THERE’S nowhere in the Bathurst region, perhaps in Australian, that embodies such an entwining of gold rush era history and the 20th century Australian art scene as Hill End.
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What drew and continues to draw so many to the village?
We can explore some of these tales, images and ambience at the annual Hill End Historic Buildings Open Day on Sunday, October 16.
The day gives visitors to access a number of unique gold rush buildings, not normally open to the public.
The combination of buildings available to view gives a fascinating glimpse into the past life in a bustling, frenzied mining town. In the boom year of 1872 Hill End claimed the second biggest population in the state, yet today it is but a sleepy remnant of its illustrious past.
Call into the Royal Hall, where the pioneering ancestors will gaze upon you, before heading out to the visit St Paul’s Church, miners’ cottages (some now residencies and studios for visiting artists), including Murray’s Cottage, the home of renowned artist Donald Friend, the court house, the school and La Paloma Pottery.
Local volunteers will be available to show you through these iconic buildings.
Register 9.30am at the Royal Hall Beyers Avenue. Admission is $25 and $18 concession. Buildings close at 3.30pm.
Pipes and drums
GET your kilts on folks for the Pipes and Drums of the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, a Scottish Spectacular, featuring 23 musicians, singers and Highland Dancers on stage.
You’ll have seen them on telly in the annual Edinburgh Military Tattoo. They’ve even scored a number one on the US charts with their version of Amazing Grace.
The concert is on next Wednesday, October 19 from 7.30pm at BMEC and will feature Amazing Grace, Braveheart Trilogy, Titanic (theme), Last of the Mohicans (theme), Soldier Solder (theme) and many more. Tickets 6333 6161.
Muso turns author
AUSTRALIAN singer/songwriter Holly Throsby has turned author.
Her debut novel ‘Goodwood’ is already receiving widespread acclaim.
She’ll launch the book in Bathurst on Monday, October 17 at 6pm for 6.30 at The Oxford. Tickets $15 from Books Plus.