2018 was a momentous year marking 100 years since the end of World War 1. Memorials to the fallen can be seen across Australia. Some small yet moving; some large and impressive such as Melbourne’s Shrine of Remembrance. Designs vary depending on the funds each community could raise, but all are prominently located. A few towns even feature tributes to those who served in the Boer War when in 1899 Victorians decided to go to South Africa to support the Empire. These monuments are historical landmarks that remind us of the sacrifices and contributions of Australian men and women. In 1918, the population of Inverloch was around 200, yet the town, like so many small communities, made a mighty effort to support the cause. These and other pioneers set the foundation for the community we love.
Despite the current, very modern face of Inverloch, we should always remember that the men and women who looked and dressed so differently, whose daily lives, modes of transport, personal conduct, and responsibilities may appear very unlike ours, would have had hopes and aspirations that are similar to today’s residents, who have built a prosperous and vibrant town. This we should never forget.
Another Christmas and New Year approach, full of promise and great hopes. Thousands will flock to Inverloch, and the town will take on its summer buzz. Many will enjoy the beaches, and hopefully, local traders will be busy. Our streets will be filled with vehicles—some laden with surf boards and bikes. There will be caravans, trailers, boats and all manner of playthings causing some interruption and inconvenience, especially at the beach-fronts. But this is the destiny of a holiday town.
What does all this means for historians? It means that we should record, in words or pictures, what Inverloch is like in 2018. Is this important and why? The answer is a loud and clear YES! Many residents and visitors like to see how Inverloch has altered and where and how it has changed. Despite the rhetoric that “history is boring”, it is an amazing and contradictory eye-opener, that most Australians do take an interest in local and family history. The society has a film (now on DVD) from 1960 made by a man pointing his 8 mm movie camera through the windscreen of his son’s Wolsey car, filming as they drive along A’Beckett Street and onto what is now Ramsey Parade. The images are not all that clear, but we can easily see how very much Inverloch has altered. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a sharp and clear copy of this footage but, sadly we can do nothing. Today with our technology and cameras the record of that journey would be much clearer and very different. Any man or woman from 1930, should they visit today, would not recognise their town. Though bits would jog their memories.
Could I remind members, subscribers and other readers, that family photographs play a significant role in maintaining a good record of Inverloch across the years? A family member may be standing in front of something that has vanished, or altered markedly. Never underestimate the value of the family photo. Please let us see them and evaluate their historical content.
Some of our members have suffered illness or accidents recently. I would like them to know that we care and think of them often. I am sure every member joins with me in extending our most caring thoughts and respect to all members who are not well.
Early in October, the Society set up a small display in the main hall at The Hub at the request of local Probus Clubs. A question was attached to each of the 24 display boards to see how alert the 122 Probus members were. Such was the interest that Secretary David Vance informed me that members were ‘several deep waiting for the answers’. It was quite a fun day for me as I was deluged with questions about the contents of our collection.
On behalf of the committee, may I wish everybody a very happy and peaceful Christmas and a bright and prosperous new year.
John Hutchinson, President
Final General Meeting for 2018
Our last meeting this year will be held on Wednesday 28 November at 2 PM.
Members are asked to bring along some food to share at our post-meeting Christmas celebration.
Members are also asked to contribute to the afternoon’s enjoyment by (1) telling a short story, or (2) bringing along an item of interest to talk about.
Please make a real effort. Don’t leave it to others!
2019 Meeting Dates
Committee Meetings will be held on the 3rd Tuesday of each month from 9.30 am. Meetings will be convened during January and early February to get organized for the year ahead. Further details will be provided to committee members.
General Meetings will be held on the 4th Wednesday of each month from February to November at Inverloch RSL at 2 PM.
2019 Outings of Historical Interest
It is always our aim to offer members two excusions each year but this is not an easy task.
Your committee would welcome suggestions. We have had many wonderful outings and speakers over the years, but we need your contributions.
Suggestions please!
Sourced by Ray Burtt from old newspaper.