The just published book 'The Day that Dunkley Died – murder and retribution in colonial Gunning' written by local resident Keith Brown noted that “... the murder of Henry Dunkley in September 1842, and the subsequent trial of his widow Lucretia, and his assigned servant, Martin Beech, received extensive coverage, particularly in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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Keith Brown has done a masterly job of sorting fact from fiction and even fabrication.
Yass connection
Through information from Fiona Hedges at the Yass Tourism Centre, Chief Constable Richard Mallyon who arrested Lucretia and Martin was the great grandfather of James Richard Mallyon who had compiled the journals for News and Gossip of Old Yass.
A copy of this fascinating read, a piece of contemporary detective work going back to primary sources, is available from the author on 4845 1797 or at Yass Tourism Centre.
Berrima connection
The murderous pair of Lucretia Dunkley and Martin Beech was imprisoned in Berrima Gaol. They were tried and subsequently hanged there in 1843. Over the January long weekend the gaol was open for visitors with the details of those hanged displayed within its walls.
Rosalind Dale of Berrima, who was the personal assistant to the Warden at Berrima Gaol for 15 years, can also be contacted for copies of “The Day that Dunkley Died”. Rosalind is an author in her own right, an active member of the local historical society and conducts ghost tours around Berrima. She can be contacted at rosalind.dale@hotmail.com.
The district volunteers that make Storytime in the Library happen in Gunning were given an afternoon tea at the Gunning Library to thank them for their assistance last year.
Storytime sessions are for preschool-aged children to encourage a love of reading, stimulate their imagination and provide an opportunity for social interaction with other children beyond the home environment. A story is read each session followed by a craft activity.
It also provides a valuable opportunity for the parents of these youngsters to meet with each other.
Storytime resumes for 2015 today and then every second week starting at 10.45am. It is totally free and no booking is required. For any enquiries, please phone the Library on 4845 1231.
The Dalton Craft and Conversation Group meets every second and fourth Thursday at Dalton Uniting Church Hall with a morning group from 9am to noon and an evening group from 7–10pm. A gold coin donation is requested and the next meetings are on February 12 and 26. This activity is supported by Gunning Community Care with enquiries to Julie Perryman 4845 6336 or Kath Vivas 4845 6396.
There has been a Gunning Snooker Club since 1976 and Darlene Medway is trying to make a winners’ ledger of all winners of Snooker and Billiards. Darlene can be contacted on 4845 1416. The night competition for 2015 starts soon.
The Gunning Golf Course is held to be a priceless asset and members want it used more. To this end they are holding a special general meeting to plan for the future on Sunday February 15 at 12noon at the Clubhouse on Gundaroo Road. Please direct enquiries to Bruce 0488 700 205 or 4845 6329.
Saturday: Gunning Swimming Pool Open Day from 11am to 6pm. Entry is free.
Sunday: Gunning Garden Club at the Foley Centre from 2pm. Call 4845 1021.
Saturday February 21: Harness Racing at the Gunning Showground. Bring a picnic! Event starts at 3pm.
Sunday February 22: Gunning 113th Annual Show. Family cost is $25, and pensioners and under 18 tickets will cost $5.
