Ivan Saltmarsh
ivanof@bigpond.com
Chair:
Robyn Hawkins
Secretary:
Ivan Saltmarsh
Treasurer:
Rex Bean
Newsletter Editor:
Robyn Hawkins
Committee:
Elizabeth Kerry
Warwick Oakman
Deirdre Pearson
The Tasmanian Branch Newsletter has a new look with lots of information inside.
Launceston Cataract Gorge Event
"...the story of the Gorge is inseparable from the history of Launceston, and from that of Gondwana, Aboriginal Van Diemen's Land, the enterprises, triumphs and disasters of Anglo-Celtic Tasmania, and all that has followed. The Gorge is a combination of rocks and water and living things, of engineering and building and landscape design, of perception and blindness, of vulgarity and culture. It is in the City and of it, but yet a place apart." Page xvi, Eric V.R. Ratcliff , Foreword to "Health, Wealth & Tribulation, Launceston's Cataract Gorge" Paul A.C. Richards & Murray Johnson.
A walk through the Gorge was conducted by Mr Les Hodge head gardener at the Launceston Gorge for 18 years. He covered the history, flora, fauna and the landscape. After a picnic lunch the event continued at the Queen Victoria Museum at Inveresk where Paul Richards talked about the Gorge and the work behind producing his wonderful book "Launceston's Cataract Gorge - Health Wealth & Tribulation". Art critic Jo McIntyre then provided an introduction to the exhibition of works at the Gallery related to the Gorge and its history.
The Tasmanian Herbarium
Dr Gintaras Kantvilas head of the Tasmanian Herbarium presented an illustrated presentation on the Herbarium and some of its more significant specimens. These included specimens collected on the voyages of Captain Cook in 1777 and D’Entrecasteaux in 1792, specimens collected during the founding of the first colonies at Port Dalrymple and Hobart in 1804, and many others. He related these early collecting activities to the development of Botany and science in general in Europe, and touch briefly on how herbarium collections and the knowledge they represent are applied in day-to-day activities in Tasmania.
Launceston Treasures
Members visited “ EGREMONT”, an interesting early garden that has survived through being in the same family for many years and only recently changed hands. The new owners are delighting in making discoveries about the place: an old hot-house is made of King Billy Pine and previously hidden paths have been unearthed.
DESIGN CENTRE: It has five galleries. Its aims are to sustain the wood design industry in Tasmania, to further the cause of Tasmanian identity, to create an identity for Tasmania as a place of excellence in the world and to inspire the world community with the potency of design. A notable exhibition is The Tasmanian Wood Design Collection. A wonderful shop sells the latest design pieces created there.
The Annual General Meeting was held in the Design Centre.
Following the AGM, Chris Moore, horticulturist and city-planner gave us a tour of the park and a talk about its history, special features and role in northern Tasmanian life.
December 6: Christmas function
Visit “Wetmore” Midlands property near Ross, followed by lunch at nearby “Somercotes”.
Commences: 11 am.
Cost: Members: $30 Non-members: $35.
Bookings: Contact Rex Bean 03 62604418 or email: rex.bean@bigpond.com.
Blue Gum July 2008 – Tasmanian Branch Newsletter
Blue Gum July 2008 contains the articles “The Garden Urn”, “Launceston's Cataract Gorge”, "Banquo It Will Be Rain Tonight" and “Gardener's Garden”.
