By Tanya Steele
Western history in the hills has been diligently compiled into a modernised version of a photo history book which was initially launched 25 years ago.
Dedicated volunteers from the Sherbrooke Foothills Historical Society (SFHS) have officially launched the release of a revised second edition of “Reflections of the Past” A photographic history of Belgrave, Tecoma, Upwey and Upper Ferntree Gully (Volume 1).
A mammoth effort with three years of preparation has seen a beautifully restored second edition released to the public over speeches and afternoon tea in Upwey on 30 May.
“I am wrapped that so many people could make it,” said the President of SFHS, Lance Fishman.
With around 90 attendees including members from Sherbrooke Arts Gallery, Yarra Ranges Council and the History Trail leader students from Tecoma Primary School, the book launch saw 45 books sold on the day.
In his opening speech detailing the history of the first edition, Mr Fishman said the the group had several setbacks in getting the project finished.
Mr Fishman said that after realising the amount of work to be done another setback occurred with the untimely death of their dedicated president at the time Phil Garland.
“We later created a working group and it was decided that the book would emulate the 1998 book as closely as possible with changes restricted to corrections and updating of text and improvement in the quality of the illustrations,” Mr Fishman said.
Researcher and Vice President Anita Walker took the crowd through some of the photos and said as she began her speech that the view outside the window at the Upwey and Tecoma Community Recreation and Sports Hub (UTCRASH) Pavilion which was also in the book.
“I was so pleased to be doing this here today at this venue,” she said.
Ms Walker told an amazing tale about society’s post box, which after nearly being closed down received an amazing bundle of memorabilia and photos from the 1860s.
“ It was personal memorabilia and documents of the late John Tullidge, who had an early connection with Upwey,” she said.
Ms Walker said she almost had to be picked up from the floor when this bundle arrived.
“The family were from Dorchester itself and they would holiday in Upwey – they came to Australia in 1852, living in St Kilda and the three sisters ran a private school for 30 years,” she said.
Streeton Ward Councillor Andrew Fullagar officially launched the book to much applause from the attendees.
“How lucky are we to have people so devoted to our local history,” he said.
Mr Fishman said the current volume required 233 images to be converted to digital format as the original volume one was printed using the now outdated, offset printing system rather than the current digital one.
“I would like to thank the members who have worked so hard as a co-operative team to make this all possible – Jennifer, Janet, Margaret, Tricia and Anita for meeting in the Belgrave Fire Brigade rooms week after week under Anita’s guidance to re-write the text; myself for preparing the images, and Tricia for the layout and printing co-ordination.” he said.
“We have shown our Historical Society to be a cohesive unit which was up to the task which we set for us.”
The Sherbrooke Foothills Historical Society has been active for over 31 years and released this current edition with the help of a Yarra Ranges community grant applied for by previous society President Robert Jungwirth in 2022.
The group remain very active and are always looking for new members and memorabilia and Ms Walker said that if people have any old photos, or documents the group would like them.
“To us it is the most amazing gift,” she said.
This year SFHS will likely be very busy this year as Tecoma’s residents begin to plan centennial events for the township that got its name when the local train station opened.
SFHS can be found online, on Facebook and at their email sherbrooke.foothills.h.s@gmail.com
If you prefer post the address is PO BOX 1160 UPWEY VIC 3158 Australia.
Mr Fishman said that all in all, they are extremely proud of their updated book.
“We hope that it will satisfy those seeking a copy of the first of the Reflections series and new readers who will find much of historical interest within.” he said.
