Katoomba Amusements Company

2010-04-10T11:40:00.007+10:00

Katoomba Amusements Company Public Notices

The Katoomba Amusements Company's first Animated Pictorial 'The Hat' will be projected onto the screen at King's Theatre, Katoomba St. from the 1st of May till the 31st of May, 1911 with a gala performance by the players on the First.

The players for the Animated Pictorial are shown in this theatre poster (a larger version of this poster may be found down below [about 30 fathoms below actually]), and are, from left to right: Dr. Yorrick, Miss. Isabel V. Franklin, Col. Reginald Farquhear, Mr. Henry Hedgewick, Miss. Leonora Godaire and Mr. Harry Filletts.

This the 1st edition of 'The Travels of Col. R. Farquhear 1886-1911'. Copies may be purchased through the Vale of Clwydd Bookstore in Lithgow, Miss. Honeybunny's Books and Stationery store in Leura and via the tradesmen's entrance of Hedgewick's Emporium in Katoomba.

(A quote from the author) "Spiffing workmanship by Bleckinsopp, Murgatroyd and Hockleberry, Publishers At Large!..........and they certainly are, they still haven't paid me my royalties, the blaggards!!!"

Professor Hedgewick and Doctor Yorrick wish it to be announced that they will be holding a Grand Invention Exposition in the grounds of The Carrington Hotel, Katoomba during June moving to the Lithgow Sports Field in July. All of a sound health and mind are welcome, especially as the participants may not be totally of a sound mind!!

Time for a soothing gin and tonic we feel, and perhaps a plate full of Miss. Leonora's delicious lamingtons.

For all those foreign fellows who've never experienced a lamington, it is basically a small cube of sponge cake with a layer of raspberry jam in the centre, dipped in chocolate and sprinkled all over with shredded coconut.

Absolutely delectable,.....if you're that way inclined.

Well, I think it's time to retire to my favourite cane peacock chair on the verandah and watch the world go by....slowly! C'est la vie!!!

2010-04-10T10:12:00.007+10:00

Doctor Yorrick's Homemade Appelgebak

Yum!! Yum!!! Just right for this old Colonel's tum!!

How deliciously delightful!!!

(Customers, and especially Mlles. Isabel et Leonora - please note)

And all delivered direct to your door on the good (but sometimes a tad naughty) Doctor's very own bicycle built for two!

(All unattached ladies between Lawson and Lithgow please take note. The Doctor is also available for pleasant rides 'around and about'.)

[N.B. The Colonel wishes it known that the directly preceding statement was added under extreme duress, namely the potential revelation of the Colonel's secret camel-breeding methods of which 'nothing further will ever be said' - harrumph!!]

2010-04-10T02:07:00.006+10:00

Miss. Isabel's Gentlemania

An ode to the redoubtable Miss. Isabel Violet Franklin as she skips through the vast fields of rambling gentlemen and blooming suitors with her ever-expandable 'males only' butterfly net, sweeping them to her bosom and....(CUT-CEASE-STOP)

Note from Miss. Isabel: I have taken this opportunity to edit this ode-ity scribbled by writers and persons 'unknown' to me, and to re-establish my propriety and good name before the aforementioned scribblers venture any further in their literary explorations.

I would also wish them to take note that 'Daddy' funds this 'den of Bohemians' and does not approve of mention of bodily parts in any shape or form...and especially if they should be that of my own (humph!)!!

2010-04-09T18:06:00.012+10:00

Miss. Leonora's First Solo Flight

Now before you are all reaching for your 'Birdwatcher's Field Guide to Australian Birds' let me assure you this is not at all avian. This is Miss. Leonora testing Professor Hedgewick's patent 'Stretchy-rope-swing-thingy' for the first time between two of the 3 Sisters at Echo Point recently.

Braving the elements, and who knows what else, she ascended the human support ladder that the Professor had kindly assembled from bedazzled onlookers and rested her posterior in the 'Stretchy-rope-swing-thingy' and began to swing rhythmically aided by the exuberant sounds of the Katoomba Police Brass Band.

From there it was all plain sailing, or swinging as it were, and these images tell their own story.

However, I do have my doubts about whether the following images are also ones of Miss. Leonora or of a passing fruit bat trying its hand. or rather wing, on the Professor's amazing invention! I shall leave it up to the viewer's individual musings.

2010-04-08T23:46:00.011+10:00

Rumble...In The Jungle??!!

Col. Farquhear: Oh dear, is that those dashed jungle drums again causing this vibration, or is it a mini-earthquake??!!

Mr. Hedgewick: It may be just your malaria tremens, Colonel. Try some of this tonic water, it has quinine in it, meant to be good for that sort of thing! And you may as well add a spot of gin while you're at it. None of that tepid English stuff, of course, but proper strong genever from the Netherlands. Puts hair on parts you may not want hair, they say!!

Colonel (warily): Sounds jolly good, Henry dear fellow, but I may just stick to my spring water, I think.

Miss. Isabel V. Franklin: May I try some, dearest Henry, as Daddy is paying??

Henry (surprisedly): But aren't you concerned about the, er...repugnant hair growth Miss. Isabel??!!

Miss. Isabel: Well no, Henry dear, I never allow extraneous hair on my person. Any hair I have will only grow exactly where I tell it to! Isn't that what you do, Henry,...Colonel...??!!

(pregnant pause)

Colonel: Ahh!....Hmm...!! Well, actually everything seems to have been returned to normal now, so I don't think any medicinal remedies will be necessary, thank you, anyway (ahem).

Henry: Certainly, Colonel, I quite understand and I think Miss. Isabel does as well. We'll stick to our spa waters then shall we?

Miss. Isabel (disappointedly): Oh! Not even a little nip then??

Henry: Well, we mustn't spend Daddy's money unwisely, should we, Miss. Isabel?

Colonel (distractedly): Hmmm!..still, it is rather odd that everything seems to be on a slant now, or is it just me??!! I feel like I'm sliding off my chair here!

Miss. Isabel: Goodness, Colonel dear, are you sure you weren't indulging in Daddy's whisky when you dropped by for a tete-a-tete this afternoon?

Colonel: No, I just asked for some barley water and...ohh!...you don't think!...well, what a naughty old fellow your father is, Miss. Isabel!! Dashed old rapscallion like me, what??!!

2010-04-07T15:00:00.003+10:00

Magpie Mockery

(An ongoing series of snippets overheard on the streets of Katoomba)

It has been relayed to me by a close acquaintance, who was told by their cousin twice removed, that his sister had heard that the Colonel and the infamous Dr. Yorrick have been of late playing 'games' with the local ladies and attempting to convince them that they are really the renowned Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson 'in disguise'.

The Colonel has taken to wearing a deerstalker hat and smoking a pipe when in the company of a large entourage of Katoomba and Leura ladies. He, thus attired, thence produces a large magnifying glass and commences 'investigating' any gentlemen who may approach the aforesaid ladies and loudly describing to the company their 'inherent tendencies as to licentiousness toward ladies of refinement'.

This action drives away many of the ladies' potential suitors in disgust and reduces the ladies in the 'devilish duos' entourage to 'rampant fainting fits'. Thence this result instigates a call by the Colonel to his 'twin trickster', Dr. 'Watson', to arrive on the scene and they both proceed to revive the often prostrate ladies with 'malodourous' smelling salts and other fiendish implements of 'jackanapery' the Doctor produces from his 'bag of tricks'.

On awakening from their fainting spell the 'practical joking pair' continue their farce by emphasising to the ladies how they have most likely saved them from a potential 'fate worse than death' and that they should not venture out in social company without the two of them as 'chaperones'.

Fortunately only the youngest and most naive of the local ladies are taken in by this, and they are soon convinced by their elders as to the terrible 'rapscallion' and 'scallywag' natures of this pair of jackanapes!!

Afterword: Mr. Henry Hedgewick, esq. of Hedgewick's Emporium (open Mon. to Sat.) has been asked by the local Ladies Union for Scallywag Temperance (henceforth, L.U.S.T.) to reign in the trickery of these 'jack-in-the-box jokers' and to keep a watchful eye on any potential copycats.

2010-03-17T13:41:00.006+11:00

Hedgewick's Emporium of Katoomba

Mr. Henry Hedgewick is pleased to announce a quality new range of ladies' and gentlemens' millinery, gentlemen's fine attire from Sydney, Melbourne and the Continent, as well as a quantity of Swiss made pocket watches and French ornate mantle clocks.

Unable to get to Sydney's emporiums? Well, 'we have it at Hedgewick's' all day, everyday!

2010-03-17T13:27:00.004+11:00

Magpie Mockery

(An ongoing series of snippets overheard on the streets of Katoomba)

The latest fad for our local social milieu is to hear the latest gossip whilst supping cups of coffee with cream and sugar at The Paragon Cafe in Katoomba St. All the rage on the streets of London, Paris and New York, it has now taken off in Katoomba.

The Colonel, ever the man about town and with an ear for the latest craze is in the process of composing another of his 'witty ditties'. He says it will be about both coffee and tea. We at Maggie Mocks will be waiting for the results with bated breath!

2010-03-17T13:05:00.003+11:00

Mademoiselle Leobelle's Haute Couture Sanatorium

Find yourself all at sea as to what corset to wear under your evening dress?
Don't know which hat to wear whilst being carried up the Giant Stairway?
Your wardrobe in need of that fresh, healing mountain air?

Then Mlle. Leobelle's is the right choice for the modern Edwardian ladies and gentlemen.
The sanatorium's opening hours are Mondays to Fridays from 8am to 8pm.

2009-07-18T11:14:00.006+10:00

Play It Lola, On Your Pianola!

Well, all in all it has been a tad too cold recently to venture out for our weekly singalong. However, this week we toddled forth and had a grand time roasting the old favourites and singing chestnuts. Or should that be the other way round??!!

Anyway here's the top pianola roll of the week, that cheery little number, 'Where did you get that hat?' And keep an eye out for future glimpses of our jolly little animated pictorial entitled 'The Hat'. A well-received contender in the recent Winter Magic Festival short film screenings.

(Song moved to http://colonelfarquhear.blogspot.com/)

2009-06-25T23:51:00.004+10:00

Play It Lola, On Your Pianola!

Here we are again ladies and gents, girls and boys, and others! Your weekly 'singalongawithKAC' (no groaning down the back there). This week's gem is the stirring 'Let's all go down The Strand'. And we might ask the Colonel to strike up his military thingamajiggy and 'lead the band'.

(Song moved to http://colonelfarquhear.blogspot.com/)

2009-06-25T22:24:00.006+10:00

Magpie Mockery

(An ongoing series of snippets overheard on the streets of Katoomba)

This was relayed to Maggie Mocks by parties unknown (you know who I mean, of course).

Recently, Colonel Farquhear was in the upper echelons and higher strata of the Mountains region, namely that area closest to the clouds, Mount Victoria. There, on a particularly festive weekend in May, he encountered Queen Victoria (or a reasonable facsimile thereof) and a Mr. Brown (a likely pseudonym if ever there was one). The Queen was moved and chose to pass a motion, as it were, to reward the Colonel for his renowned and respected service with Her Majesty's Government in the Near East, the Far East and lots of oddball little places inbetween that nobody's ever heard of.

The Colonel was dubbed and knighted, (or was that, drubbed and benighted, one can't always read one's own writing these days) and a portion of the ceremony was recorded thus:

Her Royal Highness: Kneel!

The Colonel: Your Majesty, at your service.

HRH: Rise, Sir Colonel Reginald...or is it Colonel Sir Reginald Farquhear??!! Tell me, Brown, what's your opinion on this?

Mr. Brown: Weel, I dinna kin the ins 'n' oots of etiquette thet well, but I suspect it cud be Colonel Sir Reginald Farquhear, Ma'am. And anyways, ye dinna want him tay get too beg fuh hes boots, would ye now??!!

HRH: Quite so, Mr. Brown! Oh, if only you could have been Prime Minister. (To the Colonel) So, it is, rise Colonel Sir Reginald Farquhear, Royal Camel Corps (retired).

The Colonel: Yes, Ma'am, thank you most profoundly, Ma'am, I....

HRH: Alright, that's enough. Now go away like a good fellow, I need to have my afternoon nap.

So, there you have it. A noticeably pithed Colonel, cloaked as 'knight', 'dressed' by a Queen, and 'ayed' by a Mr. Brown..........or, something like that.

2009-06-25T15:09:00.011+10:00

Morning Tea at Miss. Isabel Violet Franklin's Daddy's house

On a typical day at Miss. Isabel's abode there is often pre-breakfast snacks, breakfast, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner, after-dinner snacks, supper and then pre-bedtime cocoa. As Cook doesn't always make rather the most perfect meal every time due to an unfortunate addiction to the local ale and absinthe establishments, Miss. Isabel 'employs' friends and acquaintances as taste-testers from time to time.

Accidentally recorded here by myself, the Colonel, Dr. Yorrick can be seen to have submitted to one of Miss. Isabel's 'requests' regarding her morning tea. It was discovered later that Miss. Leonora, normally the person closest in her immediate vicinity to be seconded to the task of taste-testing, was feeling a little 'under the weather' and somewhat preoccupied with the latest Parisian fashion catalogues fresh from the Continent, to be able to fulfil the role.

Dr. Yorrick took to the task so

enthusiastically that Miss. Isabel is considering him for 'permanent staff' if Daddy can afford him.

Suffice it to say, Miss. Isabel enjoyed her morning tea victuals even though there was very little left after Yorrick's extensive taste-testing.

As to my good self, I unfortunately had to be content with a glass of refreshing mountain water.

Afterword: The Colonel can not be held responsible for any rude or inflammatory comments found within the preceding text.

2009-06-18T05:32:00.009+10:00

How To Test If An Iron Is Hot

(Taken from 'Mrs. Hedgewick's Handy Housekeeping Hints')

Mr. Henry Hedgewick is shown here demonstrating the two-step method of telling if an iron is hot enough to use. (Please note: this process is not recommended for little children. Viewing should be under strict parental guidance and funnybone rubbing.)

1. Place iron on heated stove for a short period.

2. Lift iron to forehead and try smoothing brow. If it works there, then it will also be hot enough for use on shirts, nightgowns and other items of clothing.

2009-06-18T05:14:00.006+10:00

Mr. Hedgewick's Family History Tales Part 1

This photograph taken with a 'hidden camera' shows Mr. Hedgewick explaining to Miss. Leonora the story of his and Professor Hedgewick's birth as handed down to him from his/their parents.

As Mr. and Mrs. Hedgewick told little Henry, and his alter-ego, 'the Professor', he was born from seeds from the family pumpkin patch, planted in his mother's womb. Nine months later, out popped the biggest, sweetest little 'pumpkin' they had ever seen.

As always, Miss. Leonora is highly sceptical of any stories from Mr. Henry Hedgewick's family history!

2009-06-18T04:02:00.004+10:00

A Muted Warning To All Mountains Residents

Be on the lookout this Winter Magic Festival for the wild beastie known as the 'Lithgow Black Panther'.

It has been known to wander as far afield as Katoomba and has a refined taste for local community festivals (and festival-goers).

Should you sight this animal, do not approach too close, and try to get the attention of a member of the Katoomba Amusements Company.

They have within their company skilled 'panther-wranglers', Colonel Farquhear in particular having had extensive experience with large cats in the jungles of India, and in the back streets of Katoomba.

Herewith is a recent pictorial of the creature.

2009-06-18T02:47:00.006+10:00

Play It Lola, Upon Your Pianola!

Oft times, the company gathers at one of their elegant abodes to sing along to many an old-time music hall tune. Stimulated by these get-togethers, the Colonel has been inspired to write a small ditty in celebration of the company's many faceted character. Most imaginatively, he chose to entitle it 'The Katoomba Amusements Company Song'. And here it is for you all to sing along to.

(Song moved to http://colonelfarquhear.blogspot.com/)

Now, wasn't that jolly invigorating?!! Almost as good as a cross country run, wouldn't you say?

Well, now that we've 'struck the first chord' as it were, we'll be adding more songs for you to sing along to around your home pianolas.

Next week, it's: "Let's All Go Down The Strand!!"

2009-06-18T00:09:00.018+10:00

An Afternoon Tea Party For The Company

A delightful day's socialising occurred recently in the elegant surrounds of Redlands, Katoomba. The guests included Miss. Isabel Violet Franklin, Miss. Leonora Godaire, Mr. Henry Hedgewick, Dr. Yorrick and the elusive Col. Reginald Farquhear, R.C.C. (rtd.).

A light lunch was served of cucumber and lettuce, cold lamb and pickle, and tomato and mayonnaise sandwiches combined with copious amounts of tea. It was Miss. Leonora who commented later that the 'copious amounts of tea' were perhaps a little unfortunate considering that the outdoor 'ladies room' facilities were in constant use by both genders.

Some members of the Leura Ladies Fortune Card Reading Society played a joke on the Colonel, saying that their reading of his tea leaves foretold of romantic ties with an

alluring female from a distant land. They were, of course, alluding to his renowned affection for his former desert steed: his favourite camel, Colette. However, the Colonel, in his usual daydreaming state, took this to be a sign of impending dalliance with one of their own company, which set the ladies to much amusement.

After lunch the ladies took to strolling around the lush gardens found therein. Dr. Yorrick had given the ladies a firm warning about not wandering too far as 'the fearsome Black Panther' had been seen in the Katoomba vicinity 'of recent times', and, 'one never knows'. Of course, Miss. Isabel 'pooh-poohed' the suggestion as 'another of Dr. Yorrick's wild delusions' but Miss. Leonora had had a dream the night previous, of a wild beast (which she said had the unfortunate circumstance of bearing the 'adorable' visage of Mr. Hedgewick) prowling outside her back door and wanting to get in. So her natural inclination was to take Dr. Yorrick's advice to heart.

Mr Hedgewick, meantime, had wandered into the garden for similar aesthetic reasons, though perhaps albeit more esoteric inclinations. He was seen by the Colonel to be communing with, what that intrepid ex-desert military intelligence analyst considered to be, his 'arboreal relations'. But I shall leave it up to your own astute observations, dear readers!

The day ended up in boisterous conversation under the shade of the many fine trees abounding the edges of the property.

Discussion revelled in broad and varied topics and, but for a most gauche faux pas by Dr. Yorrick at the high point of one debate, had all feeling elated and renewed by the pleasantness of the afternoon's events.

Dr. Yorrick can be seen here to be playing 'hide and seek' with the ladies.

However, most regrettably I might say, he uses his abilities to disappear at will to his advantage in this game. The ladies were still searching for him at dusk and nearly missed the dinner bell.

Following this day's outing, the Katoomba Amusements Company will be considering other jaunts to establishments in the close vicinity. Even Mount Victoria is a possibility, perhaps when the 'Hare' is next loosed upon the Mountains community.

2009-05-09T01:30:00.005+10:00

Magpie Mockery

(An ongoing series of snippets overheard on the streets of Katoomba)

Overheard in Katoomba St this morning:

Col Farquhear (professional judge of a fine turn of ankle): Now, Miss Isabel, that lady over there bears an excellent example of a fine feminine ankle. Reminds me of my Colette's shapely stems. But then, she was at an advantage as she had four lovely examples!

Miss. Isabel (an acute assessor of fine millinery attire): Oh, Colonel, really!! Firstly, I am disgusted that you might be looking at another lady's ankles, and secondly, you cannot compare them with those of your camel, no matter how dear to you she may be! It would be a most unfair comparison!

Col F.: Hmm, I expect not, no. And they just wouldn't be as good for those long desert treks, either!

2009-04-01T14:04:00.006+11:00

Mademoiselle. Leobelle's Haute Couture Sanatorium

A recent addition to the social milieu of Katoomba and surrounds has been the establishment of an 'Haute Couture' rejuvenation clinic in the beautiful surrounds of Eastview Parade, Leura. This endeavour is the brainchild of Miss. Leonara Godaire whose training in the design, production, presentation and appropriate adaptation of elegant attire, for both ladies and gentlemen, has enabled her to create a venue for the much anticipated rejuvenation of Katoomba society.

Entering the porticos of the fine abode she has inherited from her family, one is struck by the aroma of exotic perfumes, the lushness of the decor, and the graceful movements of all her staff. But Miss. Godaire, or should I say, Mlle. Leobelle, does not only cater to the rejuvenation of high society culture, for she would say no, and no again. Her establishment caters to allcomers regardless of class, creed, or colour.

And this is why expectations are high for the coming Winter Magic Festival for this current year. For SHE and her staff shall be mingling with the crowds of folk attending this gala event, both local residents and those who have come from far and wide, and applying her expertise in'Haute Couture' to the styles of attire worn by all in sundry. No harsh judgements will be made, but suggestions as to a more, shall we say, charismatic approach to each individual's fashion sensibility will be offered.

Yes, it certainly will be 'open house' at Mlle. Leobelle's Haute Couture Sanatorium that weekend, we are assured.

2009-03-31T23:28:00.010+11:00

Magpie Mockery

(An ongoing series of snippets of conversation overheard on the streets of Katoomba.)

The following was overheard inside Hedgewick's Emporium by a gentleman who wishes to remain anonymous. It was part of a discussion between Colonel R. Farquhear, a local camel breeder and retired rascal, and Mr. H. Hedgewick, debonair man-about-town and, thought to be author of Beau Brummell's Brumbies: The Katoomba Gentlemen's Dress Code written under a nom-de-plume.

Mr. Hedgewick: This just won't do, Colonel! This gentleman has breached his breeches, he's trashed his trousers, he has knackered his jacket, he has sat on his hat and...he has not a clue as to a good shoe!!!

Colonel F: Well, egad sir! What would you recommend he do then?!!

Mr. Hedgewick: I would recommend a complete restyling. I suggest that he be offered a free introductory assessment by Mademoiselle. Leobelle's Haute Couture Sanatorium in Leura for the beginning. After that he should be sent to Mr. Stodgely-Carmichael for a course in deportment and how to actually wear one's attire. Then he can return to my emporium for a fitting for the latest fashions he will be positively aching to purchase.

Colonel F (applauding): Oh, jolly good show, that'll put the starch in his trousers, dear fellow! Or is it his shirt, I can never remember. Oh anyway it's all jolly good, jolly good!!

(Magpie Mockery is happily sponsored by Hedgewick's Emporium, of Main St, Katoomba. The following advertisement shows two examples of the wide range of fine products and services Mr. Henry Hedgewick endeavours to bring to Katoomba and surrounding towns.)

2009-03-30T23:20:00.015+11:00

New Innovations

There has been a flurry of excitement around Katoomba and Leura this past month as several of our prominent citizens have obtained the latest craze that's lighting up the new century as much as Mr Edison's light bulbs have. What I speak of is the 'Edison Bell telephony machinery' that has been implemented in this country, and now, in the Blue Mountains.

First hansom cab off the rank was Miss. Isabel V. Franklin who 'requested' that her father have one of the telephony apparatuses connected to his residence (a copy of her personal Edison Bell courtesy card can be seen at the end of this page). Not to be outdone, the next person to obtain one was, of course, Miss. Leonara Godaire who obtained it for, as she stated to me, 'business purposes'.

Seeing the advantages to his own business and his clientele, Mr. Henry Hedgewick, Esq., owner of Hedgewick's Emporium, sought to be ahead of the rest and had a direct line put in place to his managerial office at his store in Main St, Katoomba.

(The courtesy card for Hedgewick's Emporium.)

It will be anyone's guess as to who will have the Edison Bell company knocking on their door next, but I have heard it on good note that Colonel Farquhear is looking into the idea. Now that will be a turning point for the region, as he has been such a long term advocate of 'pigeon-morse code' as the best modern communication methodology!

Heaven knows what may be next, we will just have to wait and see!

(Taken from The Blue Mountains Echo dated 28th March, 1911.)

2009-01-25T18:42:00.035+11:00

(The following is a short(-ish) pigeon-morse code message from the Colonel regarding his ensuing tales of torpidity, truculence and tropical fever. [Ed. ...er, sorry, correct that, it should be 'his tales of travel in the Orient'! Sorry, Colonel! Those dashed, malicious copyboys have been at it again.)

The Travel Journal of Colonel Reginald Farquhear

Welcome fellow travellers, welcome to the world of another era, to the Oriental meanderings and the seething jungle-infested imagination of Colonel Reginald Farquhear, Royal Camel Corps (retired).

Settle back on your chaise longue with a cool mint julep (or a relaxing gin and tonic) and some fresh cucumber sandwiches (or a half dozen lamingtons) and let the Colonel take you away, far away, but not too, too far.... just far enough, so you can make it back for tea (and crumpets). Enjoy!

Thank you, thank you! And now for the boring bit, wherein I shall read you a brief synopsis of my (harrumph!) journal, for current and future readers (ahem!):

I'm sorry, I'll just gargle a flagon of water here before I start (ahem!). Pardon me a moment!

Right ho then!! (Ahem!) This is my journal surveying the period from whence I first left Mother England's shores for my tenure in Oriental lands training for, and thence married to, service with the Royal Camel Corps, based in southern Arabia. It continues with the period following this, wherein I was seconded to Lord George Nathaniel Curzon, Viceroy of India, on home security duties. During my service there, I travelled extensively in various capacities throughout the Orient learning and experiencing many weird and wonderful things.

In 1900, I returned to Arabia for the remainder of my service until my retirement from the RCC. I stayed on in the region to complete my degree in camel breeding with the Yeshbum Institute of Camel Breeding through Profligacy, in readiness for my planned emigration to Australia.

These things and more you shall learn of me, as well as many more recently uncovered secrets about certain people I am closely acquainted with!

Herewith, I shall share some examples:

* A long-hidden secret about this country's history will be revealed in these pages!!

* My revelations about the secret experiments and inventions of Dr Yorrick and Professor Pickwick!!!

* and, the torrid truth of the secret affairs of the ladies (and gentlemen) of the Katoomba Amusements Company!!!!

All will be revealed here first!!!!! (Unless of course, the blighters beat me to it, harrumph!!!!!!).

THE COLONEL'S JOURNAL KNOWS!!!!!!!

2007-11-06T21:23:00.001+11:00

The Rhododendron Festival

November 3rd was a truly marvellous day at the Rhododendron festival at Blackheath. We considered it absolutely marvellous to be awarded the splendid prize for the street procession "Best Humorous Float" (although I confess to being a little baffled as to why we were regarded as humorous). Mr Hedgewick did look spiffing along side the new fangled motor cars.

Here is a wonderful photograph of Miss Fenella Quinn and Joseph Blacklock on the lovely Trolley 'bus. Mr Phillits and Mr Hedgewick both enjoyed recording the day with these splendid images.

Miss Leonora had prepared a most delightful morning tea for Mr Hedgewick, only to find that Miss Isabel had , yet again, captured his attention.

Mr Phillits and Mr Hedgewick have been most amusing. They simply can't leave off playing with their equipment, and are indeed being most inventive with it. I, however, do not comprehend these modern pastimes, but have a strong sense that we can look forward to many experimental images from those madcap gentlemen. We must indeed keep a watchful eye on "The Blue Mountains Echo" to see if any further lovely photographs appear.

It is with much anticipation, I look forward to our next gathering,

Much love, Miss Abigail Price xxx

2007-10-15T21:42:00.001+10:00

Dearest Papa,
   the picnic day was wonderful! My employer Miss Isobel Violet Franklin commented favorably about the flowers on display. She did not appreciate my broken fingernails from all the weeding I had done,but I am sure she was most impressed with the results of my efforts.
   Spring is such a marvelous time of year, I sometimes feel my heart will burst with pleasure as I admire the exquisite colours and shapes of the flowers that appear as if on cue. So many happy memories are stirred as I catch the perfume of the peach scented roses, and the jasmine twining about the palings on the fence.
   Miss Fenella found two four leaf clovers at the bottom of the garden. The smaller one for me, the larger for Miss Isobel. She is pressing them in her notebook.
   Miss Abigail sang beautifully to us all and read the rune stones.I dare not tell Mama as she would not approve!

Papa, there are so many things that Mama does not approve of. I am truly blessed to be able to share my thoughts with you. I do miss you so.

Your loving daughter

Miss Leonora Godaire

2007-10-14T10:26:00.001+10:00

My Afternoon with The Professor

Miss. Abagail Price and I accompanied The Professor, Henry that is, in his motor car to visit Miss. Leonora's garden. It was a fine yet blustery afternoon when we set off. Henry insisted on taking photographs of us by the lake. He does so love to experiment with all types of gadgets and machinery. I find it thrilling. He is such a genius.

When we arrived at Miss. Leonora Godaire's who is my dear friend and employee, I was shocked by the beauty of her garden. I have already informed Daddy that our gardener must immediately plant more flowering shrubs outside my window, provide a waterfall, make a rock cave filled with glow worms and plant more strawberries in our already splendid garden. It would most definitely not be suitable for an employee's garden to be more breathtaking than my own.

However, the tranquil setting of tree ferns, forget - me - nots and glorious blooms in shades of pink and purple made me feel quite invigorated. Miss. Leonora's garden was the perfect haven for butterflies and other magnificent specimens. The Professor is one such fine specimen. I had to resist the temptation of netting him though as he is so easily startled. Despite my best attempts that afternoon, I left the garden with an empty net.

The Professor took Miss. Leonora, Miss. Abagail and I on many adventurous walks. He is so daring. He was always on hand though to hold my parasol and help me up the uneven rock steps. He is such a gentleman.

It turned out to be a simply enchanting afternoon at Miss. Leonora's garden. I cannot wait until we are together again!

Until then.

Kisses,
Isabel xxxx

2007-10-11T12:30:00.001+10:00

Picnic at Miss Leonora's garden

Miss Isabel and Miss Abigail were blown about by gusty winds on their journey to Miss Leonora's garden. Miss Isabels's hat vanished momentarily.

Miss Isabel searching for more wonderful specimens for her collection. Unfortunately there were none to be had!

Mr Hedgewick was shocked by the ladies comparing their lovely petticoats on the bridge.

Whilst cloud watching, Mr Hedgewick found a fine source of stout timber to use for his next invention! As usual, Miss Abigail had a premonition that this would occur. She is always right.

2007-10-08T10:53:00.001+10:00

Picnic

It was indeed a splendid garden party, at Miss Leonora's. Mr Hedgewick looked spiffing as always and we posed for many delightful photographs. I look forward with much anticipation to see the charming images, and eagerly anticipate Mr Phillits input. Can't wait for Miss Leonora and Miss Isabel to overcome their fumbling with the new fangled technology, in order that I can read their comments on the day. Ladies, didn't anyone teach you the dangers of playing with fire!

Much Love, Abigail xxx

2007-10-06T10:33:00.001+10:00

It shall be noted that today, October the 6th, members of the Katoomba Amusements Company shall be visiting the open garden at Falcons Nest, Hazelbrook, for a splendid garden party. I am so looking forward to seeing you all there, and being photographed by the admiring visitors at Miss Leonora's garden. I have a vision that it will be a truly magical afternoon.

Your's Truly, Abigail xxx

p.s. Do enjoy this enchanting image of our company taken at Everglades by the delightful Miss Saffron.

2007-10-06T07:40:00.001+10:00

Welcome to The Marking of an Truly Historic Event

In these times of mechanical wonders we find ourselves taking a bold leap forward. Do not fear this new means of communication for it shall truly mark the beginning of a new Era.

We of the past shall rise triumphantly with our heads held high and sing praise to our rebirth!

Professor Henry Hedgewick
Circa 2007