The Isaac Richardson Family

Mary Ann (nee Walker) (1849-1910) and Isaac Simeon Richardson (1843-1919) The Isaac Richardson family reached Hagley in 1909 when Isaac purchased the “Cripplegate” farm property which he soon renamed “Lenna”. The families association with the Hagley Methodist church commenced from that year with several generations becoming active members. By the time of arrival Isaac had […]

Aeroplanes

Dad (Eric Badcock) was always interested in aircraft and flying and often related stories about them and various happenings over the years. A particular highlight for him was his first flight which occurred at the opening of the Western Junction airport near Launceston, Tasmania on the 28 February, 1931, Dad’s 20th birthday, the plane being […]

Self-drive tour guide

Longford to Liffey Falls (52kms) via Bishopsbourne & Bracknell Experience Outstanding scenery that constantly changes throughout the trip Farmlands with varying crops, cattle and sheep Two centuries of history, centring around free settlers, convicts and bushrangers A large variety of birds and animals living in their natural habitats Spectacular mountains and valleys, rainforest and waterfalls   […]

Hagley Wesleyan Methodist Chapel (now Uniting Church in Australia)

Beginnings Michael Walker in his memoirs notes, “In 1846 I came to Hagley. There was no church of any kind and we used to meet at Mr. Montgomery’s farm house and hold services and class meetings.” Mr. Walker and Mr. Montgomery  were both living in Hogg’s Lane at the time. Hogg’s Lane received its name […]

French Families at Hagley, Tasmania

Two French families settled at Hagley, those of Samuel French and Percy William French. They were distantly related, both descendants of Francis and Mary French.  Francis is particularly remembered as being the first Wesleyan Methodist local preacher in Northern Tasmania. Also living in the Hagley area were their Badcock cousins, also descendants of Francis and […]

Duces & Rhodes Scholars of the Launceston Junior Technical School

Two duces/duxes of the Launceston Junior Technical School were awarded a Tasmanian Rhodes scholarship, Dick Gandy in 1936 and Bill Bonney in 1954. Richard William George (Dick) Gandy (1915-1996) grew up at Derby, Tasmania and did his primary schooling at that place. He then proceeded on to the Launceston Junior Technical School for three years […]

Alan Thomas Gelston the Teacher, Artist & Sculptor

Launceston Junior Technical School Alan Gelston grew up at Westbury, Tasmania, and attended the Launceston Junior Technical School for three years. In 1945 he was duce of the school gaining eight credits and one pass. He became particularly known for carving the Coat of Arms (below) which is located above the main entrance of the […]