Thursday, March 25, 2021

BERYL

Beryl is a locality in the Parish of Guntawang, County of Phillip, located between Tallawang and Gulgong.

See also: BERYL PUBLIC SCHOOL

Whippet owned by Cliff Macken (Jerry) at the property of Kathleen Curry (Kate) on Lobley Lane, Beryl.
Beryl Bridge visible in the background.
Source: Peter Macken

Beryl Bridge, about 1930s
Source: Barbara Gurney

Old house at Beryl where Jim Ruston and family lived in the 1940s.
Source: Tony Ruston

Same house in 1966
Kathleen Curry (Kate) and Julie Macken.
Source: Peter Macken

Source: Peter Macken

Source: Peter Macken

Ruston's House, Beryl
Source: Barbara Gurney

CHURCHES

1908 - Beryl Union Church.
The committee appointed to carry out the details in connection with the erection of the new Union Church at Beryl, met again at Mr. Harvey's residence on the 13th instant, under the presidency of Mr. G. Croome. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed on the motion of Mr Campbell, seconded by Mr Wood. A discussion took place regarding the kind of material to be used in the
erection of the new building, and it was decided that the walls and flooring should be of dressed, tongued, and grooved cyprian pine, and that the secretary should be authorised to order the same from Messrs. Holt and Greenhalgh of the Black Springs saw mills, Mundooran. The blocks, ground plates, joisting, and rafters, will be supplied by the Beryl residents free of cost. The ground work will be started
at an early date. It is considered likely that the building will be completed before Easter, and it is the
hope of the committee that the building will be free of debt at the opening service.
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Mon 25 Jan 1909 Page 2

1908 - PROTESTANT CHURCH FOR BERYL.
A well attended meeting was held at Mr. Farthing's residence, Beryl, on 2nd inst., for the purpose of taking steps to erect a Protestant Church in that locality. The Rev. T. A. Malcolm presided, and after explaining the object or the meeting, it was definitely decided that the work should be proceeded with forthwith. Mr. H. Farthing was elected secretary, and was asked to obtain quotations from various firms as to the price of building materials. It was decided to apply at once to the Government for one acre of the Beryl mining reserve as a site.


1908 - UNION CHURCH AT BERYL.
At a meeting of residents held at Beryl last week it was decided to have a Union Church erected, to be opened to all Protestant denominations, according to the discretion of the trustees Mr. W. Croome offered a piece of land near the Beryl bridge as a site on which to erect the church, the offer being gladly accepted. Misses Croome and Curry and Mr. H. Farthing were appointed collectors and were instructed to present a progress report in three weeks from the date of the meeting.
It was decided to hold Sunday School classes immediately, and these will be held at the residences of Messrs. H. Farthing and G. Croome on alternate Sundays.
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 17 Dec 1908 Page 15

1909 - New Union Church at Beryl - Committee and Trustees Appointed
A meeting of residents of Beryl was held at the residence of Mr. Harvey, about three miles from Gulgong, last week, for the purpose of furthering the movement for the erection of a Union Church in that locality. The Church of England was represented by Archdeacon Geer and the Presbyterian Church by Rev. Mr. Morris. The Methodist Church was not represented, as the Minister, Mr. Malcolm, was away on holidays.
The proceedings were commenced with devotional exercises after which the object of the meeting was stated. It was resolved, on the motion of the Rev. Mr. Morris, seconded by Mr. Croome, that the secretary should obtain the necessary information with regard to the deeds, etc.
Mr. R. Campbell was appointed trustee for the Presbyterian Church, on the motion of Miss E. Croome, seconded by Mr. G. Croome, and Mr. H. Farthing was appointed trustee for the Church of England, on the motion of Mr. Croome, seconded by Mr. Campbell. As there was no nomination for the Methodist representative, it was decided that the Rev. Mr. Malcolm should be asked to act on his return.
It was resolved, on the motion of Mr. G. Croome, seconded by Mr. H. Farthing, that the church building should be 25ft. by 18ft, and 10ft. clear in the walls. A committee, consisting of Messrs. G. Croome H.J zxfiflffffi [sic] Messrs. G. Croome, H. J. Farthing, H. Wood, R. Greenhalgh, R. Campbell, James Curry, R. Cuthel, R. Martin, and James Peck, jun., was appointed to supervise matters, and it was also resolved that the building should be commenced as soon as the necessary arrangements had been made.
Miss E. Croome was appointed treasurer. The meeting closed with the Benediction, which was pronounced by the Archdeacon. It may be added that the collectors reported good progress, and had very satisfactory amounts to hand over to the treasurer. This speaks well for the support of the public in general.

1910 - [SPLENDID ORGAN]

Beryl residents are deservedly proud of their church. It is but a short time since the building was completed but the trustees were not quite satisfied and have now installed a splendid organ to assist in the worship.

Source: Gulgong Champion - September 17th 1910

1912 - BERYL MARRIAGE.

George John Turner, of Tooraweenah, and Annie Elizabeth, eldest daughter of Mr. R. Greenhalgh, of Beryl, were united in holy bonds of matrimony. The Rev. R. C. Sands, of St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, Gulgong, officiated. The bride, who was given away by her father, looked charming in a gown of white pailette silk, trimmed with maltese lace and a girdle of silk cord. She also wore the customary wreath and veil of orange blossoms, and carried a lovely bouquet of cream roses and maiden hair fern. Miss Ema Hilda Greenhalgh, sister of the bride, attended as bridesmaid. Mr. Turner, brother of the bridegroom, was best man.

Photo of guests at the wedding  of Annie Greenhalgh of Beryl

Back row from left:  Robert Campbell Jnr, Jack Peck, Robert Campbell Snr, Roy Greenhalgh, Jim Peck, Hubert Peck with Hazel, Keith Greenhalgh with Joyce Peck, Sam Cross holding Max Cross

Second Row:  Rob Heard, Eugene O’Connell, Mr and Mrs Jim Smith, Agnes Campbell, Esme Brophy, Reg Peck, Bill Greenhalgh with baby, Pat Brophy, Bill Brophy and Jack Brophy (twins), John Peck Snr, J Travis

Front Row:  Robert Greenhalgh, Mrs O’Connell, Mr and Mrs Gordon Mason, Rev R C Sands, Maude Campbell, Violet Brophy, Mrs Ben Cross, Mrs Greenhalgh, Victor Cross. Geoff Peck, in front

1915 - CUDGEBEGONG AND BERYL.
We have been asked to call special attention to the week night' Church of England services, to be held at Cudgebegong on Thursday, January 28th, and at Beryl on Friday, January 29th, at 7.30 p.m.


1918 - [CONCERT]
A most successful concert was held at Beryl on Tuesday evening in aid of the Union Church funds. Those entertained:- Misses M Campbell, V Upham, Mrs Howarth and Mr W G Gibbs and Captain Howarth of the Salvation Army—Mr H J Gudgeon and Rev G Nelson Bensley [Recitations]—Miss M Douglas acted as accompanist. The Rev H J Rouch was also in attendance.

Source: Gulgong Advertiser - September 3rd 1918

1932 - THE ARMY AT BERYL
The Gulgong Salvation Army band rendered a musical program me at the Union Church, Beryl, on Tuesday night last.


1932 - CARNIVAL AT BERYL
On Saturday afternoon, November 12, the Gulgong Salvation Army will hold a carnival at the Union
Church at Beryl. At night the Beryl children will give a concert.

Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 3 Nov 1932 Page 13

SOCIAL

1900 - [RACES]

A most enjoyable afternoon’s races took place at Mr Rouse’s Cullengoral course, kindly lent for the afternoon, on Saturday last.  Messrs F Hill and M Lett were MC’s. Winning owners were Messrs Martin, J. Campbell, Manning, Talbot.  A most pleasant social was held at Mr F Hill’s residence on Saturday evening when a dozen couples attended.  Music was supplied by Messrs Campbell Brothers and Curry.

A surprise party was tendered to Mrs Martin on Friday night. Music was supplied by Messrs Lee Brothers and Campbell Brothers.

Source: Gulgong Advertiser - June 22nd 1900

1901 - [PICNIC]

The picnic at Beryl on Easter Monday was very enjoyable. Numerous games were indulged in, the ladies prepared a lunch fit for a King. In the evening a great crowd assembled at Mr T Curry’s residence for another repast and the lovers of dancing assembled in the spacious dining for the dancing of the evening. The music was supplied by Messrs Wood Bros, T Curry and A Woods. Mr T Woods acted as MC. On Saturday there will be a cricket match between Beryl and Cudgebegong with a grand ball to follow at night

Source:  Gulgong Advertiser - April 19th 1901

1901 - [CRICKET RESULTS]

Results of the cricket match between Beryl and Cudgebegong .

Beryl Team: M Lett, C Gilham, G Bellette, T Kelly, A M Rouse, Holmes, Greenhalgh, A Copper and T Foster - First innings 56 runs - G Bellette with 21 topped score. Second innings 44 runs - G Bellette 13 toped scored again

Cudgebegong Team: J Honeysett, W Jones, T. Jones, McNamara, Cunningham, W Honeysett, E Honeysette, H Honeysett, c Wright and J Haley - 56 runs - T Jones topped scored with 33 - Seconded innings 79 runs - T Jones topped scored with 53.

Mr P Brophy the highly respected teacher of Beryl Public School is promoting a monster picnic.

Source: Gulgong Advertiser - April 26th 1901

1902 - Cricket. 
Beryl v Cudgebegong - played at Beryl, resulted in a drawn game.

For Beryl 1st innings - E Honeysett 19 not out and J McNamara 10 were the best of the batting - total 60. 2nd innings W Honeysett with 17 best of the batting - total 51

Bowling for Beryl 1st innings T Jones 6 wickets and M Lett 2 wickets. 2nd innings W Jones 7 wickets, W Boyd and Robe 1 each

Batting for Cudgebegong - W Jones top scored with 35, Last 19 and M Lett with 16 were the best of the batting. Honeysett was the best of the bowlers for Cudgebegong.

Source: Gulgong Advertiser - December 26th 1902

1904 - Birthday Party at Beryl
On May 23 a very enjoyable party took place at the residence of Mr Tom Curry snr., the event being the celebration of the 50th birthday of Mrs Curry. About 7pm some 20 couples had assembled in the large dining room that had been cleared and decorated with evergreens, ferns and flowers. Music was supplied by Messrs Jackson Brothers, Curry and Woods, the MC was Mr W Foster. At mid-night supper was served, prepared by the Misses Curry and than dancing resumed. During the evening songs were rendered by Messrs J Curry, Jackson, W Curry, Hill and T Curry snr.

Source: Gulgong Advertiser - June 2nd 1904

1904 - A Birthday Party
A great many friends and relations of Mr and Mrs Walter Hawkins responded to an invitation to the 27th birthday of Mr Hawkins in the Cullengoral Hall. About 25 couples commenced dancing to the music supplied by Mess George and P Burns on the concertina and S Farthing violin. Mr Tom Woods was the MC. Excellent refreshments were passed around by the ladies. A few very nice songs were the rendered by some of the gentlemen, then dancing was again resumed until daylight. Miss Mary Lett of Cudgebegong was the belle amongst all the ladies who attended.

Source: Gulgong Advertiser - August 18th 1904

FOOTBALL - Mudgee Branch Union Association Competition - Teams: Mudgee, Goolma and Gulgong, Stores, Waratah.

The Beryl team which sustained such a crushing defeated on Saturday are novices at the game, but several men who with a little more experience will make very good players. They set a commendable example to some of the Gulgong players, of playing and not talking.

Source: Gulgong Advertiser - Friday May 26th 1905

1928 - [NEWCOMERS]
Mr and Mrs J W Simmons and family from the Bathurst have settled on the property at Beryl recently purchased from Mr T J Wade.

Source: Gulgong Advertiser - January 10th 1928

1934 - [BROPHY]
The death occurred in a Sydney hospital on Christmas Eve of Mr Patrick Brophy, who was formerly a teacher at Beryl Public School. He is a brother of Cr F Brophy of Goolma.

Source:  Gulgong Advertiser - January 3rd 1934

1934 - [NOONAN]
Mr Frank Noonan of Landsdowne, on the North Coast, a former teacher at Beryl, recently completed a tour of various country towns with a country colt’s team.

Source:  Gulgong Advertiser - February 7th 1934

1934 - SEARCH FOR MUSHROOMS

The rains of last week brought up mushrooms in some parts of the district, and there has been some vigorous searching going on. One young man out Beryl way gathered 120lbs in no time. The largest was in Mr R J Naughton’s hands on Monday afternoon. Eight inches in diameter and found itself on a plate of steak on Ray’s menu an hour later.

Source: Gulgong Advertiser –February 28th 1934

LEGAL

1935 - APPLICATION REFUSED
Some plain speaking was indulged in by the Mining Warden, Mr W F Britz, at the Gulgong Warden’s Court last Thursday. R R Jenkins of Beryl, by his agent, Mr W C Tomlinson of Beryl applied for a suspension of residence conditions on residence area 54 at Beryl; reserve no 31463, parish of Guntawang.
“If Jenkins is at Merrygoen I’m not going to allow him to stay away twelve months, because he’s holding a block that someone else might want, and I’m not going to allow an extension, he’s already had six months.”
The application was refused.

 Source: Gulgong Advertiser - January 16th 1935


Wood's cherry orchard at Beryl in the 1950s.
Source: From family slides of Monte Jones
Pictured: Dianne Jones (unknown in front of her), Graham Wood, Monte Jones, then Robin Wood and Susan Jones.


Norman (Norm) Wood married Ina Comer from Gulgong.
Their children included:
  • Steven
  • Graham
  • Cindy
Steven, their eldest son, married Julie Williams from Dunedoo. They still live at Beryl and manage the property called “Norwood”.

Graham Wood married Bernice Robinson and still lives at Beryl, in Norm and Ina’s old house where the cherry orchard used to be.

Robin Wood married Peter Roberts.
Source: John Stephenson, email September 2021 and later Julie Wood, 2023.
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