A few words from Gary Werskey
I thought some of you might like to know that I’m stepping down as Chair of the Blackheath History Forum, but remaining on as a member of the committee. After ten years working closely with the Forum I’ve decided to back off and get on with completing at long last my biography of the Anglo-Australian artist, A.H. Fullwood. It’s been a privilege to see the Forum go from strength to strength and receive such great support from other historians, the local community, and of course our loyal audience.
What’s made it easier for me to stand aside is that we’ve been able over the last couple of years to strengthen our committee by bringing on new talent. The new Chair, Margo Beasley, is a first-rate Australian historian as well as a well-established Blackheath resident, supported by her new deputy, the redoubtable Cath Bishop. Jude Mellers has been a great champion of putting the Forum on the social media map. And we’ve now added Susan Lenehan from Leura, Louise Prowse from Lithgow and Andrew Turner from Lawson who are also well-credentialed and very enthusiastic committee members.
While Andy Macqueen, Bob O’Neill, and Sally O’Neill have retired from the committee, we’ve retained the valued services of Neal Blewett, Anne Coote, Barrie Dyster, Richard White, Roy MacLeod, and, most important for those who love our afternoon teas, Kimberley Webber.
You’ll see from the 2018 program how strongly our renewed committee is moving the forum forward with a strong mix of prominent historians like Judith Brett and Mark McKenna and up-and-coming scholars who have a lot to say about some subjects that matter to us all. There will even be the Forum’s first session devoted to twenty-first century history. Hope to see you all at our opening talk on August 4.
