November 2008
Strong Visitor Numbers for Wheal Hughes Mine Tours
by contributed - 16-Nov-2008
The popularity of our underground tours at Wheal Hughes Mine continues to grow in 2008 with 3897 visitors so far from all over the State and beyond donning their mining hats, venturing underground to the 35 and 55 metre levels, taking in the local history and enjoying the unique experience. Tours have accommodated locals, families and holiday makers, school groups, community social groups and research and interest groups and the visitor book is full of glowing compliments about the tour and Tour Guide commentaries.
Totally Wild !!!
That was the unanimous opinion of local school students who visited the mine recently.
Information on tour days, times and group bookings is available though the Visitor Information Centre at Moonta's Old Railway Station on phone 8825 1891, Fax 88251711 or email info@moontatourism.org.au .
Moonta Mines Path to World Hertiage Listing
by contributed - 05-Nov-2008
The first steps were taken this week to engage the local community in Moonta Mines quest for National and World Heritage Listing and while the timing couldn't have been worse with the iconic Melbourne Cup only hours away, a number of committed locals for-went the Cup preliminaries and popped in on their way to social functions to swell the numbers to around 70 people.
The St Piran flags of Cornwall on display and the local Cornish Association Branch banner provided an impressive welcome message for our Cornish Visitors and helped convey local support for the Town's Cornish heritage.
Those that were there in time to hear the opening keynote address by world authority on Cornish Studies, Professor Philip Payton, were far from disappointed. His passion for and knowledge of Australia's Little Cornwall, Moonta and Moonta Mines, and the personal contribution and world acclaimed imprint of our own Oswald Prior, was inspirational.
Barry Gamble of the Cornwall County Council and a key member of Cornwall's successful World Heritage campaign, followed and left us in no doubt as to his credentials and his preparedness to play a key advisory role in Moonta Mines bid for World Heritage Status and share Cornwall's blueprint for success.
Speakers from State and Federal Government Heritage organisations also contributed by explaining the process for National and World Heritage Listing and reminding us of the bureaucratic protocols, the lead times and competitive nature of the National listing and the decision making process. We were, however, heartened by the knowledge that both Listings would be persued concurrently but it became clear that Moonta Mines National Listing might prove the most difficult to achieve.
The challenge for all of us is to work together with the same fervour and passion as Cornwall and prove that our case for National and World Heritage Listing is both outstanding and compelling.
At the local community level we need to demonstrate that we strongly support Moonta Mines case for National and World Heritage Listing and can effectively link with the relevant Govt Heritage Authorities and partner together with The National Trust, Moonta Branch, Moonta & District Progress Association, Cornish Association of SA -YP Branch and others to increase public awareness of our cause, attract wide support for it and help promote our case at a national level.
The status we are aspiring to achieve.
Good Crowds attend Antiques Weekend
by Contributed - 03-Nov-2008
Moonta shrugged off the gloomy economic downturn to host another successful Antiques & Collectables Weekend with all venues recording a steady stream of visitors and dealers & organisers being well satisfied with crowd numbers and interest shown.
Congratulations to the Progress Association and the Antiques & Collectables Committee and, once again, profits will be distributed to local community and charity groups and used to support community projects.
Thanks to all the volunteers who gave their time to ensure the success of the event.
October 2008
Local Cornish Association Branch has its Banner
by Contributed - 28-Oct-2008
There was much jubilation this week at the local Cornish Association of SA Branch meeting when its new banner was unveiled and now the race is on to make a suitable hanging pole in time for its first official public appearance, hopefully at the Moonta Mines World Heritage Proposal meeting at the historic Moonta Mines Church on Sept 4th.
President Liz Coole ( left ) proudly displays the banner accompanied by local Bards of Cornwall; Jim Harbison and Lilian James.
Big Rigs converge on Moonta
by Contributed - 10-Oct-2008
The Big Rig convoy slowly made their way though Moonta Bay, Port Hughes and Moonta streets on their way to Moonta Oval and the Big Rig Show'n'Shine on Sunday of the October long weekend and those who gathered at the oval to inspect the rigs and be entertained by the popular Australian band Chunky Custard, were not disappointed.
Net proceeds for the day are to be donated to the Royal Flying Doctor Service - Copper Coast & Districts Support Group.
Congratulations and many thanks to event organisers Grant & Julie Davey of Copper Coast Haulage, their enthusiastic Committee and Gary Wahlstedt of Wahlstedt Quality Homes and other local Sponsors who helped ensure the success of the day.
