God, King and Country

Monday 12 September 2005

There are many historical objects in our community that are being overlooked and taken for granted says Ed Tonks, who will deliver the 2005 John Turner Memorial History Lecture.

The local historian says one example is the local area war memorials to those who served during the Great War.

"What do we really know about their creation and form? Their time of unveiling and by whom?" asks Ed.

"These memorials are accessible monuments revealing the names of people who served as part of Australia's contribution to God, King and Country. Local individuals who became part of a national collective contributing to a series of world shaping events."

Ed will discuss the history and significance of some of Newcastle's and the Hunter's War Memorials at this year's lecture. He will also tell the story of a local person featured on one of these war memorials, who was a hero of the Great War.

The John Turner Memorial Lecture is held in memory of Dr John Turner, a former history lecturer at the University of Newcastle and WEA Hunter, and one of the foremost historians in the Hunter Valley who had a keen interest in local convict history. Dr Turner died in July 1998.

The John Turner Memorial History Lecture is a joint initiative of the University of Newcastle and WEA Hunter.

What: 2005 John Turner Memorial History Lecture. Local Historian Ed Tonks will present God, King and Country.
Where: Hunter Room, Newcastle City Hall.
When: 7pm on Thursday 15 September 2005.
Cost: free (seating is limited).
RSVP to WEA Hunter on (02) 4925 4200.

For further information contact Damien Balkin or Ben Grushka on (02) 4925 4200.