The State Library is, as the name might suggest, the pre-eminent library in South Australia and houses a wealth of material, with a particular emphasis on South Australia. Continue reading “The State Library of South Australia”
Robert Burns – For Auld Lang Syne, My Dear
“As the falling drapery disclosed the marble representation of the poet enthusiastic cheers were given, and the band poured forth the strains of ‘Auld Lang Syne.‘“ (South Australian Register – 7 May 1884). Continue reading “Robert Burns – For Auld Lang Syne, My Dear”
Edward VII Erect in Full Coronation Regalia
Nowadays we regularly read of the antics of the younger British Royals as if it were news. Far from it, the royals have always lived it up. Continue reading “Edward VII Erect in Full Coronation Regalia”
27% Of Australians Born Overseas – Migration Museum
Migration into Australia has been, and continues to be, an emotive topic for many. Continue reading “27% Of Australians Born Overseas – Migration Museum”
National War Memorial – Lest We Forget
The National War Memorial has a prime corner sight at the intersection of North Terrace and Kintore Avenue and was opened in 1931 to commemorate those South Australians who gave their lives in World War I between 1914 and 1918. Why it is called the “National” War Memorial is not clear as it only commemorates South Australians lost during the War – perhaps initial intentions differed. Continue reading “National War Memorial – Lest We Forget”
Captain Matthew Flinders
Captain James Cook is most often credited as being the person who discovered Australia, in 1770. In actual fact, Cook claimed the eastern part of the continent for Britain in that year and it was Dutch man, Willem Janszoon, who first landed on the continent on the Cape York Peninsula (in Queensland) and met with Aboriginal people in 1606. It wasn’t until 1803, almost 200 years after this initial European discovery, that someone proved that Australia was an island continent. Continue reading “Captain Matthew Flinders”
Who Is That Lurking In The Shrubbery?
Right beside Adelaide’s Venere di Canova there is an area of low palms in which can be found the busts of four prominent South Australians. My particular admiration lies with the untitled Mary Lee. Continue reading “Who Is That Lurking In The Shrubbery?”
Adelaide’s Venere di Canova
When unveiled (no pun intended) in 1892 this Carrara marble statue of a startled Venus stepping from her bathtub caused quite a bit of controversy in conservative Adelaide. Remember that saucy seaside postcards hadn’t even hit Britain at the time, let alone making it to the antipodes. Continue reading “Adelaide’s Venere di Canova”
Dame Roma Mitchell – Was She Or Wasn’t She?
This 1999 life-sized bronze statue, sculpted by John Woffinden and Sally Francis, is of Dame Roma Mitchell (1913 –2000), a great South Australian woman who achieved three major State firsts: Continue reading “Dame Roma Mitchell – Was She Or Wasn’t She?”
Government House – Adelaide
This rather grand property behind a high stone wall on North Terrace is home to the Governor of South Australia – Queen Elizabeth II’s representative in South Australia. The Governor is appointed by the Queen on the advice on the State’s Premier and while, in recent times, Governors have typically served for around five years the appointment is “at the Queen’s pleasure.” The Governor is not to be confused with the Queen’s other ‘guests’ – prisoners – who may also serve time “at Her Majesty’s, or the Queen’s, pleasure”. Continue reading “Government House – Adelaide”
The Rambling Wombat 