This blog provides information, stories, links and events relating to and promoting the history of the Wimmera district.
Any additional information, via Comments, is welcomed.



Wednesday 30 September 2015

HIstory is a story

Welcome to October (at least it is here in Australia), and welcome to our 'History is a story' themed month.
This month we are celebrating history, with a variety of events and displays - more in following posts.
And thanks to author Jackie French for the idea.

Monday 28 September 2015

Only in the Wimmera

“The Dressmaker” film, based on Rosalie Ham’s novel, is scheduled for general theatre release on the 29th October. But prior to the general release there will be a special sneak peek screening of “The Dressmaker” film on Thursday 22nd October 2015 as a fund raiser for the Wimmera Health Care Group Friends of the Foundation. 
 The evening begins with a complimentary drink, finger food and entry to the event at 6.30 pm in the Masonic Hall, Urquhart Street, Horsham then, at 7.30 pm, it will be Question and Answer time with the film’s producer Sue Maslin and the author Rosalie Ham, followed by the movie screening at Horsham Centre Cinema in Pynsent Street.

Limited allocated seating tickets for the event at $45 per person, go on sale first thing on Wednesday 30th September at the Wimmera Mail Times Office in Wilson Street.  
the film trailer
Horsham is fortunate to secure the advance screening, as the film’s producer Sue Maslin was committed to screening the movie in Horsham, as the region supported the film-making process - it was partially shot in the Wimmera, and several Wimmera residents scored roles as extras in the film. 
So get set to journey back to the 50s.

Sunday 20 September 2015

Crafting history

October 2015 is 'History is a story' month at the Library.

We have adopted the theme (thanks Jackie French for the idea) to publicise History Week, by undertaking a number of activities throughout the entire month.

The first activity will be "Crafting your book" using bits n' pieces, scrap, memory objects, etc to create a unique look for your book, journal or album. 
This will be a chance for everyone to think up the perfect cover/holder to showcase your creation, and to get ideas to portray your theme and individualise your project.

The session will be conducted by Christine Gerdtz who has a whole portfolio of crafty items she has created.
"Crafting your book" will be held in the Horsham Library on Thursday 8th October at 1:30pm. Bookings are essential and can be made at the Library.


"Crafting your book" will also be an introduction to the following session "Crafting your story".
"Crafting your story" is about finding sources and inspiration to write your story, journal or book. How to construct the elements of a personable story.
Or if you are uncomfortable actually authoring a story, you may wish to tell a story in pictures, photographs or anecdotes. This is the chance to get ideas on different styles of story creation - maybe your story is a house history or a recipe book?

"Crafting your story" will be held in the Horsham Library on Thursday 15th October at 1:30pm. Bookings are essential and can be made at the Library.

Tuesday 15 September 2015

Footy facts

A great entry on the Boyles Football Photos website on local footballer Eric Zschech.
Charles Boyles was a professional photographer in Melbourne who took football photographs - player portraits and team photos, from the 1920s through to the 1960s. Many of these then appeared as collectible cigarette cards.
Eric Zschech was born in Minyip. His parents - Paul Zschech and Laura Peucker - were part of the wave of German migration from South Australia when the Wimmera was opened up for selection. His father was a produce merchant in town.
Eric attended Minyip Primary School till he was 15 years old when he began work at the Minyip Post Office. A keen sportsman, he played football, cricket and tennis for Minyip, during this time he played with and was coached by Roy Cazaly of 'Up there' fame.
After winning the Best & Fairest in 1928, Eric left to work in the telegraph branch of the GPO in Melbourne, and began playing for the Post & Telegraph XVIII, and the Richmond Football Club in 1929.
With Richmond he was part of their Premiership side in 1932 and 1934, he played in the Victorian state side. 
In 1936 Eric moved to Tasmania to become coach for Lefroy Football Club . He played and coached the club till 1939, with a premiership in 1937. He was Best & Fairest in 1936, 1937 and 1939, and played in 2 interstate and 7 inter-league matches.
During World War II Eric joined the R.A.A.F. and was based in Northern Australia. He married Dorothy Anderson in 1945.
In 1946 Eric was playing for Sandy Bay when they won their inaugural premiership. The next year he transferred to Snug as coach. Eric was inducted into the Tasmanian Football Hall of Fame in 2005. 
Eric Zschech died in 1981 and is buried in the Fawkner Cemetery. The full story is in "Eric Zschech : the Minyip Tiger".