Here is some information regarding Newcastle’s forthcoming 40th Anniversary Display Day on the 9th-10th November.

At approx. 9am on Saturday 9th November we are having a cruise into Newcastle to Fort Scratchley, leaving from the Monte Pio Motel in Maitland. Maps will be provided to those attending before departure, in case of a worst case scenario.

Fort Scratchley is located just off the Foreshore in Newcastle, and is a former coastal defence installation, and now a museum. It was built in 1882 to defend the city against a possible Russian attack. We are going to park inside the Fort, so this should make for some great photo opportunities. Entry to the fort is free, but if you want to take a tour of the underground workings of the fort, then it will cost you $15 each, or $8 concession. The tour is highly recommended, I will be doing it again.The fort is run entirely by volunteers, with limited government assistance so come and learn some interesting history while assisting in the maintenance of this worthy icon. If you are interested in attending the tours, can you please get back to either Julie or myself ASAP, so we can inform the Fort volunteers if they need to provide extra tour guides for us.
The fort has a small kiosk where drinks, snacks and icecreams can be found, but there are no food facilities in the fort. After the tour, you are free to check out the Newcastle sights, The Foreshore has plenty of cafes and eateries as well as a great view of our Harbour. You might even see one of the big coal ships coming and going!

Saturday night is our 40th Anniversary dinner, held back at the Monte Pio Motel. This should be a good night of fun with some talks by our Foundation members and plenty of photos; some good, some bad. The bad ones being some seriously wild hairdos!! There is a cool prize to be won at the raffle, so don’t forget to bring some money with you!! Again, please contact Julie Pead ASAP if you are attending this event so we can organise catering.

Sunday is the Display Day, which will be held in Walka Water Works in Maitland. Again, maps will be provided for the directionally challenged. The complex features a pumphouse with striking chimney and ornate brickwork and is one of the largest and most intact 19th Century industrial complexes in the Hunter Valley. There is also a large lake area with over 300 species of birdlife and walking trails surround the lake. Trophies will be awarded to the Top Ten, based on Peoples Choice.

A free BBQ will be provided to members, as there are no food facilities in the park.

Thanks, Nathan Kramer…
Ph. 0412 953278
Email. nathkramer@bigpond.com