Friday, June 9, 2017

Thames 150 (NZ): The calendar of events August 2017

There are a growing number of events being added to the calendar for the 150th Thames Goldfield Commemorations.
The calendar is continually being updated so keep checking back to the Thames Heritage Website.

School and Church Reunions (Church of Christ, Catholic & Parawai), Weekly blog by Meghan Hawkes (TCDC sponsored), Song contests and much more.

August 1st will be a big day and a special parade and event at the Thames Civic Hall is being planned.


Monday, February 13, 2017

Thames 150 (NZ): New Book on the Thames Goldrush

Announcement today on the TCDC news-page of a book launch during Thames Heritage Festival.

Goldrush to the Thames New Zealand 1867 to 1869 is written by Kae Lewis. Kae is better known to most as The Treasury Webmaster and the creator of the Goldminers Database.

Full details on the book are available at the TCDC link. "With the 150th anniversary of the proclamation of the Thames Goldfield in August, Kae has written a book Goldrush to the Thames New Zealand 1867-1869  as a companion to the website, and there will be an initial print run of just 100 copies available."

There are two book launches scheduled:  at The Treasury on Wednesday March 15th and at Thames Coromandel District Libraries on Thursday March 16th.

Saturday, January 28, 2017

Thames 150 (NZ): 150 years ago

One Hundred and Fifty years ago, the goldfield was not yet a reality. Negotiations, planning and endless meetings were underway. Was there gold anywhere but Coromandel?

Within a year the landscape and living conditions were changed forever. Gone were the many hapu areas scattered along the flat and hills of the future towns of Shortland and Grahamstown. An 1868 view (right), shows the dramatic effect that mining had on the tribal lands.

Standing at the old Burke Street Wharf today, one can only dream what those early days of the Thames Goldfield were really like. The commemorations starting 1st August 2017 will highlight the rich history of The Thames.

In the meantime, check out this years events for HERITAGE WEEK in March.

Thursday, December 29, 2016

Thames 150 (NZ): St Francis Church 150th reunion

 

A big weekend planned 3rd to 5th November 2017, when the St Francis Church in Thames commemorates 150 years of the catholic presence at The Thames.


A facebook site has been set-up.

Mike Lander has posted information on the site:
"Father Nivard Jourdan,OFM, was a newly ordained Franciscan priest from Northern Italy when he joined Bishop Pompallier on a missionary expedition to New Zealand. After serving in Northland and Parnell he was assigned to Thames when the goldfields first opened and conducted his first mass here in October 1867."

Father Jourdain was instrumental in the establishment of the Goldfield Hospital, which opened 2nd November 1868. His passion for the people and the town, made him a favourite among all denominations.



A good source for information on the church is:
"100 Years Catholic Education in Thames" by the Jubilee Committee 1973.

Saturday, December 10, 2016

Thames 150 (NZ): Thames 150 in Xmas Parade

A reminder today that the Thames 150 commemorations are just around the corner...next year!
A strong logo, that acknowledges the importance of the Maori history to the town. A story that must be told before the 150 years of the Thames Goldfield can be told and understood.
"Gold Fever Year" from 1st August 2017 - 31st July 2018. The goldfield was proclaimed on 30th July 1867, with the official opening of the Goldfield the 1st August 1867.
Keep an eye on www.thamesinfo.co.nz for event information.

Saturday, December 3, 2016

Thames 150 (NZ): Thames Goldfield 150

THAMES GOLDFIELD 150 COMMEMORATIONS

As the year comes to a close, the dawning of the Thames Goldfield 150 year commemorations looms ever closer. The150th year since the proclamation of the Goldfield will be the 30th July 2018. The 1st August 2018, will mark the day when the miners first rushed to the Thames Goldfield to get their miners' right, and literally head to the hills in search of gold!

In March 2018, the Thames Heritage Festival 2017 is being held Saturday 11 March to Sunday 19 March 2017. Events for the festival are listed as they become available.
Early etching of the Thames Goldfield
Published courtesy of the State Library of Victoria
**** Keep an eye out for on-going events throughout 2017-2018. *****