Take a journey through history and explore the beauty and culture of Maryborough, Australia. From art galleries to the military trail, experience the magic of this unique destination today!

The Story Bank: Where imagination comes to life

Discover the magic of Mary Poppins at The Story Bank

Visiting The Story Bank in Maryborough, Qld, is like discovering a secret realm steeped in magic, mystery, and nostalgia.

Here you’ll find a unique selection of stories unlike anywhere else—the story of Mary Poppins being the most enchanting among them.

The characters, stirring messages, and timeless themes woven throughout the Mary Poppins books and movies have captivated families for generations.

Whether you’ve visited The Story Bank before or are just now hearing about it for the first time, one thing is certain: You won’t forget what you discover there!

Disclosure: As a Booking.com affiliate, Jocelyn earns from qualifying purchases made through links in this post.

The Story Bank - statue of Mary Poppins

A statue of the famous nanny Mary Poppins stands outside The Story Bank in Maryborough, Queensland.

Step inside The Story Bank

The Mary Poppins tale began at the former Australian Joint Stock Bank on the corner of Richmond and Kent Richmond streets in Maryborough, Qld.

This heritage-listed building is where Helen Lyndon Goff was born; better known to us as P.L. Travers, author of the classic Mary Poppins story books.

Fraser Coast Regional Council bought and restored the heritage-listed building to create The Story Bank, which showcases the story of P.L. Travers’ life, her family, and the influences on her writings.

Today, you can step inside The Story Bank for a world that invites you to take part in stories, trade tales over tea, or spin yarns fit only for legends.

An enchanting experience is sure to captivate anyone who enters its doors.

Visitors to The Story Bank can interact with displays of P.L. Travers’ life and her magical Mary Poppins stories as well as:

  • View images and documents from the P.L. Travers estate,
  • Delve into the Cabinet of Curiosities and the Library of Inspiration,
  • Open an account and discover the art of storytelling by depositing your own creations,
  • Share in stories crafted by Artisans of Story Telling in the Theatrette and Gallery, and,
  • Find unique gifts and books in the retail cottage.
The Story Bank - two men and two statues of children

Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour (back) and Councillor Paul Truscott unveil the statue of Mary Poppins children Jane and Michael Banks in 2018.

Visitors flood into The Story Bank in 2022

Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour said COVID restrictions and floods were not enough to keep visitors away from The Story Bank in 2022, with over 15,000

The Story Bank - man and statue of the bird lady

Artist Willie Paes sits with a statue of the Bird Woman in front of the mural of St Paul’s Cathedral that he painted.

people going through the interactive museum.

“Visitor numbers were down at the start of 2022 when Maryborough experienced multiple floods, but numbers rebounded in the latter half of the year with over 2000 visitors in July – the most visitors in a single month since The Story Bank opened.

“Each year visitor numbers have grown from just over 11,000 in 2019 to 15,236 visitors in 2022.

“Most of the visitors, at least 80%, come from outside of the region.

“The figures not only point to the facility’s popularity, but also reinforce our belief that the Story Bank would attract people to the region, especially the Maryborough CBD.

“There is no doubt that visitors to The Story Bank contribute significantly to tourism and the local economy.”

During 2022, The Story Bank also hosted 15 school groups with 677 students and 20 special interest groups with 319 attendees.

New programs to further boost visitor numbers

Cr Seymour said new programs would be introduced in 2023 to boost visitor numbers even more.

“The Story Bank staff are constantly innovating and introducing initiatives – such as Story Time for preschool-aged-children; Lawn Games in the garden during school holidays and Yarning Circle activities – to attract visitors,” he said.

“The Story Bank team has also worked hard aligning educational programs with curriculum content to better support our region’s educators.

“There is a focus on small group activities and play-based learning so that students have an engaging and enjoyable visit whilst still taking on board key concepts about storytelling.”

Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymoure at The Story Bank, Maryborough, Queensland. PHOTO: Fraser Coast Regional Council.

The Story Bank - heritage building

The $1.5 million project to restore the former Australian Joint Stock Bank in Maryborough, Qld, to create The Story Bank was undertaken with $395,000 funding from the Queensland Government and $395,000 funding from the Australian Government.

The Story Bank - Mary Poppins statue silhouette.

A Mary Poppins statue silhouette on the corner of Richmond and Kent Street, Maryborough, Qld. PHOTOS: Jocelyn Watts.

If you go

Maryborough is about 255 kilometers north of the Queensland capital, Brisbane.

For information on opening hours, admission prices, and programs at The Story Bank, visit:

For further details, visit:

VISITING MARYBOROUGH AND WANT ACCOMMODATION? VISIT BOOKING.COM

***

Ready for a holiday?

Wherever you want to go in the world, don’t forget to check out Booking.com. With so many amazing deals on accommodation and more, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for.

So, what are you waiting for? Click the links here to visit BOOKING.COM today and start planning your next trip.

***Jocelyn Magazine is a proud affiliate of Booking.com. Clicking one of its links on this website will reward us with a small finder’s fee. It’s an easy way to show support for our team and our mission. Plus, every bit counts towards creating more awesome content for you to enjoy! ***

0 Comments/by
,

Aquatic Ctr crowned the best

Maryborough swim centre is simply the best!

26/10/22

Have you been to the Maryborough Aquatic Centre?

If not, you’re missing out – it has taken out the AustSwim State and National awards for the best large swim centre in Australia!

That recognition comes on the back of forced closures due to COVID-19 and two floods.

And, in 2010, Maryborough was on the brink of losing its 50-metre pool before the Fraser Coast Chronicle helped the community to save the much-loved facility.

Keep reading to find out more about what makes the Maryborough Aquatic Centre so special.

COVID-19 and two floods – but they bounced back!

These awards are recognition of the hard work and dedication of the staff who have had to contend with COVID-19 shutting the pools and then having to rebuild after the floods this year devasted the facility

Fraser Coast Regional Council CEO Ken Diehm said staff had rebuilt the facility and regained the support of the community.

“There has been a 15 per cent increase in attendance numbers across the swim classes since the pool reopened in June,” Mr Diehm said.

“I think that really shows the community has confidence in the instructors, and the staff at the centre are liked and well respected.”

The program supervisor at the facility, Joel Seeney, was previously the recipient of an Austswim award for Aqua Instructor of the year award.

“The award shows that regional facilities and their staff are just as talented and dedicated as those in the bigger centres.”

The AustSwim award is the premier award presented to facilities and individuals in Australia that achieve the highest standards of aquatic education excellence.

“The awards mean a lot to staff and is fantastic recognition of the hard work that they have put in to pick themselves up and rebuild.”

Flashback: How the community saved the 50-metre pool

Maryborough Aquatic Centre - news report

Maryborough Aquatic Centre - News reportMaryborough Aquatic Centre - News Report

In 2010, the Maryborough Aquatic Centre’s 50-metre pool was sorely in need of a revamp, but the then council’s proposed redevelopment plan didn’t include replacing the 50-metre pool; the plan was to downgrade it to 25 metres!

That was until the Fraser Coast Chronicle helped the community to save the 50-metre pool!

The loss of its Olympic-size pool meant Maryborough would lose the capacity to host school carnivals and competitions.

A good proportion of the public also preferred to swim in a 50-metre pool — Maryborough Masters, triathletes, schools and rugby league players who swam for fitness, as well as people from surrounding towns.

Thankfully, though, the council listened and overturned its initial proposal to downgrade the 50-metre pool as part of a $5.5 million redevelopment.

So, whether you’re a fitness fanatic or just looking for somewhere to cool off in summer, be sure to take a dip!

These AustSwim State and National awards have come after long, hard-fought battles to keep the centre afloat.

Congratulations to the Maryborough Aquatic Centre staff and Fraser Coast Regional Council.

Maryborough Aquatic Centre: A history of excellence

The 50-metre town pool being considered for downsizing in 2010 was the third in Maryborough’s history.

The original floating baths were built on the Mary River but were swept away in a flood in the 1890s.

In 1906, after a local boy drowned swimming in the Mary River, a 33-yard (30m) pool was built on the side of the now Excelsior Band Hall car park with money donated by local widower George Ambrose White.

In the early 1960s, a fundraising campaign was held to build the “new” War Memorial Swimming Pool on former defence force land. The 55-yard pool was 300 millimetres longer than 50 metres and was shortened in the 1970s.

The first pool caretaker was Hayden Kenny, Australia’s first ironman champion.

His son, Grant Kenny, OAM, Australian former Ironman, surf lifesaver and canoeist, went on to compete in two Olympics, winning a bronze medal in the K-2 1000m event with Barry Kelly in Los Angeles in 1984.

During the 1970s, the swimming club committee urged the Maryborough City Council to provide spectator stands, the money for which was donated by then-mayor Charles Adams.

The club raised funds through treble tickets and cent auctions to provide the recording and club rooms, gym, timekeepers’ shelter, store room and waveless ropes. In 1977 it bought one of the first electronic timing systems in Queensland.

In 1995, a 25-metre heated pool was built where the wading pool used to be, after lobbying behind the scenes by president Dr Tom Dunn.

Another prominent name of Maryborough swimming was Larry Sengstock who set many records at regional level and competed at state level in the 1970s.

He later starred with the Brisbane Bullets basketball team and represented Australia at the Moscow, Los Angeles, Seoul and Barcelona Olympics and at four world championships in 1978, 1982, 1986 and 1990.

***

Ready for a holiday?

Wherever you want to go in the world, don’t forget to check out Booking.com. With so many amazing deals on accommodation and more, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for.

So, what are you waiting for? Click the links here to visit BOOKING.COM today and start planning your next trip.

***Jocelyn Magazine is a proud affiliate of Booking.com. Clicking one of its links on this website will reward us with a small finder’s fee. It’s an easy way to show support for our team and our mission. Plus, every bit counts towards creating more awesome content for you to enjoy! ***

 

0 Comments/by
,

New Rotary Peace Pole is a sight to see

Rotary Peace Pole: A reminder to strive for world peace

Have you seen the new Rotary Peace Pole outside the Brolga Theatre in the Queensland city of Maryborough yet? It’s a beautiful sight.

The pole, consisting of three elements, is a hand-crafted monument that displays the message “May Peace Prevail on Earth” on each of its sides in different languages.

There are tens of thousands of Peace Poles in 180 countries across the world, dedicated as monuments to peace. They serve as a constant visual reminder to strive for world peace.

The project was unveiled recently in a dedication ceremony where it’s installed beside the pathway leading to the Brolga Theatre from Lennox Street.

 

NEED ACCOMMODATION AT MARYBOROUGH? VISIT BOOKING.COM

Disclosure: As a Booking.com affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases made through links in this post.

Peace Pole designed by local artists; supported by Council

The Maryborough Peace Pole, a project of the Rotary Club of Maryborough Sunrise, was designed by local artist and Rotarian Willy Paes (pictured with his wife Di) with assistance from Fraser Coast Regional Council senior arts development co-ordinator Trevor Spohr.

The project was supported by many local businesses, other Rotary Clubs through a Rotary Grant, and the Fraser Coast Regional Council through a grant from the discretionary fund of Councillor Daniel Sanderson.

The work consists of three distinct pieces, which unite as one to symbolise our need to move forward together.

The pieces range in height up to five metres high and have been placed in a stepped design to mirror the roofline of the Brolga Theatre.

One pole is made from weathered steel that was left over from the Gallipoli to Armistice Memorial in nearby Queens Park.

Steel laser-cut message in multiple languages

Rotary Club of Maryborough Sunrise acting president Adrian Pitman said the Maryborough RSL Club donated the steel, which was laser-cut with ‘May Peace Prevail on Earth’ in multiple languages including the Butchulla language, English, Japanese and Mandarin.

The languages reflect the immigrants who entered Australia through the Port of Maryborough and our sister-city relationships; the piece represents the steel buildings of the former Wilson and Hart Sawmill, which occupied the site before the Brolga Theatre was built and the city’s manufacturing industry.

Mr Pitman said the carved timber log, which was rescued from the bank of the Mary River near Tiaro had been carved by Willy Paes with local flora and fauna to connect with the Mary River, forests and animals and birds of the region.

This piece represents the Timber City and timber industry on which Maryborough was founded.

On the third pole, a steel column has been inset with glass art designed by indigenous artists Aaron Henderson and Samala Cronin depicting local history and creatures of the Dreamtime and environment.

Rotary advocates for international peace

“One of the six areas of focus for Rotary internationally is peace and conflict prevention and resolution,” Mr Pitman said.

“Through service projects, peace fellowships, and scholarships, Rotarians are taking action to address the underlying causes of conflict, including poverty, inequality, ethnic tension, lack of access to education, and unequal distribution of resources.

“Clubs support peace in a myriad of ways from raising awareness of bullying, to helping to protect domestic violence survivors and their families.”

Each year Rotary offers 100 fellowships to Rotary Peace Centres around the world including one at the University of Queensland.

More than 1000 students have graduated from Rotary’s Peace Centres programs.

Visit the Rotary Peace Pole

If you’re ever in the Queensland city of Maryborough, be sure to visit the Rotary Peace Pole.

The beautiful monument is a sight to behold and its message serves as a reminder that peace is possible.

Rotary Peace Pole

NEED ACCOMMODATION AT MARYBOROUGH? VISIT BOOKING.COM

 

***

Ready for a holiday?

Wherever you want to go in the world, don’t forget to check out Booking.com. With so many amazing deals on accommodation and more, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for.

So, what are you waiting for? Click the links here to visit BOOKING.COM today and start planning your next trip.

 

***Jocelyn Magazine is a proud affiliate of Booking.com. Clicking one of its links on this website will reward us with a small finder’s fee. It’s an easy way to show support for our team and our mission. Plus, every bit counts towards creating more awesome content for you to enjoy! ***

0 Comments/by

Maryborough Open Gardens

Sneak peek at Maryborough Open Gardens

If you love gardens, then you won’t want to miss the annual Maryborough Open Gardens event, held each year in late August.

From traditional gardens to those with a more modern twist, the event is a rare opportunity for visitors to see some of the best private gardens in the city.

Hosted by the Maryborough Horticultural Society, the private gardens are open to the public for just two days every year, but there’s more to it than just seeing beautiful gardens.

Maryborough Open Gardens also raises funds through plant sales that go to local charities and encourages people of all ages (even children) to take up gardening as a hobby.

With 14 beautiful private gardens opening on 27 and 28 August 2022, it was no wonder that many visitors had trouble deciding which they liked best.

Wendy Ford from Stirling House in North Street said the fantastic response from hundreds of garden enthusiasts was wonderful to see.

“We moved into Stirling just 10 months ago and this is our first year opening to the public as part of Maryborough Open House,” she said. “It was fantastic.”

So without further ado, let’s take a look at two of the 14 gardens on show in 2022.

Whether you are a seasoned gardener or just starting out, these gardens are sure to inspire you.

 

NEED ACCOMMODATION IN MARYBOROUGH? VISIT BOOKING.COM

Disclosure: As a Booking.com affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases made through links in this post.

1. Stirling House

As I walked up the driveway toward Stirling House, Suzanne McLean’s painting at the entrance first drew my attention.

Wendy Ford’s exquisite artwork closer to the stately manor also showed Stirling House was not just a place of beauty and tranquillity, but also of storytelling.

“The painting was a gift from my neighbour, Suzanne McLean, who is a beautiful artist,” Wendy said.

“She has lived over the road for decades, raised her family there and her grandchildren, and yet had never been inside Stirling.

“We formed a lovely friendship because we both enjoy our art.

“So, I invited Suzanne over, and then when her children visited, I invited them over; and when her grandchildren visited, I invited them over.”

Wendy said the children dubbed the house ‘Rapunzel House’ because it looked like the balconies in the Rapunzel story.

“Suzanne gave me this painting as a gift, which I just still can’t believe. It’s so beautiful. She called it Wendy’s Garden. I said, ‘Let’s call it Wendy’s Garden Rapunzel House’ because that’s their history and the gift to us.”

Suzanne’s gift to her new neighbour was a wonderful way to greet the newcomers from the Brisbane suburb of Wynnum.

Just over 10 months ago, when Wendy’s husband, Bruce Ford, noticed a real estate advertisement for the sale of Stirling online, he said to her, “We should buy this place.”

“Let’s!” Wendy replied.

Five days later, they purchased it.

Previously owned by romance novelist Anne de Lisle, and before her Rod Grieves, the house dates back over 140 years.

The stunning home features some American Gothic styling combined with the look of a Queenslander.

“Anne had the house set up beautifully, but since then we’ve made a lot of changes to the gardens. Wendy is the gardener. I’m the labourer,” Bruce laughed.

History and nature thrive in revamped gardens.

Goldfish love to swim around in the large 3-tiered fountain, where they can explore all their favourite nooks and crannies. The original smaller fountain is also home to many of them as well.

Restored garden seats provide a place for peaceful resting.

The hedges have been replanted, and arbours remain with two Petrea Volubilis and other plants like Yellow Bells, Jasmine and Climbing Roses.

The garden is a colourful oasis with new plantings including Summer Sense, Murraya, Gardenias, Rhoeo, Bromeliads, Magnolias, Rosemary, Lavender, Grevilleas, Lilies, Blue Eyes, and annuals.

“A mango tree was dying, so it’s now with the local wood turners’ group where members are turning it into bowls and other beautifully turned pieces,” Bruce said.

Maryborough Open Gardens - Stirling House

Maryborough Open Gardens - Stirling House

NEED ACCOMMODATION IN MARYBOROUGH? VISIT BOOKING.COM

 

2. 296 Lennox Street

It was easy to see why the garden at 296 Lennox Street is one of Maryborough’s finest. The lush greenery and beautiful flowers were what first caught my eye.

A leisurely walk through the beautiful and diverse gardens took me on a journey of discovery, with intriguing plants like azaleas, citrus trees, and potted flowers.

At each turn, there was another world full of fauna and flora that offered their own gifts for visitors keen to explore the natural space.

As well as the mature trees, palms and explosion of colour one might expect to see in a traditional garden, there were also rarer plants such as Phoenix palms surrounded by agapanthus, hoya plants, and Indian rope plants growing under the shade of the historic Queenslander home.

The southwest side of the house was home to a giant mango tree that was originally planted to shade the house from the western sun. The tree also provided ample shade and shelter for a rock garden and shade-loving plants beneath.

Beside the mango tree was a large deciduous Persimmon Tree, and a Coral Tree coming from India and Western China that was just getting its little flowers on the top.

Along the side fence, a stunning Fraser Island Creeper (Tecomanthe hillii), was just coming into bloom, a rare thing at this time of year.

The house itself is relatively unique because it straddles two blocks of land. Built in the middle of the double block, it dates back to about 1905.

There aren’t many houses built on two blocks of land in Maryborough.

Maryborough Open Gardens - 296 Lennox Street

Maryborough Open Gardens - 296 Lennox Street

PHOTOS: Jocelyn Watts

So, if you’re a fan of gardens, or just want to see some beautiful ones, mark your calendars for next year and head over to the Maryborough Open Gardens website to find out which gardens will be opening.

 

NEED ACCOMMODATION IN MARYBOROUGH? VISIT BOOKING.COM

Botanic Garden Australia and New Zealand Open Day is an annual event in May that’s also worth checking out.
Read more at https://jocelynwatts.com/botanic-gardens-open-day/

***

Ready for a holiday?

Wherever you want to go in the world, don’t forget to check out Booking.com. With so many amazing deals on accommodation and more, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for.

So, what are you waiting for? Click the links here to visit BOOKING.COM today and start planning your next trip.

 

***Jocelyn Magazine is a proud affiliate of Booking.com. Clicking one of its links on this website will reward us with a small finder’s fee. It’s an easy way to show support for our team and our mission. Plus, every bit counts towards creating more awesome content for you to enjoy! ***

0 Comments/by

Coat of Arms: Maryborough, Qld

The story behind Maryborough’s coat of arms

Did you know that Maryborough, Queensland, has its own coat of arms? If you’re visiting the Heritage City, you can see its coat of arms on a wall facing the Town Hall Green. Titled ‘The Crest’, it is one of 40+ murals that make up the Maryborough Mural Trail. To learn more about this piece of local history, read on! Our contributor, Peter Woodland, shares some insights into the fascinating world of heraldry.

The surprising number of Australian cities with coats of arms

According to the Heraldry of the World wiki 108 Australian cities have coats of arms.

There are, in fact, at least 394 Australian cities with a population of more than 10,000 people and there are another 88 towns with a population of more than 5000.

Perhaps, in your travels, keep your eye out for municipal coats of arms. It could be just one more enjoyable pastime, as you while away the kilometres.

 

NEED A ROOM AT MARYBOROUGH? VISIT BOOKING.COM

Disclosure: As a Booking.com affiliate, Jocelyn earns from qualifying purchases made through links in this post.

Who can have a coat of arms?

In Australia, anyone can adopt a coat of arms of their own design. However, there are some limitations to that process.

The said coat of arms is not theirs exclusively. It can be used and copied by anyone unless some copyright applies.

If the coat of arms they adopt is the same as one borne by an armiger whose coat of arms was granted by the College of Arms in London or by some other official body in other parts of the world, then its use is illegal.

It may come as a surprise to many that family coats of arms are very rare in the British domain.

Just because your name is Fortesque-Smythe, for example, it does not follow that you can use the coat of arms of someone else called Fortesque-Smythe.

You have to be able to trace a direct line through the eldest child, usually male, in each generation, back to the original “owner” of the arms.

In the British world, arms are granted to an individual, an enterprise, or an institution, not to families.

That is just one of many “rules’ one has to get used to in the world of heraldry.

What is heraldry?

Heraldry began as the use of a distinctive shield or, perhaps, coat to identify a combatant on a battlefield.

They were simple and brightly or unusually coloured so that your side knew who you were.

The best coats of arms to this day follow that custom of simplicity.

Perhaps the aspect of heraldry most difficult to understand is the blazon.

This is words written in a particular style to describe the coat of arms.

It includes old and foreign words and follows an order of precedent.

This is one such blazon:

Quarterly, 1 and 4 Gules three Pallets Argent and 2 and 3 Azure, three Bars wavy Argent a Cross embattled counter embattled throughout Or and overall a Maltese Cross Azure

That is the blazon for the shield from the coat of arms of the City of Maryborough, in Queensland, Australia. It means:

A shield divided into quarters. The first and fourth quarters are red and silver (white) alternating vertical stripes. The second and third quarters are blue and silver (white) alternating horizontal wavy stripes. The quarters are divided by a gold cross that is embattled. That is, its edges are “jagged” as in the top of a traditional castle wall. Over the top of all this is a blue Maltese cross.

This is Maryborough’s coat of arms:

Coat of Arms - Maryborough, Qld

 

As you can see there are several other elements to Maryborough’s coat of arms. These elements are part of the original grant.

Some of them such as the two supporters on either side and the “ground” or compartment, they are standing on are rare in an individual’s coats of arms. They have to be granted by the sovereign.

Another element is a helmet and there are rules about what sort of helmet individuals can use. On the other hand, it does not have to be a medieval “knights” helmet. It could be a miner’s hard-hat, for instance, if appropriate.

Above the helmet is a torse or twisted piece of cloth or some other cloth buffer. On the torse sits the crest.

I bet you wondered when I was going to use that word because many of us talk about the crest as being the whole thing.

The crest can be almost anything, if appropriate and is often used as a badge by the armiger (owner of the arms).

It might serve as a monogram on clothing, a signet ring, a logo on personal stationery, or anything you desire.

In the case of Maryborough, it is the schooner “Blue Jacket”, at sea, on a circle of spiky (embattled) gold circles, with two sticks of sugar cane.

Lastly, there is the motto, beneath the shield. The motto can say almost anything and can be in any language, Klingon, if you wish.

Mottos can be tricky though because it is supposedly a statement of deeply held views and character.

Don’t give yourself a motto about bravery, if, in reality, you ascribe to the view that “He who runs away lives to fight another day.”

Maryborough’s motto is Latin and it means: Faith, Strength, and Courage

 

 

Maryborough received a badge when these arms were granted and this is it:

coat of arms - maryborough badge

The badge repeats the colours and symbols of the arms.

Granted?

Granted, I hear you ask. Yes, granted!

In Australia “official” coats of arms are granted by a British College of Arms.

The gentlemen responsible for the design and grant of the arms to Maryborough were:

Sir Alexander Colin Cole, Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order, upon whom has been conferred the Territorial Decoration, Garter Principal King of Arms, Sir Anthony Richard Wagner, Knight Commander of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath, Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order, Clarenceux King of Arms and John Philip Brooke Brooke-Little, Esquire, Commander of the Royal Victorian Order, Norroy and Ulster, King of Arms.

Make your own coat of arms

Municipal coats of arms can be fun to look for, and they can also be a great way to learn more about the places you visit.

If you’re feeling creative, there’s no reason why you can’t come up with your own arms for yourself or your town or city.

Just make sure you follow all the “rules”. After all, you wouldn’t want to get in trouble with the arms authorities!

***

If you enjoyed this story, you might also like The Story Bank: Where Imagination Comes to Life

***

VISITING MARYBOROUGH AND WANT ACCOMMODATION? VISIT BOOKING.COM

***

Ready for a holiday?

Wherever you want to go in the world, don’t forget to check out Booking.com. With so many amazing deals on accommodation and more, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for.

So, what are you waiting for? Click the links here to visit BOOKING.COM today and start planning your next trip.

 

***Jocelyn Magazine is a proud affiliate of Booking.com. Clicking one of its links on this website will reward us with a small finder’s fee. It’s an easy way to show support for our team and our mission. Plus, every bit counts towards creating more awesome content for you to enjoy! ***

0 Comments/by

Olds Engineering casts bell for Nuyina

Mary bell for Nuyina, Australia’s new icebreaker

When Australia’s new Antarctic icebreaker, the RSV Nuyina, makes its maiden voyage later this year, it will be carrying a bell made in Maryborough.

Nuyina; Ship at seaA team from the Australian National Antarctic Research Expedition (ANARE), made a special trip to Maryborough on 15 July 2021 to watch the casting of the ship’s bell at Old’s Engineering in North Street.

ANARE Club National Council president Richard Unwin said Nuyina was built in Romania to replace the Aurora Australis, Australia’s Antarctic flagship from 1989 until 2020.

“Aurora Australis has been retired and the new one (Nuyina) will be the main lifeline to Australia’s Antarctic and sub-Antarctic research stations,” Mr Unwin said.

“It is 160 metres long, weighs 25,500 tonnes, and will carry two million litres of fuel to restock all four (Antarctic) stations.”

Nuyina was almost complete in July 2020 but the Covid-19 pandemic delayed its last trials. It’s now expected to arrive in Hobart later this year.

Mr Unwin said the bell would be onboard Nuyina throughout its expected 30-year lifespan life.

“It’s good to see tradespeople still around that can use traditional methods to make bells for ships such as the Nuyina.”

Nuyina bell a link to the Antarctic’s past

Olds Engineering managing director Robert Olds said the bell would be a link to all people who have worked at Australia’s Antarctic research stations.

“This bell is made from a metal that’s known by several names including Gun Metal No. 1 and Admiralty Gun Metal,” Mr Olds said.

“Queensland Rail uses the same composition (88 per cent copper, 10 per cent tin, and two per cent zinc) and calls it Steam Metal.

“This metal was used to make the guns that fired cannonballs in the early days of the British Admiralty when they fought against the French and Spanish.”

Ship’s soul

Often considered to be a ship’s soul, bells are used for signalling, keeping time, and sounding alarms. They’re also used for onboard ceremonies such as baptisms, weddings, and funerals.

“If you find an old ship’s bell, have a look inside – you may see engraved names,” Mr Olds said.

To make the Nuyina’s bell, Olds modified an existing pattern, cast the metal in the sand and polished it with a lathe and hand-held sander.

ANARE Gratitude

ANARE National Council secretary Trevor Luff thanked Olds Engineering and Hayes Metals for the bell’s creation.

“We thank the Olds family for their most generous offer of casting the bell and also to Hayes Metals, New Zealand, and Australia for their most generous offer to supply the metal free of charge,” Mr Luff said.

“We will never forget the experience. We were so excited driving home that the conversation never stopped and in a blink were out the front of our house in Cooroy.”

Olds bell for the Nuyina

Olds Engineering apprentices Lachlan Hansen (left) and Calen Simpson, Olds managing director Robert Olds Antarctic Engineer author Dale Jacobsen, ANARE Australian and Queensland secretary Trevor Luff , Peter Olds, ANARE Club National Council president Richard Unwin, and ANARE member Peter McKenzie.

Olds Engineering apprentices Calen Simpson (left) and Lachlan Hansen chip the remaining cast from the Nuyina’s new bell, watched by Doug Eaton (back left), Antarctic Engineer author Dale Jacobsen, ANARE member Peter McKenzie, ANARE Australian and Queensland secretary Trevor Luff and ANARE Club National Council president Richard Unwin, and Olds managing director Robert Olds.

Olds Engineering apprentices Lachlan Hansen (left) and Calen Simpson chipping remains of the cast from the bell.

Olds Engineering apprentices Calen Simpson (left) and Lachlan Hansen chip the remaining cast from the Nuyina’s new bell, watched by Doug Eaton (back left), Antarctic Engineer author Dale Jacobsen, ANARE member Peter McKenzie, ANARE Australian and Queensland secretary Trevor Luff and president Richard Unwin, and Olds managing director Robert Olds.

 

Olds makes bell for Nuyina

Peter Olds, Doug Eaton, Robert Olds, Calen Simpson, Lachlan Hansen, and Richard Unwin check the bell after being removed from its cast.

 

 

 

 

0 Comments/by
,

Understanding Cemetery Symbols

What do the cemetery symbols and emblems mean?

Have you ever wondered about the symbols and emblems found on headstones and monuments at the cemetery?Cemetery Symbols

If you grew up in a religious family, there were no doubt some symbols that appeared frequently.

For me, it was the Celtic Cross. This is an interesting combination, including Celtic, Latin and Ancient Greek.

At the cemetery, you will find these and many more. The Maryborough Cemetery, or at least the monumental part of it, is quite old by Queensland standards. It was established in 1873, though there had been earlier cemeteries.

The first was at the site of the Old Maryborough Township near the intersection of Alice and Aldridge streets, and, later, at the site of the Elizabeth Park Rose Gardens. There were also various burials scattered throughout the district.

If you wander through the monumental cemetery on Walker St, you will be in awe of the size, variety and beauty of the various headstones and monuments erected to honour the deceased. It should be noted that the cemetery is divided into portions assigned to various faiths.

If you enter from Walker St, through the main gate, you will note the abundance of Celtic Crosses on the left of the avenue.

This is one of the Catholic portions of the cemetery. Cemetery symbols

To your right is an Anglican section. Crosses predominate throughout the cemetery, as one would expect, historically.  There are two quaintly named “Non-Christian” portions which are quite small.

Amongst the larger and more spectacular monuments, several motifs stand out apart from the crosses.

Angels, of course, are common and of varying styles. Look out for the Archangels Michael, with a sword and Gabriel, with a horn or trumpet. Angels may fly, symbolizing the departure of the soul, or crying in grief. Cherubs are often used to show the deceased was a child.

There are many monuments that feature an obelisk or stele. This is a square spire tapering towards the top, with a distinctive pyramid shape at the point. They are quite ancient symbols of power and achievement.

Occasionally, the monument will be topped by a column that appears broken off. This is deliberate. The broken column, again, symbolizes a life cut short and is usually a sign that the deceased died quite young.

Cemetery Symbols

As you continue to ramble amongst the graves, note the number of monuments topped by urns. Maryborough Cemetery has quite a few of them.

Some argue the urn symbolizes immortality, but it is probable that the urn motif is a remembrance of an earlier time when cremation was more common than burial.

The word urn comes from the Latin “uro” which means “to burn”. The purpose of the urn was to hold the ashes, which echo the Biblical reference in Genesis, to the dust we humans intrinsically are.

Many of the urns are draped with a cloth. This is the shroud, another ancient motif associated with death. From the earliest times and across many faiths, the body was wrapped in a cloth before interment.

The cemetery in Maryborough also contains at least one crypt and several raised tombs.

What would you like on your tombstone?

***

Ready for a holiday?

Wherever you want to go in the world, don’t forget to check out Booking.com. With so many amazing deals on accommodation and more, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for.

So, what are you waiting for? Click the links here to visit BOOKING.COM today and start planning your next trip.

 

***Jocelyn Magazine is a proud affiliate of Booking.com. Clicking one of its links on this website will reward us with a small finder’s fee. It’s an easy way to show support for our team and our mission. Plus, every bit counts towards creating more awesome content for you to enjoy! ***

0 Comments/by

Learn mortuary chapel history

Mortuary chapel, the nucleus of M’boro Cemetery

Have you ever been to the Maryborough Cemetery; the Monumental Cemetery, south of Walker St?

Of course, you have! However, if you have visitors and you’re looking for something interesting on a balmy afternoon, there’s no better place to visit.

Apart from the forest of beautiful and interesting monuments and headstones, when you arrive, your eyes will be drawn to the Mortuary Chapel.

This is the handsome structure in the centre of the “old” cemetery.

Once again, a building in our midst boasts interesting and talented antecedents.

The Queensland Heritage Register describes the “chapel” building type as rare and the structure itself, with a tower and four entrances over a central axis as unique in Queensland.

Bravo! There’s a reason this piece of our heritage is so ­special.

Work of architect Willoughby Powell

As with the various buildings, mentioned in the Maryborough Herald on May 7, attributable to Francis Drummond Greville Stanley, the Mortuary Chapel is the work of ­another distinguished Queensland Colonial architect.

This time it is Willoughby Powell who arrived in Queensland in 1872, and by 1875, had won a competition for the ­design of the Toowoomba Grammar School.

In 1882, he moved to Maryborough and set up his own practice here.

Apart from his design for Maryborough’s Mortuary Chapel, he was the “genius” who gave us ­Baddow House; one of the classic heritage private homes of Queensland.

Alas, Powell moved back to Brisbane in 1885, but went on to design important buildings across the length of Queensland.

Among his other achievements are Gabbinbar Homestead, Toowoomba Town Hall, Warwick Town Hall, and the Atkinson & Powell Building in Townsville.

For more details, visit the Queensland Heritage Register at https://bit.ly/2TgOgf9.


The Mortuary Chapel story was first published in the Maryborough Herald on 18 May 2020
mortuary chapel - burial crypt

The Maryborough Cemetery in Queensland has many historical grave sites including the Aldridge family crypt.

If you enjoyed this article, you might also like Understanding Cemetery Symbols by Peter Woodland.

 

NEED ACCOMMODATION AT MARYBOROUGH? VISIT BOOKING.COM

***

Ready for a holiday?

Wherever you want to go in the world, don’t forget to check out Booking.com. With so many amazing deals on accommodation and more, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for.

So, what are you waiting for? Click the links here to visit BOOKING.COM today and start planning your next trip.

 

***Jocelyn Magazine is a proud affiliate of Booking.com. Clicking one of its links on this website will reward us with a small finder’s fee. It’s an easy way to show support for our team and our mission. Plus, every bit counts towards creating more awesome content for you to enjoy! ***

0 Comments/by

Kudos for Francis Stanley

Who was Francis Stanley?

Francis Drummond Greville Stanley. That’s a name to conjure. “Who was he?”, many of you may ask and yet you will all know his work.

Colonial architect Francis Stanley

Francis Drummond Greville Stanley

Francis Stanley was born in Edinburgh in 1839 and came to Queensland in 1860 or thereabouts.

He was an Edinburgh-trained architect and began work with the Lands Department. He rose to be the chief colonial architect in 1871.

The recently refurbished and opened Maryborough Story Bank, the birthplace of Mary Poppins’ author, Pamela Travers, began life as the Australian Joint Stock Bank (AJS Bank) and was designed by Stanley.

St Mary's Catholic Church, Maryborough

He also designed the Maryborough Court House, St Paul’s Anglican Church, in Adelaide St and had a hand in completing the design and extension of St Mary’s Catholic Church (pictured).

He was a significant contributor to the heritage Maryborough now boasts. His role in the city’s local heritage is echoed throughout Queensland.

The AJS Bank commissioned him to design branch buildings in Gympie, Mackay, Ravenswood and Townsville. He also designed St Mary’s Convent, now the museum, in Cooktown, in Far North Queensland, and the Brisbane GPO and Fort Lytton, in Moreton Bay, as well.

Architect of lighthouses

Stanley’s skill and taste are not just to be found in his public buildings, though.

He designed the Capricorn Light on Curtis Island, north of Gladstone and others along the coast.

The original light was a prefab structure of wood and iron, built in Brisbane, and was only the fifth lighthouse built in Queensland.

As we celebrate the beauty of our heritage, it is worthwhile to remember the humble public servant who designed them for us.

 

First published in the Maryborough Herald, 7 May 2020. 

Maryborough Story Bank

Maryborough Story Bank, the birthplace of Mary Poppins author, P. L. Travers, was designed by Francis Stanley.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Maryborough Courthouse

Maryborough Courthouse, Queensland, designed by Francis Stanley.

***

Ready for a holiday?

Wherever you want to go in the world, don’t forget to check out Booking.com. With so many amazing deals on accommodation and more, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for.

So, what are you waiting for? Click the links here to visit BOOKING.COM today and start planning your next trip.

 

***Jocelyn Magazine is a proud affiliate of Booking.com. Clicking one of its links on this website will reward us with a small finder’s fee. It’s an easy way to show support for our team and our mission. Plus, every bit counts towards creating more awesome content for you to enjoy! ***

 

 

 

0 Comments/by

Mary Ann’s historic nameplate reappears

Mary Ann’s priceless nameplate comes home

A priceless piece of Queensland’s railway history has reappeared after 127 years.

Ipswich railway enthusiast Merv Volker, who visited the Maryborough last week, has donated the nameplate from the original Mary Ann locomotive to the Whistlestop museum where its replica locomotive is housed.

Mary Ann was the first steam locomotive built in Queensland by John Walker & Co. Ltd. in 1873 for William Pettigrew and William Sim.

The timber pioneers used the loco to haul logs in the Tin Can Bay area but she vanished in 1893 after a Mary River flood and fire at the Dundathu sawmill where she was stored.

In 1999, Maryborough engineer Peter Olds launched a full-size replica that he and his team at Olds Engineering built using just three historic photographs to guide its creation.

The Mary Ann replica is now an iconic attraction in Maryborough, regularly chuffing her way through Queens Park pulling carriages filled with enthusiastic sightseers.

Where has Mary Ann’s nameplate been for 127 years?

Mr Volker, a former Granville resident and now volunteers at the Ipswich railway museum, said he bought the solid brass curved plate bearing the name ‘Mary Ann’ from a long-time friend in Gympie.

“He had it for some years before I bought it from him 23 years ago,” Mr Volker said.

“I don’t know how he came to have it and I don’t want to say how much I paid, but it wasn’t a lot.

“Several times I’ve been going to bring it up to Maryborough but I’ve had doubts about its authenticity.

“I couldn’t give the museum something that was a reproduction. Peter can make his own reproductions – I don’t need to give them one.”

Is it the original nameplate?

Mr Olds said he was thrilled to receive the “priceless” railway artifact from Mr Volker.

“It has to be the genuine plate,” he said. “You just can’t put a price on this type of history.”

Telltale signs include it having a reverse curve and no grooves on the back.

“We also got a piece of plate off an old boiler that’s three-foot six diameter and it fits exactly.

“And, the shape of lettering on the plate is identical to the lettering shown in the old photographs.”

Mr Olds said the nameplate would have been attached to Mary Ann’s original boiler with two screws.

“There’d be steam pressure on those screws and they wouldn’t come out too easily. Whoever took it off would have had to do so with great care.

“It’s amazing the plate is still in such good condition, apart from being slightly bent.”

What will happen to the historic nameplate?

Mr Olds said the Maryborough City Whistlestop committee was planning to fix the original nameplate to the Mary Ann replica.

“It’ll be on the rear end of the engine so passengers can see the plate from the front carriage, touch it and take photographs.”

Mary Ann

Railway enthusiast Merv Volker (left) donates the nameplate from the original Mary Ann to Peter Olds on behalf of the Whistlestop museum in Maryborough, Qld.

Why donate it now?

When asked what prompted him to donate the plate now, Mr Volker said that being 76 years of age, the time had come to downsize his collection of railway memorabilia.

“There comes a time when you have to clean up after yourself,” he laughed.

“I have a large collection and if I was hit by a bus tomorrow, (my sister) Marilyn (Jensen) would have to clean it up.

“It’s a hell of a job. It’ll take me all year to dispose of it. We’ve been going a couple of months already and there’s still so much other stuff.

“My collection includes a lot of Queensland Railway china. I’m not letting that go, but the rest can go.

“Marilyn knows that if something happens to me, she’s to give the china to the railway museum at Ipswich because there are pieces in there they haven’t got.

“Different people who are involved in collecting railway history have different prime subjects. Some people collect tickets only. Others collect things such as lamps and uniforms.”

Call for more relics and photos

Mr Olds said the Maryborough City Whistlestop committee was keen to accept more donations of other local railway relics and photos, including the second locomotive made by John Walker & Co. Ltd, Mary Ann’s sister ‘Dundathu’.

To contact the committee phone (07) 4121 0444 or email mborowhistlestop@bigpond.com

For more on Mary Ann’s history, visit https://maryboroughwhistlestop.org.au and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cooloola_Tramway

 

***

Ready for a holiday?

Wherever you want to go in the world, don’t forget to check out Booking.com. With so many amazing deals on accommodation and more, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for.

So, what are you waiting for? Click the links here to visit BOOKING.COM today and start planning your next trip.

 

***Jocelyn Magazine is a proud affiliate of Booking.com. Clicking one of its links on this website will reward us with a small finder’s fee. It’s an easy way to show support for our team and our mission. Plus, every bit counts towards creating more awesome content for you to enjoy! ***

0 Comments/by