Old-timers dig up the past

OLD timers who worked at the Berwick Quarry have started telling stories about their experiences.
The Back to Berwick Quarry Committee is collecting names of people who worked at or were closely involved with the quarry as part of a back to celebration to be held next year as a celebration of 150 years since the quarry began operation.
The committee has arranged to gather as much anecdotal information as possible from older people connected with the quarry and the event probably marks the last chance to do this in an organized way.
So far the names of 80 people have been put forward and already meetings have been held with some.
Mr Clarrie Aurisch, 79, attended the Wednesday 7 May committee meeting at Wilson Botanic Park and told of his experience gathering stone from the quarry.
Committee president Neil Lucas thanked Mr Aurisch and said it was important to hear the stories and to gather historic memorabilia connected with the quarry that was developed into Wilson Botanic Park.
Mr Aurisch said he worked at the quarry for several years during the days when a railway siding came up to the property from the main line.
He proudly displayed a certificate awarded to workers for safety, and ancient petrified trees, he had saved from destruction during quarry operations.
People with information about the quarry or who would like to help with interviewing people are invited to contact Lex Nieboer on 9707 5818.