there will be nothing.

I trust that the particulars given will be of help to you, if you require anything further, do not hesitate to write.

Yours Faithfully,

H.W. Rogerson

Acting A.R.M

SYDNEY MAGAZINE

Late Mr.F.A. Rochfort,

of Woodlark Island, Papau

-------------------------------------------------------

 Another old pioneer, explorer and gold-digger passed away an October 26th, F.A. Rochford  aged 79, still working his gold claim on Woodlark Island right to the end . He arrived with the first band of gold-diggers in Papua, 35 years ago. Mr. F.A. Rochfort belonged to an old Northumbrian family. He and his brother came to Australia when little more than boys a capital of £125,000 stg., which they invested in station property. Owing to the seven years drought they lost all their capital.

Frank Rochfort was in every sense of the word a highly cultured British gentleman of a bygone age, holding the highest principals, who scorned a lie and never broke his word. Too independent to accept a position an wages or salary, and always following up the gold fields, he worked by himself and for himself. He was a fine type of the courageous, independent band of explorers and settlers that are now alas, almost extinct.

Vale Frank Rochfort.

 

An interesting member of the Fenwicks

While talking about the Fenwicks of Northumberland at our last meeting, I came across a story by Joan Morgan from a little book called Tales of Old Northumberland which tells a tale of Meg Selby who marries Sir William Fenwick to become Lady Margaret Fenwick (1594). She is better know as Meg of the Moneybags, more information can be found here:

Meg of the Moneybags

Meeting Notice 12 August

Meeting Notice 12 August

We had a good turnout at the Hancock Museum which is currently hosting Spineless which is the first major natural history exhibition at the museum since it reopened in 2009. It was created by the museum’s own team and showcases specimens from the museum’s extensive natural history collections not currently on display, with live specimens including the world’s heaviest stick insect and largest spider. 

One of our challenges from the last meeting was to find out more about the Theatre Royal and the old Theatre that was in Drury Lane. This came about from an article that John gave us about his distant relative Thomas O. Small who was an artist-engraver-sculptor who worked for a short time with John Dobson. Mr Small designed one of the chandeliers that was originally in the new theatre but he had procured the front edifice of the old theatre in Drury Lane some 30ft wide and we were curious about the old theatre. You can read more about T.O.Small by clicking on the link in the Blog Archive on the right.

Maureen, Dorothy and Margaret had produced an article about the theatre which Maureen read out to us. The article and more information can be obtained by clicking on the link in the Blog Archive on the right.There was mention in the theatre article about a group called the York Company of Players who performed plays in the Turks Hotel Long Room in the Bigg market. Peter said he would take it on as a challenge to find out more. David said he would try and find some images of the old theatre and Drurey Lane. 

Dave talked a little about the New Tyne Theatre Now the Journal Tyne Theatre and the Jewish cemetery which was enclosed around the site. Members may recall Michael arranged a visit during one of his history classes.

 

 We thought it may be useful to collect our own photos of the historical buildings and places around Newcastle so if some of you want to have a trip out with the camera let us know.

John has another interesting story about another one of his relatives who went Gold mining in Papua in the twenties. As soon as I have it scanned I will post it. It would be interesting to follow this up as a challenge about miners from the north east moving further a field.

Our next meeting is at the Hancock Musuem 10:30 Wednesday September 2. Bring along yourselves and any work you would like to share with us.

Life of T.O. Small, artist & engraver

 The article below has been submited by John, I first got to see this charming set of notes when I was doing a profile of John Dobson. John thought I may be interested in his very distant relative T.O.Small and it prompted us to do further work on finding out about the two Theatre Royals,( see the separate article below submitted by Mareen Dorothy and Margaret.)

Peter was kind enough to scan the orginal set of notes which I have attempted to convert. If you see ?? next to any words or .... these have been left in as they are oringinal and posibly the transcribers notes or queries the same goes for any indents. T.S.O is Mr Smalls initials after making an additional comment.

Copied from notebook entitled: “Life of T.O. Small, artist & engraver, Blacket St N/C

Educated at The Revd Newton Blyth’s Belle House Academy, Branton Northumberland. At Branton during The Great Election. Afterwards, served with John Dobson, esq Architect, who entrusted to my care, the putting in perspective from the ground plan, the following celebrated buildings:

 Mr Collingwood’ s, of Lilburn Tower, Mr Ord’s of Nunny Kirk, Mr Lawson of Longhurst and many others, which were afterwards engraved.

On leaving the office in 1832 was presented  with a handsome silver snuff box, by Mr Dobson and his clerks.

(Footnote)

Branton is two miles from Powburn and 4 from Whitingham.

Afterwards studied with Mr Mark Lambert & son the art of engraving and for years followed it as a profession in all its branches with the addition of steel embroidery. Suffering in health from too close application, turned my attention to sculpture, working on the busts of Richard Grainger Esq, Sheridan(?), Knowles Esq and many others,  modelling in bisquet earthenware and fire clay. Specimens of which exhibited at the Exhibition of 1851 one elaborate vase was before the Queen & Prince Albert and by their approval was the means of renewing the grant to The School of Design in this town which had been withdrawn.

(PJD note: A report in the Newcastle Chronicle of Feb27 1852 of the proceedings of the Lit & Phil Society refers to: Stand for cut flowers, and various and highly ornamental vases, flower and fernery stands, &c. in white terra cotta. One of the vases is a copy of one in  red terra cotta shown by Mr  C.T Mailing in the Great Exhibition, and which was ”honourably— mentioned” by the commissioners. The vases etc. designed by Mr T.O. Small and modelled by Mr T.O. Small and Mr C. T. Mailing.)

Passing through almost every branch of art, I particularly indulged in water colours, etching and painting on glass, and in later years, miniature painting on ivory ?? and

(PJD note: Williams Commercial Directory 1844 Central Library L942.8 records: Small & Hill, engravers, copper platers & steel embroiders of 20 Dean Street)

in enamel, and was one of the first (by my own personal process) to apply colour to photography. I attended at the closing of the Old Theatre, and the night before the opening of the New Royal, (attended a private meeting of gentlemen ) prior to the first rising of the green curtain, sang with my dear father, Brahms’s favourite Duet, “Oh Albion” from Brahms’s presentative ?  copy. I may also here mention, that I possess the Royal Arms, painted by the celebrated William Dixon which formed the pre?? Of the old Theatre which was presented by the proprietor to my dear father.

During the lesse ship of Mr M Penley* I furnished various designs and decorated as well as armorial bearings for the getting?? up of The Chevy Chase which proved such a great success. I also designed and had executed all the  ?? glass chandeliers in the present Theatre Royal and was highly complimented for the same on the opening night as shown by the paragraph in the papers of that date.

 (PJD note: The Newcastle Journal. Saturday February 11 1837 contains an announcement by Mr Montague Penley regarding the opening of The Theatre Royal the following Monday in which he refers to  “the magnificence of this edifice. . .the new scenery, chandeliers, embellishments etc. .  This is more or less repeated verbatim the following Saturday 18 Feb when the paper also contains a very long and detailed “Description of the splendid NEW THEATRE” referring to “..the  gas chandeliers and  bronze lustres have been constructed at the works of Mr Watson of The High bridge, the glass-drops etc. have been manufactured at the Northumberland Glass House... The Rotunda .. a very large and rich ormula chandelier is suspended the centre. . .)

I have also known personally nearly all the professionals in my day whose portraits I now have and appreciate.

* The New Theatre was opened by Mr M Penley Feb 20^th 1837. The last performance in the Old Theatre was on the 26^th of June 1836 …

T.O.S.

I may at the same time mention that prior to the opening of the Theatre Royal I had the honour of showing His Grace the Duke of Northumberland (Algernon) all over the theatre. He was most courteous and delightful.

T.O.S.

October 7^th 1830

This was opened St Thomas’ Church, Barras Bridge, John Dobson Esq, architect .  I was present and drank a glass of sherry standing on the top pinnacle I then was in the office.

T.O. S

1830

Oct 31^st Tho Oliver, architect, published his plans for street improvements in Newcastle. His book & plans I have

T.O. S

Four leaves further on

(New Page)

St Thomas’s Chapel…..near the Tyne Bridge end.

The chapel was dedicated to St Thomas a Becket about the date 1171. The chapel was incorporated with the Hospital of St Mary Magdalen in Barras Bridge. On September 24 1691. There is an ???? of Common Council to take down the steeple. During the succeeding 150 years Brand makes reference to the chapel chiefly in connection with the religious services.

In 1830 it was decided to pull down the old chapel. On March 9th of that year the Revd R. Wasney   A.U? preached his last sermon. I knew him well and was present on that occasion. I was then with Mr Dobson, architect, and made a survey of the building prior to its removal.

The demolition of the building commenced in the following month. The handsome Church at the Barras Bridge (St Thomas’s) was built as a substitute. I also was present at the opening of it I possess a very fine portrait of The Revd R Wasney, A.U?

T.O.S

 Theatre Royal Newcastle

One of the greatest treats I ever had was on September 20th 1848 in witnessing Jenny Lind’s performance of La Sonnambula

The prices were as follows:

Dress Boxes £1.11.6

Upper Boxes & Pit £1.1.0

Gallery 10/6

Receipts of the House £1,100

T. O. S

September 11th 1822

Died this day at Matlock, Derbyshire Lady Delaval relict of the late Lord Delaval of Seaton Delaval, Northumberland

A little description of my proceedings in the Arts

Always having a love for the Arts and the beautiful, I have been wishful to accomplish myself in as many branches as I could. Commencing from a boy of 8 years of age. I first began with pencil drawing. After that with Indian ink and sepia after that with Oriental tinting on card board and white velvet. These l followed with flower painting in water colours. Also landscape and architectural subjects in the same.I then proceeded with engraving in all its branches as my many specimens will indicate. After that, I turned my attention to sculpture carrying out my design both in earthen ware and fire clay. Many specimens I exhibited at the Lit & Phil and at the Exhibition of 1857 some of which-were there sold. After that I carried out my treatment of leather work in imitation of Swiss carving and also applying gilding to the same. I then went on with painting & staining glass and afterwards etched and coloured many varied, subjects suitable for the magic lantern as shown by my collection. I also took out a patent for introducing day and night effects to the stereoscope And pollyeidoscope?? By both of which I lost money.

I completed three elaborate illuminative?? in colour & gilt, many parts burnished. The Revd Raines, Librarian of Durham hearing of them borrowed them and kept them. After his death l applied. For them and never received them. It was he who wrote the Life of St Cuthbert which I have.

August 2nd 1871

This day had an interview with Mr Michael Proctor (Collector of Rates) respecting the late talented Mr William Dixon, formerly scenic painter at The Old Theatre, Dury Lane, Newcastle on Tyne. About the year 1808 he filled the situation of scenic painter to William Macready and executed the principle scenes of the theatre which were unrivalled. They were afterwards removed to the new Theatre Royal where they never failed to charm the man of taste and connoisseur. They began to wear shabby with long use, they were painted out and inferior works substituted in their place I regret to say.

One of the most charming and wonderful productions in Art that left his pencil is the Royal Arms, about 30 feet long which were presented by the proprietor to my dear  Father,  Thos Small and are now in my possession. In drawing and deceptive? painting it stands alone. Many a wager has been lost and won upon it! 

I also possess some sketches of by Mr Dixon and a small portrait in oil of my father, the figure of Christ which was executed by John Gibson for the large windows in St Nicholas Cathedral the head was painted by Wm Dixon. He also painted many portraits of his friends. He was the companion of old T.M.Richardson and George T.W Carmichael, Ewbank and others. The splendid act drop was drawn by John Dobson Esq and painted by William Dixon. He was a gentleman kind hearted & liberal.