MORE than 50 people attended the launch of the book, Putty Tales and Trails, at Putty Hall earlier this month.
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Many familiar faces, including the Merricks from Singleton and beyond and the Martins from Sydney, returned “home” for the function, much to the delight of author Kathy McKenzie.
She acknowledged all those who had been interviewed for the book, sharing their tales of Putty.
Neville Merrick, from Singleton, recounted stories of his grandparents – some of the first settlers at Putty.
Also Neville and Campbell McDonald, who had recalled their years of logging and bulldozing fire trails around the Putty State Forest.
Mr McDonald’s wife Margaret had gone to Putty School, and played her piano accordion at the Putty Hall dances.
Her father Alf Ducros built many buildings at Putty, including the family home at Roswill.
He also maintained the hall and built bridges on Putty Road.
Mavis Merrick described her life as a young mother living in the bush during the 1960s.
Greg and Dianne Pierce recalled stories of the local characters, firefighting, living and working at Putty.
Mr Pierce is now the resident who has lived there the longest.
“Marg and Ken Ferguson’s knowledge of the area and their booklets on Putty’s history, the school and the fire brigade were invaluable,” Ms McKenzie said.
“Marg also gave the book its title.”
Contributors to the book who were not at the launch were Margaret Pierce, Vera Smith, Fay Macartney, Ray Merrick, Frank Hansen, Ron and Aleda Graham, Carol Gibson and Hans Knutzelious.
Toby Martin, grandson of writer David Martin, the inspiration for the book, played his guitar and sang Lament of the Gordons, a poem written by his grandfather and set to music.
He then sang The Curve of the Earth, a track on his first solo album Love’s Shadow.
His sister Sophie and their mother Judith were also in attendance.
The Singleton launch of Putty Tales and Trails will take place at Singleton Public Library on December 4 from 6pm.
Free wine and nibbles will be available.
Books are available from Putty Hall, Singleton Books (corner of George and Cambridge streets) and Singleton Visitor Information & Enterprise Centre (Townhead Park).