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Celebrating our volunteers - National Volunteer Week 2012

Narre Warren & District Family History Group volunteers visit the Light Horse & Field Artillery Museum

Narre Warren & District Family History Group volunteers visit the Light Horse & Field Artillery Museum

This week is National Volunteer Week and so, to say “thank you” all our volunteers were invited to a special invitation only Volunteers’ Morning Tea at the Light Horse & Field Artillery Museum at Nar Nar Goon this morning. All volunteers were guests of the family history group for the morning.

We’re happy to say that it was at least fifty degrees warmer than last year’s event – but it was still a little chilly. However that didn’t dampen the spirits of the 16 or so volunteers that were able to make it on the day. The hot cuppa and fire was a welcome sight for many on arrival!

Narre Warren & District Family History Group at the lLight Horse & Field Artillery Museum

Narre Warren & District Family History Group at the lLight Horse & Field Artillery Museum

This museum is a working museum and the carriages, uniforms and equipment are often featured in parades and military events. We were both impressed and fascinated by the knowledge of the museum’s curator, Bernie Dingle. Bernie’s intimate knowledge of historical facts and figures combined with the ability to get up close and touch most of the exhibits made our visit a truly memorable one for us all. In short, Bernie made history come alive for us as we got a little closer to the horror and deprivation of war. We all came away with the feeling that this little museum is not getting the recognition it deserves. We encourage anyone with an interest in World War 1 and all things military for any reason to visit the Light Horse & Field Artillery Museum.  We would like to thank Bernie and Frances for their hospitality this morning and all the knowledge shared.

It was a tremendous morning, one that allowed the President and Committee of the Narre Warren & District Family History Group to express their appreciation of the work done by all our volunteers, those who keep the Research Room open, sizzle sausages, help out at expos and other events and a million other things.

The Light Horse & Field Artillery Museum is at 200 Bessie Creek Road, Nar Nar Goon and well worth a visit!

AB Steele's Shipboard Journal - 11 May 1886

Arose at 6.30. There was a grand Ball continuing until the early hour of morning. Having arrived at Port Adelaide we disembarked. Our friends Messrs Leonard & Bailey were waiting our arrival so we had no trouble.  We went to the Cafe booked beds for a few nights. Had a splendid meal for 6p a head afterwards a short stroll into the town. Feeling fatigued we returned to the Cafe and partook of a luxury of a soft bed. Next morning after breakfast I got a daily paper and having examined the advertisements immediately claimed a ‘Billet’ .

So I must then conclude the story of my voyage and trust to remain yours ever.

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia May 17th 1886 – AB Steele

*And so our story ends, the entry for the 11th May is the last in the journal. The journal is concluded and signed 17th May. There is no information on how AB Steele got to Melbourne by the 17th May, perhaps because there is no more paper left in the journal! Or perhaps, there was much to do and little time to write about it. Either way, we hope that you have enjoyed the journey 126 years on with us.

AB Steele's Shipboard Journal - 10 May 1886

Arose at 7 am. The sailors have been busy getting up some of the luggage which they have separated for each Port which will give the passengers but little trouble on disembarking. We expect to arrive at Adelaide tomorrow.

AB Steele's Shipboard Journal - 9 May 1886

Sunday morning. The last on Board. My companions and I had a special dinner in honour of my birthday. We partook of Turkey roast before Plum Pudding.

AB Steele’s Shipboard Journal – 8 May 1886

Arose at 7 am. We passed our Sister Ship “Heria” who signalled to us as we passed. Saw the Australian Coast about 9.30 which was a very welcome sight. We have three days sailing before reaching Adelaide.

Distance 290 miles.

AB Steele’s Shipboard Journal – 7 May 1886

Had a dance on deck this evening.

Distance 281 miles.

AB Steele’s Shipboard Journal – 6 May 1886

Arose at 6. A nice morning the sea being quite calm, we are expecting to be in the Australian Bight shortly.

Distance 297 miles.

AB Steele’s Shipboard Journal – 5 May 1886

Arose at 6 after one of the worst nights on Board. Tin Boxes and trunks were chasing one another all over the blooming place making an infernal noise. Poor Old Gumbo got rolled out of his berth causing no little amusement. It was however really no laughing matter for he might have been badly hurt weighing as he does 26 st.

AB Steele’s Shipboard Journal – 4 May 1886

Arose at 4 am. Had a good nights rest. The sea being calmer. We had to stop four hours for repairs. This is my 22nd birthday but I am not having such of a jollification. I am however not going to let it slipp by altogether un-noticed, so they ordered extra dinner – for 3 of my mates and myself.

AB Steele's Shipboard Journal - 3 May 1886

Got up at 6 after a short nap. Stayed up still early hours this morning to watch the storm.