“My father often told stories of his family, making me want to find out more. Once you start on family history, it can become very addictive, and the more you find out, the more you want to know,” Pauline said.
Pauline has unearthed some fascinating facts about her ancestors in her research.
“I was very surprised to learn that my 3 times great grandmother, the protagonist in my current work in progress, lived to be 100 which was incredibly rare for someone born in 1835,” Pauline revealed.
“Also finding a few convicts lurking in my past was surprising, in a good way. There were some tremendous characters amongst my ancestors which I thought would be of interest to people other than just my family.”
As much as she loves the research, nothing has given her a greater thrill than the ‘pinch yourself moment’ of holding her first book, ‘Conflict at Hanging Rock’, in her hands.
“It’s a great joy when you hold the first copy in your hand and can say ‘I made this’,” Pauline said.
“However, she admits she has been on a steep learning curve since then.
“It’s not for the faint-hearted. Especially not self-publishing,” Pauline said.
“There is a lot to learn. I also quickly learned that being an author is not the way to make your fortune.”
Pauline also discovered that writing a story about real people presents some unique challenges.
“I was a bit concerned about the living descendants and what they might think of how I portrayed their ancestors,” Pauline revealed.
“So, I decided to change the names and that way I was able to add my own impressions of what might have happened where I had gaps in the facts.”
Pauline’s second book, Breaking Free, tells the true story of her great-grandmother, who was incarcerated in Kew Lunatic Asylum as a teenager in 1894. Pauline is excited to share her new book with Riverina readers.
“I love talking to bookish people and I hope to acquaint some new readers with my work,” she said.
Pauline encourages anyone who has a good story in their family to ‘write it down’. “Family stories are a great source of material for historical fiction,” Pauline said.
“I have been watching the latest series of ‘Who do you think you are?’ It doesn’t matter who the subject is, there is always an interesting story lurking in their past.”
Pauline will be giving an author talk about her new book ‘Breaking Free’ at the Howlong Library from 11.30am and at the Corowa Library at 3pm this Thursday, July 18. This is a free event, but bookings are essential, phone: 02 6033 8941.
Corowa Business Chamber - July Events Calendar
July 25 - Sydney's HotShots at Corowa Golf Club.
July 28- The Corowa Conversation - Join the Corowa District Historical Society on July 28th at Oddfellows Hall from 11 AM to 1 PM. This panel discussion commemorates the 125th anniversary of the 1899 Referendum.
Looking for school holiday entertainment? Visit Federation Cinem a for the latest movies, keep an eye out for junior coaching clinics at the Corowa Golf Club throughout July.
Sing Australia Corowa – Southern Cross- Karinya Retirement Village fundraiser Winter Concert
The Sing Australia Corowa winter concert will be held on July 21 at 2pm at the Oddfellows Hall, Sanger Street, Corowa. $10 per person and $15 per family. Lucky door prizes, after the concert, join our singers for afternoon tea. All welcome, contact Belinda 0439 368 460.
Corowa & District Car Club – Corowa Car & Bike Show ‘n Shine
The show ‘n’ Shine will be held Sunday, September 8 at the RSL car park, Corowa, Entry via John Street. Entrant fee: $10 per car or bike. Gates open at 8am, entries close at 10.30am, winners announced at 1pm. 45 Trophies plus people’s choice. Free admission to the public. Music, Food and Coffee. Sponsored by: Shannons Insurance, Club Corowa and Federation Council. All enquiries to Corowa and District Car Club Inc. Email: corowacarclub@gmail.com
Shave To Save
Corowa locals Jo and Alex will brave the shave on Saturday, July 27 at 7pm at Club Corowa with all proceeds going to the McGrath Foundation supporting regional breast care nurses. All welcome. We hope to see you there!
Corowa Dance
Corowa Dace will be held this Saturday night, July 20 at the Oddfellows Hall, Sanger Street. Time: 7:00pm to 9:30pm. Entry is $10. Great music by Anthony Pepers. For more information contact 0418 989 474.
Urana Progress Association July Events
Courthouse Museum Defence Force Room Opening - Wednesday, 24th July 2024, from 11am; Annual Bird Sale at Memorial Hall—Sunday, July 28, from 9am. For more information, contact Wendy Mallon at uranacourthousemuseum@gmail.com or 0429 208 240.
Balldale Cricket Club Reunion
Balldale Cricket Club is having a reunion held at the ‘Balldale Recreation Ground’ on Saturday, October 12, followed by a sit-down dinner at the ‘Balldale Hotel’.
It will be a fun-filled day with discussions of the cricket club's historical achievements. All past players, committee members and supporters are encouraged to attend and bring items of significance such as club photographs, memorabilia and stories.
The event is a chance to look back over the seventy-year success the club has enjoyed between the years 1948 to 2018. Nibbles and drinks will be at the Balldale Recreation Ground, 22 Oil Tree Lagoon Rd, Balldale, at 2.30pm, followed by a sit-down dinner at the Balldale Hotel, Lot 3 Railway Rd, Balldale, at 5pm.
The club is proud to hold A and B grade premierships in the entire seven decades of its existence which is an incredible achievement!
Come along and enjoy a few drinks and a meal as we take a walk down memory lane on history and achievements our beloved cricket club.
Please RSVP on the club's Facebook page or contact Pat Mitchell at 0429 404 654.
Quote of the Week
‘’Two things are disappearing in modern life. They are silence and thought. Not that people don’t believe in silence and thought any more but because there is no time for them.”
Sr. Joan Chittister, Catholic writer and Theologian.
David Sloane
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